BRIDGE

Number One Hundred and Thirty-Seven

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.
May 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 JUST DUPLICATE 2015 FILMING
The fifth in the series of
these filmed events, in
BERNARD MAGEE
which Bernard Magee deals
with specific subjects of real at Denham Grove
interest to improving near Uxbridge, Bucks, UB9 5DG.
bridge players, is set for
next January, see adjacent
advert. The price includes 9-12 January 2015
6 lectures, 6 sessions of
supervised play and 3 £399 Friday – Monday
nights full board. For only £369 Friday – Sunday
£399 per person, you will
As I am still committed to share an experience that full board
the promotion of Just you will never forget and
Limited places for Thursday night available.
Duplicate Bridge Events, is something you should £45pp single, £65 double/twin.
The Clifton Park Hotel, be part of, at least once
Lytham St. Annes has been in a lifetime.
added to our list of venues
on page 41. The price
includes two night’s full
BACK COVER AD Topics
Bernard Magee will be
board and a traditional Take-Out Doubles
again travelling on lovely
Sunday roast. Take-out doubles are an important aspect of duplicate bridge.
m.v. Aegean Odyssey, flying
I will deal with basic take-out doubles and their responses and
to Istanbul on 30 July from then progress to talk about competing for every partscore.
POSTAGE SAVINGS whence the ship sails across
the Aegean, around Athens Landy / Defending Against 1NT
and into the Adriatic, Competing against a 1NT opening is very important: it allows
you to challenge for the partscore and also disrupts your
visiting Dubrovnik on its opponents’ conventions. I will talk about competing over 1NT
way to Venice. in general and then talk about the Landy Convention, which is
a relatively simple method of competing over 1NT.

CLUB INSURANCE Defence as Partner of the Leader

Following last month’s rise Members need to be sure Defence is the hardest aspect of the game, but the one that I
in postal charges, Clive love to teach the most: it is where most players can make great
their club is covered by progress.
Goff’s discounted stamp insurance for small losses
service is worth a try. Value of cash and their club Strong Opening Bids
supplied in two stamps, equipment as well as public Much focus is placed on weak opening bids in the modern game
combined to make up the liability. Just over £63 for a
which means many strong hands are hard to bid and you can
often end up in the wrong contract. Managing your strong bids
53p 2nd class rate, 2nd class twelve month period for a carefully can give you great joy, particularly when you have a
to you at 44p. 1st class 62p, club of up to 100 members. neat bidding sequence to a lovely slam.
still only 50p to you. There are over five hundred
Available in lots of 100. Suit Establishment
clubs in my scheme Five-card suits (and longer) are powerful things: I will try to get
( 0208 422 4906. enjoying peace of mind. across my passion for them by showing you how to develop your
There is a new contact at extra tricks through establishment.
TRAVEL TIP managing brokers, Moore Aggressive Bidding AT PAIRS
Stephens. Ring Tom Harvey
When you go on holiday, Forty years ago, duplicate pairs was in its infancy and you needed
( 0207 515 5270. 13 HCP to open the bidding and rarely competed for a partscore.
try to resolve any problems
It is the unexpected that Now the norm is to open with 11 HCP and compete for every
while you are with the hand. The reason for the change is largely because of the scoring
you need to have covered.
airline or hotel at the time. system. Since going off can score well, you should bid more.
It may sound obvious but
all too often the first we ALL INCLUSIVE
hear is when it is too late to All our future holidays at
do anything about it. the Royal Kenz Hotel,
6 seminar sessions with Bernard1
Tunisia, will be inclusive of 6 sessions of supervised play2
QPLUS HANDS full board and local drinks.
Contact Mr Bridge to book your place
See prices on page 29.
I am preparing a full list of or for further details: ( 01483 489961
these which I will publish All good wishes, 1
Filmed 2
Not with Bernard Magee
in the next issue. Mr Bridge

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 5

 Answers to 
CROATIA Bernard Magee’s 
7-21 May 2014 Bidding Quizzes 1-3
Bernard Magee on the Cover
and his supporting team
hand, it can also include a lot
From
HOTEL EDEN £1399
1. Dealer West. Love All.
♠ 9 8 6 4 3 ♠ A 7 5
of weak hands that have not
got the strength to bid at the

ROVINJ sharing
N
♥ 7 W E ♥ J 8 5 2-level. This means that your
♦ A K J 7 6 S ♦ Q 3 partner does not promise two
♣ A 2 ♣ K 6 5 4 3 spades, he could even have a
void.
You should consider re-
West North East South bidding 2♠ after a 1NT re-
? sponse only when you hold six
spades. Your best partscore is
1♠. With two five-card suits, likely to be 1NT, so you pass.
open the higher ranking suit.
Rovinj is situated on the western coast of Istria in Croatia, the largest You will notice that there is
peninsula on the Adriatic coastline, a one hour drive from Trieste, 2.5 no reference to the quality of 3. Dealer South. N/S Game.
hours from Zagreb. Boasting a rich, natural and cultural heritage with
beautiful landmarks such as the old town, the Golden Cape Park Forest, the suit and this is because of ♠ J 7 6 2 ♠ Q 10 9 8
N
protected islands and coastal area, Rovinj has many loyal visitors from all the age-old guideline: ‘length ♥ A K 3 W E ♥ 7 6
parts of the globe and has developed into a popular tourist destination. is strength’. You want to bid ♦ A Q 8 6 S ♦ K 4 2
The climate is warm and semi-dry, with more than four months a year spades first so that you can ♣ K 2 ♣ A 7 6 4
without wind. Such a mild microclimate is characteristic only to Mali find your eight-card spade fit.
Lošinj and the Brijuni archipelago. There are 134 sunny days in a year,
which makes Rovinj the third sunniest spot in the Adriatic. At the same You can have the auction:
time, it is the least cloudy place. 1♠-2♣-2♦-3♠-4♠. West North East South
Hotel Eden is wedged right between a peninsula covered by a one If, instead, you open 1♦, 1♥
hundred year old park forest and a quiet cove. The old city centre of then after 2♣ you will have to 1NT Pass 2♣* Pass
Rovinj is just a 20 minute walk away. rebid 2♦ and the spade fit will ? *Stayman
Rooms: All rooms are equipped with a direct phone line, LCD SAT be missed.
TV, mini-bar, safe, bathtub or shower, toilet, hair dryer, balcony, air 2♠. The key to this hand is to
conditioning/heating. Suites are available, details on application.
identify what your partner’s
Singles: There is a sole occupancy supplement of £10 per room per 2. Dealer West. Love All. 2♣ bid means. In standard
night. If you are a single bridge player, please do not worry about being
on your own. We will always be able to find you a partner and you can
♠ A K 8 6 5 ♠ 2 Acol, your system includes
N
always have a game. As well as there being other singles in the same ♥ J 5 2 W E ♥ 10 9 8 4 Stayman in response to a
situation as yourself, there is the Mr Bridge team who will be happy to ♦ A K 3 S ♦ Q 8 7 5 natural no-trump bid which is
partner you if required.
♣ 3 2 ♣ K Q 9 8 the first natural bid from your
Entertainment and excursions: In the hotel, an evening side.
programme of entertainment with live music and dance shows is available
Here, you made a 1NT
for those not wanting to play bridge. During the day and planned around
the bridge programme there will be excursions to Venice, Pula, Postjona West North East South overcall, showing a strong
Caves and Opatija to name just a few. 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass no-trump type of hand and
Beaches & Pools: The playful curves of the pool offer refreshment ? you should play your normal
in the summer with a salty breeze coming from the natural stone and system of responses: Stayman
pebble beach only a few steps away. The vast outdoor pool will cool you
Pass. Your partner has (and transfers if that is your
down after a day of lounging in the freely available deck chairs. There is
an indoor pool for invigorating laps or afternoon refreshments. Swirl the shown 6-9 HCP. With 15 HCP system).
aches away with massaging water currents in one of the hotel’s whirlpools. of your own, you know that Identifying your partner’s
Terms and conditions apply. there is no chance for game, bid to be Stayman means
Packaged with and bookings by Tunisia First ATOL 5933. which means it remains only you should respond by show-
to choose the right partscore. ing your four-card major: 2♠.
Details of the bridge programme ( 01483 489961 Although 1NT sounds as Your partner would then raise
if it should show a balanced you to game. ■

Page 6 BRIDGE May 2014

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BRIDGE May 2014 Page 7

 ✄
BRIDGE EVENTS
BRIDGE  with Bernard Magee
BREAKS OCTOBER
3-5 Chatsworth Hotel
♦ Full-board ♦ Two seminars* £245 Game Tries
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Page 8 BRIDGE May 2014

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

on the Cover Better Hand Evaluation is aimed

at helping readers to add greater
accuracy to their bidding. It deals
with auctions in which you and your
partner, against silent opponents,
be sure who is sacrificing and who is
can describe your hands fully to
4. Dealer East. Love All. expecting to make game, so bidding 5♠
each other and, by evaluating them
♠ 8 7 3 ♠ A K Q J 9 4 2 would be crazy.
accurately, find the best final contract.
♥ 7 6 5 4 N ♥ A K Instead, you wait for your partner to
W E The emphasis of all good, accurate
♦ K 4 3 S ♦ 7 decide and he will probably double. He bidding is on hand evaluation.
♣ 7 6 5 ♣ A 4 3 hopes to have three tricks in his hand
and perhaps one from you. 5♥ doubled, There are two general types of
two off scores 500 and a top. Even if the auction: a) a fit is found and b) no fit
West North East South opponents have a spade void, one down is found.
2♣ 2♦ for +200 is better than going off in 5♠.
When you do not have a fit, you are
? Remember to trust your partner. He
aiming to describe the strength of
will make the right decision based on your hand as soon as possible, most
Pass. Your partner opens with your your accurate description of your hand. often using no-trump bids. This book
strongest bid: 2♣, showing 23+ points begins by discussing balanced hand
or a hand that can make game by itself. bidding in Acol, as it is very important
You are planning to make your negative that both members of a partnership
response of 2♦, when South interrupts by 6. Dealer North. Love All. have an accurate knowledge of how to
overcalling 2♦. ♠ 4 2 ♠ A K 7 6 5 3 show hands of different strengths.
N
The answer to this question is straight- ♥ K Q 7 6 ♥ 4 2
W E When a fit is found, there is much
forward: when you have a weak hand, ♦ K Q 4 S ♦ 9 8
re-evaluation of the hand to be done;
all you need to do is make sure the bid- ♣ Q 8 7 6 ♣ 4 3 2
point count, though still important,
ding is kept open for your partner to bid
needs to be evaluated together with
again. Since, after the 2♦ overcall, your
distribution. The best way of reaching
partner will get another bid, you can sim- West North East South an accurate assess­ ment is to use
ply pass. Pass shows the equivalent of a 1♥ 1♠ Pass the Losing Trick Count; this is an
negative response. Any other bid shows ? important method of hand evaluation
a hand with potential. and takes up a number of chapters.
1NT. When you are responding to an
overcall, you must consider that your Finally, we move on to different forms
partner can be quite weak: it is not the of evaluation including game tries and
5. Dealer West. N/S Game. same as responding to an opening bid. splinter bids. You can never know
enough methods of hand evaluation;
♠ A K 8 7 6 5 4 ♠ Q J 3 First change is that you do not have to bid
the more you learn, the better you get
♥ 3 N ♥ 6 5 with 6+ points, you will often pass with
W E at judging your hand.
♦ 7 6 2 S ♦ A 9 5 3 6-8 points, even without many spades.
♣ 5 4 ♣ A K 9 7 With 9+ you can bid without a fit, just Although the Losing Trick Count is
to keep the options open. Your 1NT re- used more easily in tandem with your
sponse shows about 9-12 points, with a partner, a large proportion of the
West North East South semi-balanced shape and two or fewer ideas in this book can be used by an
3♠ 4♥ 4♠ 5♥ spades. individual. For example, evaluating
? The reason that the 1NT response is your hand to be worth an extra point
relatively strong is so that you do not take is going to help anyone you partner –
Pass. We all know the rule for pre- the bidding too high when your partner as long as you get it right.
empting, yet we are still tempted to is weak. Here, your partner will rebid
disobey it. The pre-emptor should never 2♠ over your 1NT response and you will
£14 including UK postage
bid again unless he is asked. Only East pass. Your partner shows a weak overcall See Mail Order Form on page 7.
knows what to do over 5♥. You cannot and you settle for playing in his suit. ■

BRIDGE May 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: [email protected]
 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

particular strength, you should generally l Displays on HD

7. Dealer West. Game All. choose one of your partner’s suits, giv- and large screens
♠ 4 2 ♠ A 3 ing preference to his first suit. You should
♥ A K 3 N ♥ 7 6 5 consider rebidding your own suit only
W E l Minibridge option
♦ K 8 7 S ♦ A Q J 5 4 when you feel it would play comfortably
♣ A Q 8 7 3 ♣ 5 4 2 opposite a singleton (a strong 6-card
l 5,000 preplayed hands
holding). Your spade suit is clearly not
for teams
strong enough to rebid, so you bid 2♥.
West North East South This does not show heart support, it sim-
l 4,000 preplayed hands
1♣ 1♠ 2♦ 2♠ ply prefers hearts to clubs. Remember
? that partner’s first suit will often be longer for match-point pairs
than his second, so with the same length
3♠. You have 16 HCP and your you must go back to the first bid suit. l Save match function
partner should have 10+ for his two-
level response. Just because North has l Closed room – button
overcalled, East’s bids should not change to view other table
their meaning; a 2-level bid should still 9. Dealer North. E/W Game.

£92
promise 10+, he can use a 1NT response ♠ J 8 5 4 ♠ 2
N
or negative double if he is not so strong. ♥ 9 8 3 ♥ A K Q 4
W E
So you know that game is on, but ♦ 8 7 S ♦ A 10 4 3
which game? You have a minor suit fit, ♣ J 4 3 2 ♣ A K 8 5
but would love to play in no-trumps if including UK post and packing
your partner has a spade stop. You can
ask him whether he has by bidding the West North East South
opponents’ suit. A bid of 3♠ shows great
strength and generally when you are bid-

Pass
1♠ Dbl 2♠
Pass Dbl Pass
QPLUS
ding minors, it asks for a stop in the suit.
If East does not have a stop, he reverts to
?
TRADE-IN
diamonds. Here, he is able to bid 3NT. 3♣. Your partner made a take-out
double on the first round, but you did
OFFER
not have to respond because South bid
in between. Then your partner doubles Return any QPLUS CD
8. Dealer East. Love All. again: showing a stronger hand and and booklet with a
♠ A 8 7 6 5 ♠ 2 pleading with you to show your best suit. cheque for £50 and
♥ 4 2 N ♥ Q J 10 5 3 Do not disappoint him.
W E receive wonderful
♦ K 8 7 6
S
♦ A 4 2 You must not pass 2♠ doubled: you
♣ J 4 ♣ A K 6 3 pass a take-out double only as a posi- QPLUS 11.
tive decision; if you expect to defeat 2♠.
Here, with so little strength and poor Order with confidence.
West North East South spades, you should have no such de-
1♥ Pass signs on defending. Instead, you simply
1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass bid your best suit: 3♣.
System: 8mb RAM, CD-ROM,
? You have shown no strength and your
Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8
partner should simply pass: you will
2♥. As responder, when you are weak make 10 tricks in clubs, whilst the oppo- See Mail Order Form on page 7.
and your partner has not shown any nents can probably make 2♠. ■

BRIDGE May 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
would need to jump to the 3-level. cue-bidding. You do not have a control in
10. Dealer East. N/S Game. Here, your partner would pass your 2♦ diamonds (you might lose the first two or
♠ A 8 7 6 5 ♠ K 2 bid and you would finish in a comfortable three tricks), so your aim is to see if your
N
♥ 3 2
W E
♥ A K 7 6 contract. 1NT would probably scrape partner can show a control (ace, king,
♦ J 9 7 4 S ♦ Q 10 8 5 home, but you might outscore that by singleton or void) in the suit. You start by
♣ J 2 ♣ A 7 5 making 2♦+1. showing your club control by bidding 4♣
and you are hoping your partner will bid
4♦ – showing a diamond control, after
West North East South which you can use Blackwood.
1♥ Pass 11. Dealer West. N/S Game. However, this time your partner is not
1♠ Pass 1NT Pass ♠ A K Q 6 5 ♠ J 10 4 2 able to show a diamond control: he
N
? ♥ 2
W E
♥ A K 6 responds 4♥, showing a control in hearts
♦ 9 8 7 S ♦ 4 2 instead. At this point, you know slam is
2♦. Your partner has rebid 1NT, which ♣ A K 8 3 ♣ Q J 10 5 not on – there are two diamond losers –
shows a stronger balanced hand than so you sign off in 4♠.
the 12-14 with which he would open 1NT.
In modern Acol, the 1NT rebid is used to West North East South
show 15-17. With only 6 HCP, there is no 1♠ Pass 3♠ Pass
chance for game, so it is just a question ? 12. Dealer West. Love All.
of finding the best partscore contract. ♠ A 2 ♠ 7 6
N
Generally, when you are weak and 4♣. You have a strong opening hand, ♥ A 4 3 W E
♥ 987
have a distributional hand, it pays to try with a singleton too, so slam might well ♦ A K 9 8 3 S ♦ 5 4
to play in a suit contract. By rebidding be within range. 16 HCP + 1 for length ♣ Q 5 3 ♣ J 10 9 8 4 2
2♦, you give your partner the choice of + 2 for the singleton (19 total points) or 5
two suits and, hopefully, you will find losers for those who use the Losing Trick
your best partscore that way. You are Count. Use an ace-asking bid only if you West North East South
not showing any extra strength: two level have control of all the suits: if you do not 1♦ 1♠ Pass 2♠
rebids are weak; to force to game, you have control of a suit, then you need to try ?

Double. With 17 HCP, you would like

to make a bid, but you need to be careful
because your partner might have no

Elstead Hotel strength at all. You have three choices of

positive call: 3♦, 2NT or double. 3♦ would
suggest a six-card suit and puts all your
Bournemouth BH1 3QP eggs in one basket. 2NT would suggest a
stronger hand or a stronger spade stop:
10-12 October £199 remember that your partner can be very
Just Duplicate Jo Walch weak. A double is for take-out and would
suggest shortage in spades and support
31 Oct – 2 Nov £199
for all the other suits.
Just Duplicate Val Passmore
Double gives the best description
14-16 November £199 of your hand and, most importantly,
Just Duplicate Mary Stebbing it includes your partner in the final
decision. Whenever you have two players
21-23 November £199 deciding a contract, you are in a much
Doubles Bernard Magee better situation and are very likely to
choose the right denomination.
Full Board – No Single Supplement Here, your partner will clearly bid 3♣
and you find your best spot. You might go
Booking Form on page 8. off in 3♣, but that is better than allowing
2♠ to make. ■

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 13

 Robin Hood’s Bridge Adventures by David Bird

Simon
de Gautoy’s
Trap
T
he Sheriff of Nottingham The session started and on the The Sheriff had rarely heard such
stroked his moustache. ‘Tell first round the Sheriff faced a local nonsense. He’d get a surprise, all right,
me, Gisburne,’ he said, ‘Have landowner and his wife. if he passed out 3♠ and missed a cold
you the slightest inkling of an idea game.
why this quarter’s tax coffers are so far Garside won the heart lead with
below target?’ Dealer South. Love All. dummy’s ace and drew trumps with the
‘Er, well, my Lord,’ stammered ♠ K J 10 8 4 king and ace. He continued with the
Gisburne, ‘Could it perhaps be that ♥ A 3 ♥K and a heart ruff, returning to his
your tax collectors have been unduly ♦ K 7 5 hand with a trump. When he played a
lenient?’ ♣ 9 6 3 low diamond from his hand, Gisburne
‘I doubt it,’ replied the Sheriff. ‘Not ♠ 7 3 ♠ 2 played the ♦8 and dummy’s king won
since the extremely protracted and ♥ Q J 10 2 N
♥ 9 8 6 5 the trick. Gisburne won a second
W E
painful demise of the last collector ♦ A Q 8 S ♦ J 10 9 4 3 round of diamonds with the ♦Q and
who exhibited that fault.’ ♣ A Q 7 2 ♣ J 10 8 then played the ♦A, surprised to see
The Sheriff walked up to Gisburne, ♠ A Q 9 6 5 declarer discard a club on this trick.
staring him in the eyes. ‘It is caused by ♥ K 7 4 Since a fourth round of hearts would
a failing of an entirely different sort,’ ♦ 6 2 give a ruff-and-discard, Gisburne then
he continued, ‘The total incompetence ♣ K 5 4 had to play a club. Declarer scored the
of my captain of the guard in ♣K and the game was made.
capturing Robin Hood. His brigands ‘You blundering oaf!’ cried the
have deprived my treasury of a fortune West North East South Sheriff.
over the past year.’ Guy of Hulda The Audric ‘There was nothing I could do, my
‘It’s not for want of trying, my Lord. Gisburne Garside Sheriff Garside Lord,’ Gisburne protested. ‘He played
Only last week I…’ 1♠ it well.’
‘You will have him under lock Dbl 3♠ Pass 4♠ ‘You thought that leaving yourself
and key by the end of the year or I All Pass with the ace-queen of diamonds was a
will replace you with someone who good idea?’ persisted the Sheriff.
can!’ thundered the Sheriff. ‘In the Gisburne led the ♥Q and down went ‘But if I rise with the ♦A, my Lord,
mean time, perhaps you can display the dummy. what then?’
somewhat more than your usual The Sheriff gasped at the strong ‘By the Saints, you continue with
competence at the bridge table. I was hand that appeared. ‘Only 3♠, she the ♦Q, what else?’ thundered the
not greatly amused last week, when we says?’ he enquired. ‘Do you play that Sheriff. ‘How can you be end-played
finished second to a couple of scruffs as forcing?’ after that?’
from the castle kitchens. I doubt they ‘My wife likes to have a bit to spare Hulda Garside smiled sweetly.
can even write their own names.’ for her bidding,’ Audric Garside ‘That’s why I bid only 3♠,’ she said. ‘I
‘It wasn’t entirely my fault, if you replied. thought 4♠ would be too high if they
recall, my Lord. Had you not ducked ‘That I do,’ declared his wife, whose defended properly.’
the first trick on that…’ flowing garment failed to conceal her A few rounds later, the Sheriff faced
‘Be silent!’ cried the Sheriff. ‘You capacious size. ‘Then my Audric gets the pair who had dared to outscore
made more mistakes than I would in a pleasant surprise when the dummy them the previous week. He ended at
a month’s play.’ goes down.’ the helm of this small slam contract:

Page 14 BRIDGE May 2014

 Robin Hood continued way mark when a 16-year-old youth The younger brother led the ♣10
and his 14-year-old brother arrived against 6NT and Gisburne won in his
at the Sheriff ’s table. The sons of a hand. There were ten top tricks on
member of court famous for her good view. If he could add two extra tricks
looks, they were competent players for from the diamond suit, that would be
Dealer South. N/S Game. their age. twelve. His Lordship would find no
♠ Q J 7 6 A smile came to the Sheriff ’s lips. fault with him on this deal. Gisburne
♥ A 8 6 5 4 2
♦ 2
♣ J 6
♠ 10 9 5 ♠ 8 2
N
♥ 10 9 W E ♥ Q J 7 3
♦ K J 10 6 3 S ♦ Q 4
♣ K 10 8 ♣ 9 7 4 3 2
♠ A K 4 3
♥ K
♦ A 9 8 7 5
♣ A Q 5

West North East South
Will Guy of Alf The
Snyde Gisburne Nokes Sheriff
1♦
Pass 1♥ Pass 2♠
Pass 4♠ Pass 6♠
All Pass
‘Should you boys not be in bed at this continued with the ♦6 to dummy’s
Looking distinctly nervous, Will Snyde hour?’ he queried. ‘It’s past 8 of the jack, West playing the ♦3. East allowed
led the ♥10. The Sheriff won in hand clock.’ the jack to win, following with a decep-
and drew one round of trumps with the ‘Very witty, my Lord,’ replied Simon tive ♦7. Gisburne paused to digest this
ace. The best plan was surely to set up de Gautoy, who was close to six-foot development. If the ♦7 was a singleton,
dummy’s hearts. Against a 4-2 break, tall. ‘Mama has allowed us to stay up, he could lead through West’s remain-
this would require two heart ruffs in just this once.’ ing ♦K-10-4, restricting him to one
his hand. How could he achieve the ‘You must give my regards to her,’ trick. The slam would be made but no
necessary entries to dummy? continued the Sheriff. overtrick would be possible. What if
After a few moments, he spotted The players drew these cards: East had begun with ♦10-7 doubleton?
the solution, leading the ♣Q from his Then an overtrick would be possible.
hand. Snyde won with the ♣K and He could return to his hand and lead
returned a trump. ‘Jack,’ ordered the Dealer South. Game All. the ♦Q. Whether or not West covered
Sheriff. ♠ K J 7 with the ♦K, the ♦10 would be pinned.
The Sheriff ruffed a heart in his hand ♥ 8 6 5 Gisburne led a club to his ace and,
and re-entered dummy with the ♣J. ♦ A J 5 2 with a look of expectant triumph,
He then ruffed another heart with the ♣ K Q 6 placed the ♦Q on the table. The colour
♠K. After the ♦A and a diamond ruff, ♠ 10 8 6 5 ♠ 9 2 drained from his face as West spent a
N
he drew the last trump and claimed ♥ 10 7 4 2 W E ♥ Q J 9 3 moment considering his discard, even-
the contract. ‘Twelve tricks and I never ♦ 3 S ♦ K 10 7 4 tually producing a club. There was no
needed to score my ♣A!’ he exclaimed. ♣ 10 9 8 2 ♣ 7 4 3 way now to avoid two diamond losers
Gisburne looked in turn at the two ♠ A Q 4 3 and the slam was one down.
serfs. ‘You do not see fit to commend ♥ A K ‘You imbecilic berk!’ cried the Sher-
my Lord’s play?’ he demanded. ‘Speak ♦ Q 9 8 6 iff. ‘Play a low diamond to the queen
up or I will have your tongues cut out.’ ♣ A J 5 on the second round and 12 tricks are
‘Er… yes, his Lordship played it so guaranteed.’
well, I was stunned into silence,’ Alf ‘My Lord, not in front of these young
Nokes declared. ‘Rarely have I seen a West North East South boys,’ pleaded Gisburne.
better played hand.’ Bertrand The Simon de Guy of ‘You allow yourself to be fooled by a
‘Brilliant, I call it,’ added Will Snyde. de Gautoy Sheriff Gautoy Gisburne defender only recently out of the cra-
‘Best play for ages.’ 2NT dle?’ persisted the Sheriff. ‘No wonder
The session was reaching the half- Pass 6NT All Pass Robin Hood runs rings around you.’ ■

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 15

 Julian Pottage answers your Frequently Asked Questions

How Should You Bid

a Freak Hand?

T
he official definition of a freak With Hand A, you do not really care With this stronger hand, you are too
hand varies. Some say any hand whether partner has spade support. good to adopt the same tactic. You
with a void or two singletons. Even facing a void, you have just one open 1♣ correctly. Should you now
Others say a hand with at least eight spade loser. With Hand B, by contrast, reverse into 2♦; after all, the hand
cards in one suit or eleven cards in two you might easily lose three trump comes out as only four losers on the
suits. Three-suited hands with a void tricks if partner is void. You would be losing trick count?
rarely present a problem. If partner much more inclined to open 4♠ with You should beware of using the
bids your short suit, you proceed cau- Hand A than with Hand B. With both LTC when you have not found a fit.
tiously. If the opponents bid your short Hands, you would expect the trumps You need to remember that you have
suit or if partner bids one of your long to play for no loss facing A-x. only 12 HCP and that you have a
suits, you will bid more vigorously. With a two-suited hand, it is usually void in partner’s suit. Moreover, as
important to show both your suits. the opponents have remained silent,
If you play in the wrong suit, which partner probably has a few spades as
♠ A J 9 3 is clearly a risk if you show only one well. It is highly unlikely that you will
♥ K Q 6 5 N suit, you may find yourself forced and miss game if you make a simple 2♣
W E
♦ Void S
running out of trumps. rebid. By contrast, if you rebid 2♦ and
♣ Q 8 7 4 2 partner’s hand does not fit yours, you
could easily go overboard.
♠ 7 On that hand, there were two
West North East South ♥ Q N warning signals of a misfit: a bid from
W E
1♦ ♦ K J 8 4 3 S
partner in your short suit and a lack
Dbl ♣ K J 9 5 3 2 of opposing bidding. A third possible
warning signal is if the opponents bid
West North East South no-trumps.
1♥/1♠ Pass Should you open 1♣ or 1♦ with this
4♦ hand?
The answer really is neither. If you ♠ Void
With this hand, you make a take-out pass, you might well get the chance ♥ A Q 10 7 4 3 N
W E
double of an enemy 1♦ opening, or a to make an unusual 2NT (or 3NT) ♦ A 7 4 S
splinter raise if partner opens one of overcall (if an opponent opens in a ♣ K J 8 2
a major. Conversely, if an opponent major) and show both your suits at
opened one of your long suits, you once. Of course, if partner is the one
would probably pass; if partner opened to open 1♥ or 1♠, you will know of the West North East South
1♦, you would make a simple change- probable misfit and take the auction 1NT Pass 3NT
of-suit response. slowly. ?
When you have a long suit, much
depends upon suit quality. When the Partner probably holds six spades (you
quality is poor, fit becomes important. ♠ 7 2 would expect the opponents to find
♥ Void N an eight-card spade fit if they have
W E
♦ A Q 8 4 3 S
one) and is likely to be short in hearts.
Hand A Hand B ♣ K Q J 8 5 2 Bidding 4♥ would be foolhardy. A
♠ K Q J 10 8 4 3 2 ♠ K 9 7 6 5 4 3 2 much better action is to double. As the
♥ 8 ♥ 8 meaning of such a double is, ‘please
♦ 7 3 2 ♦ Q 9 2 West North East South try to find my suit,’ this should deflect
♣ 6 ♣ J 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass partner from a spade lead to a heart
? lead. ■

Page 16 BRIDGE May 2014

 David Stevenson answers your questions on Laws and Ethics

Can I Make 15
Tricks After
a Revoke?

Q Q
My partner, I would appreci- when opponents make a and ♥J would remain
Nick, and I ate your expert mistake you always gain. and lose to ♥Q with
were in 6NT, advice on the It is correct that when an no further penalty.
making 13 tricks, following at our club: insufficient bid is condoned I can’t find a section
owing to a successful then it has become legal in the yellow book or
finesse. There was an North South and the bidding continues. the blue book to cover
established revoke by 2♥1 4♣2 For all West knows, two this but could be look-
the opposition, which 4♠3 5♣2 kings might not have been ing in the wrong place.
gave us 2 tricks, making 5♠4 5♥5 enough for slam, but he has Was the ruling correct?
15 in all. Does this 1
Strong with hearts allowed them to play at the John Hamilton by email.
qualify for the Guinness 2
Gerber five level. He might just as

A
Book of Records? 3
2 aces well point out the insufficient It is true that the
Ann Roberts by email. 4
2 kings bid and let the penalties for Law book does not
5
Insufficient an insufficient bid apply. If cover this situation

A
Unfortunately not: he does not gain that is just directly, but since the ♥J
only tricks made West thought about life, but he might gain. was played prematurely, it
by the opposition the insufficient bid, certainly becomes a pen-
are transferred. Since they made no comment ♣♦♥♠ alty card, so the ruling looks
made no tricks, no tricks and passed, thereby correct in every detail.

Q
are transferred to you. condoning the 5♥ call. I would appreci-
West stated that ate your words ♣♦♥♠
♣♦♥♠ he was in a lose-lose of wisdom on the

Q
situation. If he asked following which hap- We have been

Q
When I, declarer, for the bid to be made pened at a pairs event leaving the bid-
played from my good, South could have recently. East was play- ding cards on
hand instead of changed his bid to 6♥ ing in a heart contract. the table until the first
dummy, the defenders ie a cold contract. During the play, South lead, but a new member
pointed out my error and North, recognising that led the ♠4. North and recently told us that this
asked me to play from 5♥ was an insufficient West (dummy) were is illegal and quoted
the correct hand. They bid pointed out that, out of spades and East BRIDGE as his source.
also insisted I play the since West had passed, was not. Dummy held Apparently it stated
same suit. Is that legal, he could still make a bid several trumps includ- that the cards must be
or can I play another suit and could correct to 6♥. ing the ♥Q. Before East put away immediately.
from the correct hand? Claude Stokes by email. called for a card from Shirley Etheridge by email.
Roger Francis, Burbage. dummy, North tabled the

A A
West has no idea ♥J, immediately pointed The new member is

A
No, the rule that whether 6♥ is mak- out as being out of turn. completely wrong.
you had to lead ing or not, so is The ruling agreed upon The bidding cards
the same suit from not in a lose-lose situation was: ♥J was a major are left out until the opening
your hand was abolished at all. Furthermore, there penalty card, East could lead is faced: this has not
about thirty years ago. is no rule in bridge that ask for ♥Q from dummy changed.

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 17

 A
Ask David continued Are you sure that
South produced
the alert card, not
North? It seems unlikely.

Q
The following If South really alerted her
hand occurred own bid when North was
recently. clearly unsure, then I think
that first the director needs
to explain the procedure to
Dealer North. N/S Vul. South and second the result
♠ A 5 4 must be changed since
♥ A K 3 the 4♥ bid clearly takes
♦ A Q advantage of the alert. I
♣ K Q 9 8 3 would change the score
♠ K J 10 7 6 3 ♠ Q 8 2 to 3♠ doubled 75% of the
N
♥ 5 W E ♥ Q J 7 6 time, 3NT 25% of the time.
S
♦ 10 9 8 7 2 ♦ 6 4 If, on the other hand, you
♣ 7 ♣ 10 6 5 4 meant that North eventually
♠ 9 alerted and said he was not
♥ 10 9 8 4 2 sure then there seems no
♦ K J 5 3 reason to adjust. South has

Real Leather Gifts

♣ A J 2 unauthorised information
from the uncertainty, but pass
The perfect gift for your bridge-playing friends. Beautiful of 4♥ seems obvious enough.
leather zipped cases in burgundy red or deep blue containing West North East South Perhaps their opponents were
two packs of cards and a set of our bridge design ballpoint 2NT Pass 3♦1 misinformed – if an opponent
pens. £39.00 3♠ 4♥2 is not sure, it is best to call
1
Not alerted, but meant as the director immediately –
A set of four scorepad holders - two burgundy and two blue transfer 2
Hesitation but I cannot see how East-
made from top quality leather. (Scorepads not included) West’s actions would be any
Offered at this special price of £39.00 North pondered for 10 different. So if North alerted,
to 15 seconds before the ruling seems correct.
his 4♥ bid. South at this
point produced her alert ♣♦♥♠
card. The director was

Q
called. He asked for a South held three
review of the auction, trumps: A-6-5. He
then asked North if their followed with the
system included transfers. five and six on the first
North replied he was two rounds of trumps, but
unsure and the director discarded on the third
ruled that the bidding round. Declarer (West)
continue. North bid 4♥, lost two tricks in normal
which made 11 tricks. play, including one to
The board was played the outstanding ace of
13 times, once in 3♠x, trumps, but North scored
by West losing 500, 3 him as making twelve
times in 4♥ making 650, tricks. Is that right?
6 times in 6 hearts for Tom Power,
minus 100, once in 5♥x Ardglass, County Down.
doubled for 850, twice
Exclusive to S R Designs.

A
Despatched by first class post or DPD Courier service for in 3NT by North for 690. Since the revoking
The director was recalled player did not win the
just £4.99 per order.
and ruled that the score revoke trick, but did
PHONE 01483 750611 should stand. Is the win a trick subsequently, the
or order online at ruling correct? If not what other side will get one extra
should it have been? trick as a penalty. Adjusting
www.bridge-tables.co.uk J Macleod, from eleven tricks to twelve is
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. thus correct.

Page 18 BRIDGE May 2014

 Ask David continued problems and arguments wrong and the result stands. all what the bidding was
by failing to call him. If East decided to psyche, before that double. It does
In this case, I cannot and bid 1NT deliberately not matter whether a normal
answer what North with an unbalanced hand, double would be take-out,

Q
Yesterday, we should say in the actual perhaps with a weak hand penalty or something else.
had this bidding circumstances. You should and a long suit, then So, ignore the bidding
sequence: never have reached this there is nothing wrong sequence, a take-out double
position. All four players are and the result stands. of a natural suit bid is not
West North East South at fault, since there is a duty If East got confused and alertable, any other double is
1NT 2♠ 2♦* on every player to call the did not know how to show alertable. Some people say
Pass 3NT All Pass director as soon as someone 17 points and decided to that means an alert says it is
*When the insufficient bid was points out the insufficient bid. bid 1NT because she did a penalty double: not so: any
pointed out, South changed his The correct ruling is that, not know what else to do, other double is alertable, for
bid to 3♦. since 2♦ was artificial, North then there is nothing wrong example an optional double.
must pass for the rest of and the result stands. What happens if it is not
Before leading, East the auction. If asked then In other words, there is a natural suit bid? Then,
asked North what he what 3♦ means the best nothing actually wrong in without an alert, a double
understood by answer is probably, ‘Since bidding 1NT with a void. is for penalties, whether it
South’s bid. What he knows I am forced to What could be wrong is if she is a double of an artificial
should North say? pass, presumably he is is playing a convention and suit bid, or any no-trump
1. The 2♦ was guessing that playing in did not let you know. If she bid. Above 3NT, doubles
a transfer. 3♦ is best for our side.’ bid 1NT because she and her are not usually alertable.
2. In our system, 3♦ is partner had agreed it would
intermediate/strong with ♣♦♥♠ be a strong take-out bid, ♣♦♥♠
long diamonds but not showing heart shortage and

Q Q
a weakness take-out. East overcalled he forgot, then the failure to 1. My partner,
3. I think he didn’t see North’s opening alert it is misinformation and faced with an
the 2♠ bid, transferred bid of 1♥ with you could get an adjusted alertable bid
and then bid 3♦ when 1NT, which became the score if you are damaged. from me, removes the
told it was insufficient. final contract. At the alert card very shyly
Antony de Fraine by email. end of the hand, the ♣♦♥♠ from the box, flashes
director was called as it as surreptitiously as

A Q
I never really East was void in hearts. If you open a possible for about half
understand why How should he rule? weak two, say in a second and replaces
players give rulings P J Evans, Wolverhampton. hearts, the next it equally quickly. This
at their table. The whole idea player bids diamonds translates as, ‘I know I

A
of duplicate bridge is that it is It depends exactly and your partner need to alert that bid but
controlled by a director, who what has occurred. If doubles for penalties, I really hope you won’t
is someone who is meant East mis-sorted her is that alertable? notice I have alerted it
to be helpful and who sorts hand and thought she had Martin Epstein by email. because I may not re-
out problems. Nevertheless, two red suits, so bid 1NT by member what it means

A
players create no end of accident, then there is nothing Yes and it has been if you ask for an expla-
alertable for many, nation.’ Is this legal?
many years. It 2. Also, if a player is
was decided several years slow to alert, perhaps
DUPLICATE BRIDGE  ago to make the alerting
of doubles simpler.
through some off-
table distraction

RULES SIMPLIFIED Assume your opponents

bid a suit below the four
or lack of attention
and, meanwhile, the
level and it is a natural intervening player
(otherwise known as the Yellow Book) bid, then if your partner has made a bid, what
doubles, you alert if it is not happens when the alert
only a normal take-out double. is then belatedly made?
by John Rumbelow and
revised by David Stevenson £595 What could be simpler?
Players look at all sorts of
Can the opponent simply
change his bid without
bidding sequences and seem penalty in the light
to think it might be different of the alert and any
Available from Mr Bridge ( 01483 489961 in a specific sequence. It is subsequent explanation?
not: it does not matter at Name & address supplied.

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 19

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 Ask David continued was found later in had seen North’s ♥3 East seat. I was told
the card container. and, in her opinion, he that I must sit West and
The only explanation should not be allowed to North had to sit East.
is that someone had had change it, so called the At my usual club, I have

A
1. Whatever the only 12 cards and hadn’t director. As the ♥3 could been told that when N/S
reason for your noticed. North, being be seen only by East, the have to change to E/W
partner using the a rather competitive director said the trump they can elect which of
alert card in this way, it is type, insisted on was allowed and the the two positions they
illegal and you might get scoring 60 + 30 despite ♥3 was to be a penalty like, providing that they
adjusted against. If an our protestations. card. East was adamant maintain this position
opponent does not see it Apart from counting she was disadvantaged throughout the session,
because it is not shown better and being more and found it difficult similarly E/W can
properly, then he has not alert, what should to accept the director’s elect which of the N/S
been alerted and that is have happened? ruling. Was this correct? positions they prefer.
misinformation. It is better Dr C Godden by email. Norman Scott, Can you please tell
to alert boldly and, if Crook, Co Durham. me which of these

A
asked, tell the opponents You do not say views is correct?

A
that you are not sure. whether this was No. It is quite Norman Taylor by email.
2. Yes, calls may be rubber bridge or irrelevant whether

A
changed because of duplicate bridge. If it was declarer could see Both are correct.
corrected misinformation rubber, then once play is it: the question is whether It is up to the
[and that includes late alerts] finished, the deal stands South could see it. Not club whether they
so long as partner has and the card is deemed to whether South did see it: if it make such a rule or not.
not called subsequently. have belonged throughout was exposed to South but he
to the twelve card hand. was looking the other way, ♣♦♥♠
♣♦♥♠ So, if he has failed to follow then it cannot be changed.

Q
suit when he could have, But if, as seems likely from With three cards

Q
Please can you that counts as a revoke your description, it was in a left, I (West) led
advise when a with the normal revoke position where South could a trump to clear
card is played? penalty. In effect, the card not see it even if he was one from table and one
Is it when declarer is added to trick thirteen. looking, then it has not been from declarer’s hand.
has stopped touching If it was duplicate, played and may be changed. Dummy played the
it or when withdrawn then despite what North But it does not become a ace; partner discarded
from the hand says, it is dealt with by penalty card: it just goes and so did declarer.
although not shown? calling the director. In back into North’s hand. Declarer then took the
Cathy Graves, fact, in other respects, East might have been less last two tricks, the last
Tadworth, Surrey. the ruling is the same. upset if the director had one with a trump in her
Note that it would be read the relevant Law as to hand – hence a revoke.

A
Neither, actually: for different if it had been when a card must be played The director said that
declarer it is when discovered, say, three tricks from the Law book, and because the player who
the card is placed on earlier: the deal still stands then the director might have revoked had not won the
the table, or held stationary at duplicate, but is thrown realised there is no reason trick, the penalty would
above the table, or held in a in and re-dealt at rubber. for it to be a penalty card. be only one trick. Is this
way that is obviously played. Note that since East told right, given that declarer
♣♦♥♠ the table what card North plays both hands?
♣♦♥♠ intended originally, South Lona Finch,

Q
East was playing has a perfect right to take Waterlooville, Hants.

Q
We had an in 4♦. During the note of that information.

A
extraordinary play, she led a The revoke laws
misdeal recently small spade from her ♣♦♥♠ treat declarer and
when, on the first hand hand, covered by South dummy separately,

Q
of the evening, in a and the winning ♠K from Playing at a so it is a one trick revoke if
contract of 2♥, North dummy. At this point, different club dummy wins the trick and de-
claimed the last 3 tricks North (with no spades) from my own, clarer revokes. Of course, if
making an overtrick. was holding the ♥3 on the first round I was this actually cost the defend-
A moment later, North ready to play it, but then sitting South. At the ers two tricks, the director will
asked who had held the changed it for a trump, end of the first round, give them two tricks to restore
♣A. Everyone denied thus taking the trick. we had to change to equity; if there is no such
it and indeed the ace Declarer said she E/W and I sat in the problem, one trick it is.

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 21

 Ask David continued no danger of missing game.

The Olde Barn Hotel Examples are opening bids

of 4♥ or 5♣, overcalls of 4♥
Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT over 1♣ or 1♠, and responses

Q
Can you of 4♥ over 1♣ or 1♠.
adjudicate In the modern style, single
in a heated jumps are often played as
discussion we are pre-empts, examples being
having? I maintain the weak twos, weak jump over-
term pre-empt refers calls and weak jump shifts.
only to the first call of an
auction. Any bid after the ♣♦♥♠
opposition have opened

Q
the bidding is an overcall My partner,
not a pre-empt and if playing in a
it by-passes a level or club contract at
levels, then it is a jump rubber bridge, ruffed a
9-11 May Gwen Beattie £179 overcall. A pre-empt is spade and then promptly
Overcalls an opening bid at the led a spade. I told my
three level, by-passing partner that he had
16-18 May Just Duplicate Bridge £169 two levels. If you plan to revoked. My LHO said
pre-empt 3♥, but then that there would be
6-8 June Bernard Magee £245 you have 1♠ bid in front a two-trick penalty. I
Bidding Distributional Hands of you, then surely you said there should be no
do not have to by-pass penalty as my partner
13-15 June Just Duplicate Bridge £169 two levels and bid 4♥ could correct straight
to show a pre-emptive away. However, my
20-22 June Bernard Magee £245 hand. Am I going crazy? LHO insisted on her
Finding Slams Alan Mansell by email. two pounds of flesh.
Warren Bagust, London W4.

A
27-29 June Just Duplicate Bridge £169 I do not know about

A
crazy, but you are As dummy, the only
11-13 July Just Duplicate Bridge £169 certainly wrong. irregularity you
A pre-emptive bid, often may point out is an
1-3 August Just Duplicate Bridge £169 shortened to pre-empt, is unestablished revoke, so
a bid which is designed to you were wrong to point this
29-31 August Diana Holland £169 take up opponents’ space one out. While you can warn
Rubber / Chicago without showing a strong partner against revoking,
hand and is based on good once partner has played to
12-14 September Just Duplicate Bridge £169 distribution. Examples are a the next trick and thereby es-
3♥ opening, a 3♥ overcall tablished the revoke, it is too
26-28 September Gwen Beattie £179 over a 1♣ opening by late for you to say anything.
Declarer Play RHO and a 3♥ response The opponents were due their
to partner’s 1♣ opening, two-trick penalty (one if de-
10-12 October Bernard Magee £245 though not many people play clarer won no tricks after the
Endplay & Avoidance
the last any more. These all revoke), whether you pointed
show weak hands with long it out or not. ‘Two pounds of
17-19 October Just Duplicate Bridge £169
suits. Usually, pre-empts flesh’ is a rather unfair way of
are double or triple jumps. putting it: your partner failed
31 Oct – 2 Nov Just Duplicate Bridge £169
Jumps to game level may to follow the most basic rule
also be pre-empts, though of bridge and you should
14-16 November Will Parsons £179
tend to be made on either expect to be penalised.
Doubles
very weak or somewhat This reply would have been
stronger hands since there is the same at duplicate. ■
28-30 November Just Duplicate Bridge £169

Full Board - No Single Supplement

E-mail your questions on bridge laws to:
Booking Form on page 8. [email protected]

Page 22 BRIDGE May 2014

 The Diaries of Wendy Wensum
Episode 25: The Jogger

I
t was a lovely summer evening. was still in the shorts. Millie was not on which Millie discarded her last
The River Wensum was winding impressed. ‘If men’s knees were meant diamond and George a heart, then I
its way slowly through the city to to be seen in public, they wouldn’t be switched to the ♠Q. George played the
join the Yare on its eastward journey so hairy,’ she commented loudly and king and Millie won with the ace and
to the North Sea. Millie and I sat out- with some venom. Wisely, George did took her two winning hearts. Then
side the bar on the veranda sipping not react. I had a sense of foreboding; she led the ♠6 to my jack. I returned
our pre-bridge drinks. We were dis- the evening was not starting well. the ♠2, allowing Millie to make two
cussing and finalising our switch to The opening board was uneventful more spades, thus ensuring that our
reverse attitude signals on the opening but the second one had a greater im- side took nine tricks for plus 400 as
lead, whereby a low card indicates en- pact. I was West and passed as dealer. George’s contract drifted four off.
couragement. ‘It’s not often you walk ‘Could I have done better?’ George
past a jogger,’ said Millie right out of asked his partner naively. With two top
the blue. ‘What do you mean?’ I en- Dealer West. N/S Vul. tricks in both hearts and clubs together
quired, puzzled by the sudden change Sarah with the ♦A, the answer appeared to
in the conversation. ‘Exactly what I ♠ K 7 5 3 be overwhelmingly yes and dummy
said,’ continued Millie. ‘I was walking ♥ K 9 4 answered in the affirmative. Millie
here to the Riverside and overtook an ♦ 5 4 and I left the table to refill our glasses,
only-just-moving jogger and there he ♣ 10 9 8 5 avoiding the heated exchange between
is now.’ I looked round to see George, Wendy Millie our opponents that followed. Soon
still in his running shorts, heading ♠ Q J 2 N ♠ A 9 8 6 Sarah joined us at the bar. ‘George
slowly for the bar to quench his thirst. ♥ J 7 W E ♥ Q 10 8 2 should do better than that, shouldn’t
S
‘I hope he is not going to play bridge in ♦ K J 3 2 ♦ 10 9 7 he?’ she asked. Millie confirmed this
that outfit,’ I mused aloud. ‘If he hasn’t ♣ Q J 6 3 ♣ 7 4 analysis with a nod and a smile. On
got trousers with him, I hope he will,’ George our return to the table, a glum George
Millie responded with some logic but ♠ 10 4 sitting alone asked Millie imploringly,
also with some disdain. George ap- ♥ A 6 5 3 ‘I couldn’t have done better, could
peared on the veranda with his usual ♦ A Q 8 6 I?’ ‘No, no,’ Millie reassured him
pint of bitter and lemonade. ‘I thought ♣ A K 2 mischievously. As the director called
we had an understanding, George,’ the move, Sarah returned to the table
Millie announced rather belligerently. and their debate continued. As we
‘You don’t wear shorts near me and I The auction was straightforward: progressed to the next table, I refrained
won’t push you into the river.’ George from tackling Millie on the subject of
slipped quietly back into the building West North East South her meddling behaviour, but instead
as Millie remarked dismissively, ‘He’s Sarah George congratulated her on her first use of
the only jogger I know who runs slow- Pass Pass Pass 1♦ our reverse attitude signal, namely
er than he walks.’ Pass 1♠ Pass 2NT the ♥2. ‘What are you on about?’ she
As we entered the bridge room, All Pass inquired looking puzzled, ‘the two was
the director beckoned us to a half discouraging. I wanted an immediate
table. ‘You’re limping,’ noted Millie A club or perhaps a spade was probably switch to a spade.’ With Millie in this
sympathetically. ‘I’ve just dropped the usual lead, but as hearts had not mood, I decided, reluctantly, not to
the box of bidding boxes on my toes. been bid, I led the jack from J 7 hoping make any further comment.
They have turned red,’ he lamented. ‘I to find Millie with five cards in the suit. At the end of the session, we found
thought the boxes were red already,’ George won with the king and Millie ourselves back on the veranda over-
remarked Millie without any visible encouraged with the two using our looking the river, Millie with her tra-
hint of humour. ‘I meant my toes,’ new reverse attitude signal. Declarer ditional brandy and me with a coffee.
said the TD with some emotion tried the diamond finesse by playing The light was fading fast, but the cathe-
but maintaining his dignity. ‘You towards the queen and I won with the dral spire was highlighted in the even-
shouldn’t tease him,’ I chastised her. king. As instructed, I returned my ing glow. ‘Isn’t that a wonderful view?’
She just smiled and shrugged her last heart, won in hand with the ace. said Millie suddenly, ‘I like Norwich. I
shoulders. ‘Oh, he’s such a hunk. I can’t Presumably hoping clubs were three- like living here. I hope Justin will too.’
help it,’ Millie replied. I reminded her three, South then played ace, king and At that moment, I felt reassured and
that she was engaged to be married, another club on which Millie threw strangely moved. ‘Another brandy?’ I
but she just smiled and shrugged a diamond. After winning the third suggested ‘Yes, a double please,’ was
her shoulders. At the table, George club with the jack, I played the queen, the comforting reply. ■

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 23

 Clifton READERS’ I live more than one mile
from the nearest road and
have yet to be allowed to

Park
drive again. I am reluctant

LETTERS
to prevail upon friends and
associates to transport me
Hotel to any of the three bridge
clubs to which I still belong.
St Annes on Sea Obviously, it will also be
FY8 1HN sometime before I can
FLIGHTS TEMPUS FUGIT resume my regular dance
Can I make a plea through ...or a figment of our classes, jazz club and table
your good self to the imagination influenced tennis. Time now goes slower.
administration of Voyages by our changing However, that does afford
to Antiquity? I have booked perception of time. me time and opportunity to
to go on a cruise in July I was most interested catch up on my much ne-
and asked to go from to note (issue 131) your glected reading and making
Manchester. Yes – I am going comment on time flying far more use of QPlus. As
from Manchester but it is by as we age (graciously, if to be further punished,
to connect to a flight from of course), since I also I now have problems with
Heathrow and vice versa. experience this apparent rush that. Every time I switch the
Now I know there are towards the celestial bridge program on, I am directed
direct flights from our club. My theory goes like this: to enter a ‘password’. Also,
JUST regional airports to our As children, nothing seems when playing teams, I am un-

BRIDGE destinations and getting

to and around that airport
to happen quickly enough:
time to go home from school;
able to compare scores and
the hands which I do play, the
EVENTS is easy for me. It is getting Friday; weekends; birthdays; scores display jumps about.
increasingly difficult to Christmas; summer holidays; This really does add to
27-29 June negotiate these large London Saturday night out with my frustration and time now
Kay Adamson airports and, regrettably the boys and so forth – seems to go backwards –
£199 unless regional flights to the that is until recently. pity I can’t go back in time.
destinations can be offered, A few days before my It would be appreciated if
11-13 July I will no longer be able to 83rd birthday, I contrived you were able to offer some
cruise. It is also true that to break my neck whilst help or advice regarding
TBC
Voyages of Discovery used sliding down a flume at my QPlus version 8.8.
£199 to offer coach transport a local holiday resort. My Mr G Moody,
from the north to the port, spine is now pinned together Hitcham, Suffolk.
8-10 August
but it now seems you have and I am, most fortunately, Our team are able to help
Kay Adamson to get to London Victoria making slow progress you re-set any version of
£199 for this transport. A lot of to recovery. However, to QPlus. Don’t give up.
your customers live north complicate matters further, Call us on ( 01483 489961
of Watford – why must we during my rehabilitation, I when you are seated in
be so inconvenienced? managed to slip down the front of your laptop or
Mrs Pat Davies stairs necessitating surgery PC and have the program
Sandbach, Cheshire. to a badly damaged knee. running.

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.
Full Board
Values supplied in 100s, higher values available
No Single as well as 1st and 2nd class (eg 2nd class: 100x37p+100x16p)
Supplement
(/Fax 020 8422 4906
Booking Form on page 8. e-mail: [email protected]

Page 24 BRIDGE May 2014

READERS’ LETTERS local authorities insisted clubs, but these seem to
continued on a spelling change. have been discontinued. RUBBER /
Mr Paul de Weerd Our phone number
Douglas, Isle of Man. is ( 01952 613428 CHICAGO
NEW VISION
With a long history of TAKING A CHANCE
and our email:
[email protected]
2014
macular problems, I have While Richard Wheen’s article Helena & Colin
found special bi-focal on Unlicensed Gambling, Gill by email.
spectacles a great help for Readers’ Letters, BRIDGE
bridge. The local low-vision 135, was true, it was certainly ODDS AND ENDS
clinic has proved happy to not the ‘whole truth’. Section Thank you for sending the
provide a prescription with 6 of the Gambling Act videos. They are very good.
the near focus designed for 2005 states that, ‘gaming It was sad to hear about
reading a hand-held deck, means playing a game of the death of a passenger
(about ten inches away in chance for a prize,’ a prize on mv. Marco Polo in very
my case) and the far focus meaning money or money’s rough seas. This reminds
aimed at the distance of the worth. So bridge clubs are me of the two cruises that
The Olde Barn
displayed dummy hand. usually excluded. In addition, we took on the ship. Marston,
There is no problem in however, a gambling licence The first, in 1996 on the
Lincs NG32 2HT
obtaining the spectacles from is not needed for ‘non- Tasman Sea crossing from
a regular optician. I would commercial gaming’ (Section New Zealand to Tasmania,
expect them to be able to pro- 297), which excludes most we had 50 foot waves. A
vide the prescription as well. bridge clubs, nor is one grand piano overturned
I have found the improved needed for ‘private gaming’ and the ship suffered much
legibility an amazing help. (Schedule 15), which covers damage. We all received a
Mr John Douce, playing with friends in certificate testifying to the
Balsall Common, Coventry. private houses. height of the waves. ‘No more
Peter N Edwards, cruising,’ my wife declared.
A GOOD START Edinburgh. The second was in 2001,
Just to say how much I when we sailed from
enjoyed my first holiday with TOO SOFT Barcelona to Manaus and
29-31 August
Mr Bridge. The organisation I have not awarded an excel- joined the group run by Hosted by
was impressive and your lent at your Blunsdon House, Tony and Jan Richards at
Diana Holland
team were amusing, caring Just Duplicate event because 4.30pm on each day at sea.
and competent. Please let my mattress was too soft. The ship provided bridge
them know how much I Name & address supplied. for all the passengers on
appreciated their efforts on board from 1.30pm and
the guests’ behalf. Thanks ODD PLUG this was run by an American
for a great holiday and I We moved to the Telford director. This was four weeks
think my bridge might even area four years ago and of bliss, as I partnered Tony
have improved slightly. find that bridge players to play with the large group
Ronnie Sheasby, are quite thin on the ground of predominantly American
Heytesbury, Wiltshire. here – we have found a players each day, followed
couple of clubs, but they by partnering my wife at
MORE BLUE BRIDGE play in the evening and 4.30pm. Tony is such a good
£169 Full Board
The names for Blue Bridge finish too late for us ‘oldies’. player, it was a joy to partner No Single
were compiled by my former Could we ask you if him. We did pretty well, but Supplement
colleague at Milton Keynes you would put in a the other thing we discovered
Development Corporation paragraph asking if there was that we must have met
(and former bridge partner) is anyone in our area as schoolboys playing bridge
Bill Taylor. Bill is now retired who would be interested against each other for our
and plays a lot of the in joining up for an respective schools in Surrey.
summer bridge congresses. afternoon game please? What a great game bridge
As I recall, Gardiner Court We think you used to is and what a small world too.
was to be named after have advertisements for Bill Howe by email. ■
Nico Gardener, but there
was a rule about not
Write to Mr Bridge at: Ryden Grange, Knaphill,
naming streets after Surrey, GU21 2TH or e-mail [email protected] Booking Form on page 8.
living people, so the

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 25

 We Are Survivors Beginners’ Bridge Corner
(For those born Before 1940 . . .)

Mary’s Fifth Lesson

We were born before television,
before penicillin, polio shots,
frozen foods, Xerox, contact
lenses, videos and the pill. We
were before radar, credit cards,
split atoms, laser beams and
ballpoint pens, before dish-
by Liz Dale

T
washers, tumble driers, electric
blankets, air conditioners, drip-dry elephone numbers had opener (responder). Alasdair points for game, ie 13+
clothes . . . and before man walked been exchanged by the again reminded the learners HCP and he has five cards
on the moon. group last week and that it is the responder who in the major bid. Responder
We got married first and then now Mary started to receive makes the decision on the is asking whether they have
lived together (how quaint can home invitations to practice. final contract. ‘Once an an eight-card fit in the major.
you be?). We thought ‘fast food’ Mary had surprised herself by opening bid of 1NT has been Responder is inviting opener
was what you ate in Lent, a ‘Big
Mac’ was an oversized raincoat accepting two invites during made, responder makes to bid 4♥/4♠ if opener has
and ‘crumpet’ we had for tea. We the week and, although it was all the decisions.’ This was 3+ cards in the bid suit, but
existed before house husbands, difficult to play without the emphasised again and again. if not, they have not got an
computer dating and sheltered mentor on hand, the practice The learners were left in no eight card fit in the major
accommodation was where you really did help. Not as much doubt – partner is in charge. and opener should just bid
waited for a bus.
bridge was played as you ‘If the responder has a 3NT, as partner has promised
We were before day care centres,
would have thought because balanced hand with no enough HCP for game.’
group homes and disposable
nappies. We never heard of FM everyone kept looking at 4-card major and 11 HCP, Yes, again everyone agreed
radio, tape decks, artificial hearts, their notes. The notes were he should bid 2NT inviting on the logic but said they
word processors, or young men invaluable but they did opener to bid 3NT (game) couldn’t guarantee they would
wearing earrings. For us ‘time take up so much time. if he has 14 HCP. The logic remember it. Alasdair said,
sharing’ meant togetherness, a
Revision of last week’s being that 14 plus 11 equals ‘Not to worry, if at least you
‘chip’ was a piece of wood or fried
potato, ‘hard­ware’ meant nuts lesson on 1NT openings, 25 HCP which should make could understand the logic
and bolts and ‘software’ wasn’t weak take-outs, Stayman 3NT. However, opener should you were well on your way
a word. and Stayman responses were pass the 2NT bid, if he has to success.’ Much laughter.
Before 1940 ‘Made in Japan’ repeated and repeated over 12-13 HCP, the logic being Finally, Alasdair moved on
meant junk, the term ‘making and over again, not forgetting that the partnership has a to the last group of responses
out’ referred to how you did in
the announcements. The combined total HCP just for responder. ‘If responder
your exams, ‘stud’ was something
that fastened a collar to a shirt mentors at each table worked below the 25 required for replies by bidding ‘stop’
and ‘going all the way’ meant tirelessly to ensure patterns game, so it is likely that if 4♥/4♠, responder is stating
staying on a double-decker bus to were learned and understood. opener bids on to 3NT, the that he has enough points
the terminus. In our day, cigarette Satisfied, Alasdair (teacher) contract will go one down.’ for game, ie 13+ HCP and
smoking was ‘fashionable’, ‘grass’
said that the learners were Yes, everyone agreed on 6 cards in the major bid.
was mown, ‘coke’ was kept in the
coalhouse, a ‘joint’ was a piece of ready to move on to the next the logic of this rule. ‘If the Responder knows that opener
meat you ate on Sundays and ‘pot’ two groups of responses to responder holds 13+ HCP has at least two cards in
was something you cooked in. the 1NT opener, those of and a balanced hand with no the suit. Opener will pass,
‘Rock Music’ was a fond mother’s 2NT and 3NT responses, 4-card major, he should bid confident that the partnership
lullaby, ‘Eldorado’ was an ice-
together with 3♥/3♠ and 3NT immediately. If responder has at least an eight-card
cream, a ‘gay person’ was the life
and soul of the party, while ‘aids’ 4♥/4♠ responses, identified bids ‘stop’ 3♥ or ‘stop’ 3♠, he fit and enough points for
just meant beauty treatment or by the partner of the 1NT is stating that he has enough game.’ ■
help for someone in trouble.
We who were born before 1940
must be a hardy bunch when After a 1NT opening, partner (responder) bids:
you think of the way in which
the world has changed and the
2NT = 11-12 HCP, no 4-card major.
adjustments we have had to make.
No wonder there is a generation Opener passes with 12-13 HCP, bids 3NT with 14 HCP.
gap today . . . BUT
3NT = 13+ HCP, no 4-card major. Opener passes.
By the grace of God . . .
we have survived! 3♥/3♠ = 13+ HCP, 5 hearts/spades.
Opener bids 3NT with 2-card support, 4♥/♠ with 3+-card support.
Printed in the UK on a
100% cotton tea-towel
4♥/4♠ = 13+ HCP, 6 hearts/spades. Opener passes.
£7 from Art Screen Prints
( 01287 654481

Page 26 BRIDGE May 2014

 Misleading Cases Number Five

diary of a director
This month’s report takes the form of the diary of a newly qualified Tournament
Director, during an evening of bridge at the Erehwon Duplicate Bridge Club

7.15pm: called to Table 5. Am in- needing all the remaining six tricks finesse, so he led ♥9 to West’s ♥K and
formed that South (declarer) has, af- for his doubled no-trump contract: dummy’s ♥A, cashed ♣5 discarding
ter making the first seven ♥8, then led another spade
tricks in his 1NT contract, for a second finesse. This
conceded the rest. As the time West won the trick
other players were scoring with ♠Q and led ♥J for his
and discussing the deal, partner to overtake with
East announced that he ♥Q and take the rest of
did not accept this conces- the tricks. South then real-
sion. I thought this was ised that West had revoked
just East being kind to earlier and called me over.
South (effectively suggest- I produce the Rule Book
ing that South might, if and read out Law 64.A.2.
the hand were played out, As West did not win a trick
have made another trick or with his ♣4, the penalty is
two) but that was, appar- simply the transfer of one
ently, not the point at all. trick from East/West to
It turned out that South North/South. Bad luck,
(whom I did not know) South, but the result would
was a serial revoker and no doubt have been exactly
East wanted the play to the same if West had played
continue in case South re- a low spade on the first
voked and had to concede round of the suit, so he has
a trick (or two) to the de- nothing to complain about.
fenders, thereby defeating PS. As mentioned above,
the contract after all. West played ♥K when South led ♥9,
As the players have by now looked ♠ 8 3 2 so that when West won the later trick
at and discussed each others’ cards, it ♥ A 10 with ♠Q, he could lead ♥J for his part-
is too late to play the hand out. I leaf ♦ Void ner to overtake with ♥Q and win the
through the Laws of Duplicate Bridge ♣ 5 remaining tricks. On reflection, I am
(Laws 68 et seq) and can find nothing ♠ Q 6 5 ♠ 9 7 so impressed by West’s play that I de-
which deals with this situation. I ask ♥ K J N ♥ Q 4 3 2 cide to cancel the earlier transfer of
W E
how often South revokes. I am told that ♦ Void S ♦ Void one trick from East/West to North/
it is roughly every second hand (not ♣ 4 ♣ Void South (awarded for the revoke).
disputed by South). So I award North/ ♠ A K J 10
South an average minus on the hand ♥ 9 8 ♣♦♥♠
and East/West an average plus, which ♦ Void
seems fair. Memo to EBU: please con- ♣ Void 8.25pm: called urgently to table 17,
sider amending the Laws of Bridge to where voices are raised and clearly all is
cover this sort of thing explicitly. not well. Just as I get there, South (who
Declarer led ♠2 from dummy and seems to be defending) flings his cards
♣♦♥♠ took the finesse. On this trick, West at declarer and stands up, fuming. I
played ♣4 (it was tucked away among remember that, under Law 81.C.1, my
7.50pm: called to table 11, where there his spades), which drew no comment duties as director include maintain-
has been a revoke. The position was from anybody. From declarer’s point ing discipline, so (having come fully
that North (dummy) was on lead in of view, the discard was good news as prepared – my day job is teaching in
the following situation, with declarer he could take another ‘marked’ spade a boys’ public school), I whack the

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 27

 Misleading Cases continued ment Director, so (having
2014 FESTIVE SEASON recently passed that exam)
I know exactly what to do.
At least I did when I took
Denham Grove table with my cane, then
the exam, but I have now
forgotten. So we throw away
Near Uxbridge, UB9 5DU threaten all four players the cards in use and play a
with it in turn. This brings hand of rubber bridge.
on a frosty silence. Play re-
sumes after South picks up ♣♦♥♠
his cards off the floor and
sits down. 9.45pm: called to table
3. North (an elderly gen-
♣♦♥♠ tleman) has fallen asleep
while defending West’s 6♠
Christmas 23-27 December 8.45pm: called to table 6. contract (West being a very
Just Duplicate Bridge £495 The contract is 5♠. South slow player). North is snor-
(declarer) wins the third ing and nobody at the table
Jo Walch trick in hand but calls for can wake him up. I look
the lead of ♣8 from dummy. through the index to the
Twixmas 27-29 December Dummy (very deaf) plays Laws of Bridge, but there is
Doubles £245 ♥A. East plays two cards at no entry for ‘sleep’, ‘asleep’,
Bernard Magee the same time: ♠K and ♦K, ‘dozing’, ‘snoring’ or the
both equally visible. West like. As director, I am en-
New Year 29 Dec – 2 Jan asks East, ‘No more hearts, titled (indeed required) to
partner?’ whereupon East do whatever is necessary
Hand Evaluation £445 says, ‘Whoops, yes I have,’ to treat all concerned fair-
Bernard Magee and pulls out ♣2, putting ly, so we move the chairs
his other two cards back in (other than North’s) and
his hand. West now plays table about two yards to
The Olde Barn ♦3 (out of turn, despite
holding clubs and hearts)
the South (being careful
not to disturb the cards,
Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT
and South (who holds cards bidding boxes etc). Having
in each suit) then plays found another chair and
♠Q, claiming the trick. gently prised the cards out
Meanwhile, dummy points of North’s hands, I take his
out that his hand is miss- place at the table and com-
ing a card and, after some plete the play of the hand
searching he finds it on the (luckily, I am a non-play-
floor, badly damaged as his ing director this evening).
chair-leg was standing on it. As it happens, West makes
Christmas 23-27 December (Dummy had got up from his contract by means of
Just Duplicate Bridge £495 his chair earlier in the hand a non-simultaneous dou-
to collect his gin and tonic, ble progressive show-up
Shelia Rogers and must have swept a card squeeze and East’s roar of
off the table with his jacket.) admiration for his partner’s
Twixmas 27-29 December Luckily, curtain cards are achievement wakes North
Further into the Auction £215 in use. When I look at them, up. No need for any other
Patrick Dunham I discover that North holds action on my part, thank
the cards East should have. goodness, except to make
New Year 29 Dec – 1 Jan And East has the cards North a cup of black coffee.
(more or less) that South
Declarer Play £345 should have and so on. ♣♦♥♠
John Ronan This is a typical question
in the final examination for All in an evening’s work.
Back to Back bookings save £50 per booking. qualification as a Tourna- Richard Wheen ■
Booking Form on page 8.
See www.mrbridge.co.uk/ukbreaks for details and itineraries.
Many/most of this director’s rulings are suspect.

Page 28 BRIDGE May 2014

 ALL
INCLUSIVE
Mr Bridge
DEFENCE
AT THE ROYAL KENZ
QUIZ
TUNISIA 2014/2015
by Julian Pottage
(Answers on page 42)

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

to play. Both sides are using Acol with a 12-14 1NT.

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

West North East South West North East South

1♦ 1♠ 2♥ 1♥
Pass 4♥ All Pass Pass 2♦ 2♠ 2NT
Pass 4♥ All Pass
Partner leads the ♠8; dum-
my plays low. What is your Partner leads the ♠8 and
Two-week All-Inclusive
plan? dummy plays low. What do Duplicate Bridge Holidays
you do?

2-16 November 2014 £899*

2. ♠ K 3 4. ♠ 4 3
Golf available
♥ J 9 7 3 2 ♥ Q 8 Tony and Jan Richards
♦ K 10 3 ♦ A K Q
♣ A Q 4 ♣ Q J 10 9 7 5

N
♠ A J 10 6
N
♠ A J 9 7 6 1-15 March 2015 £935*


W E
S
♥ 4
♦ Q J 7


W E
S
♥ K 4
♦ J 10 8 7
Golf available
♣ J 9 7 3 2 ♣ 4 2 Bernard Magee and his team
*The prices shown are per person on an all inclusive basis, sharing a twin-
West North East South West North East South bedded standard room and is inclusive of bridge fees. Standard rooms all
come with private bath, toilet and balcony. Single rooms are double rooms
1NT 1♣ 1♠ Dbl1 for sole occupancy at a supplement of £6 per night. You can add a pool view
Pass 2♦1 Pass 2♥ 2♠ 3♣ Pass 3NT supplement for £3 per person per night or a superior garden view room with
bath robe, tea/coffee making facility for £5 per person per night. These
Pass 3NT Pass 4♥ All Pass prices are based on air travel from Heathrow to Tunis. Flights from other
All Pass 1
Take-out, usually with four airports are available at a supplement. For details of what is included as part
of the all inclusive package please call for an information pack or view the
1
Transfer hearts website. Prices for seven-night stays are available on application.
These holidays have been organised for Mr Bridge by Tunisia First Limited, ATOL 5933.
Partner leads the ♠7 Partner leads the ♠2. What
(second and fourth); is your plan?
dummy plays low. What is DETAILS & BOOKINGS
your plan?
( 01483 489961
www.mrbridge.co.uk/abroad

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 29

 Bridge and Travel Tips

DECLARER PLAY
QUIZ SMALL
by David Huggett IS BEAUTIFUL
(Answers on page 39)

Bridge tip from Sally Brock:

Y ou are South as declarer playing teams or rubber bridge.
In each case, what is your play strategy? When entries may be a problem,
focus on your small cards as
well as your high ones.
1. ♠ 7 5 3. ♠ A 7 6 4
♥ Q 6 2 ♥ A Q

S
♦ 6 5 4 2 ♦ A Q 6 ometimes your side’s Imagine that you have
♣ A J 10 3 ♣ J 10 8 4 longest suit is solid reached the dizzy heights
but you need to use of seven spades and West
N N
W E
it to get from one hand to leads the three of spades.
W E
S S the other. Often, this is the How do you plan the play?
trump suit, but it can be a You are going to need
♠ A K 4 3 ♠ K Q J 8 2 long suit, say a 5-4 fit, in a 4-3 heart break and a
♥ K J 10 5 ♥ J 7 3 a no-trump contract. Your 2-1 spade break, but even
♦ A Q ♦ K 2 low cards can be as impor- so you need to handle the
♣ Q 9 2 ♣ Q 9 3 tant as your high ones. trump suit properly. That
♠2 in your hand is precious.
Play a high trump from
You are declarer in 3NT You are declarer in 4♠ and ♠ Q 10 4 dummy at trick 1 (don’t play
and West leads the ♦J. West leads the ♥2. How ♥ A K 8 6 5 2 the two from your hand)
East plays the ♦7. How do you plan the play? ♦ 8 7 and ruff a heart high. Cross
do you plan the play? ♣ 9 6 back to dummy with a me-
dium trump, retaining that
N
W E
precious two. Ruff another
S heart high. Now, you can
cross to dummy by playing
2. ♠ 8 6 5 4. ♠ K 7 4 ♠ A K J 9 6 5 2 your two to dummy’s four.
♥ 2 ♥ K 8 2 ♥ Void Run your hearts, discarding
♦ A Q 5 4 3 ♦ 8 5 ♦ A 6 5 your four minor-suit los-
♣ A 9 8 5 ♣ A Q J 7 5 ♣ A 4 2 ers and claim your grand
slam. ■
N N
W E W E
S S

♠ A Q J 10 ♠ A 6 Travel tip from Emma Thomson:

W
♥ A 7 ♥ A Q 7 4 hen you’re visiting a new city or country,
♦ J 2 ♦ 9 7 3 it’s tempting to stick to the well-trod
♣ K Q J 7 4 ♣ K 10 4 2 tourist routes and tick off the ‘top ten
sights’ recommended by the guidebooks. However,
when you can, try visiting the smaller sites – the
You are declarer in 6♣ You are declarer in 4♥ and quirky nook-and-cranny museums, the off-the-
and West leads the ♥Q. West leads the ♠Q. How beaten-track eateries and owner-run B&Bs. They’ll
How do you plan the play do you plan the play? present a truer piece of the destination’s identity
(trumps split 2-2)? and support small businesses.

Page 30 BRIDGE May 2014

 Julian Pottage answers your bridge questions

What Defence do you

Recommend Against a
Weak No-Trump ?

Q Q
You say that Playing SAYC this and that both of your
you do not play (1NT opening ♠ J 8 5 3 four-card suits are poor, I
Asptro. What 15-17) when ♥ Q 9 3 suspect the winning action
do you recommend the bidding goes: ♦ J 8 4 2 in the long run is to pass.
instead as a defence 1♠-Pass-2♠-Pass-2NT, ♣ K 2
to a weak no-trump? the 2NT has been bid ♣♦♥♠
Esme Bailey by email. at the lowest possible

Q
level. What would the I passed and some- With a 6-card

A
Bernard and I point range be and one said that I should suit, A-K-Q-10-x-
both recommend what would it show? have bid Stayman. I x, opposite a
playing Landy. Caroline Villa, Pontarddulais, did not think I had small singleton, do the
2♣ is an artificial bid near Swansea. the right shape. odds favour a finesse or
showing both majors. Name and address supplied. playing to drop the jack?

A
Usually, partner gives You ask a good Bill Thomson by email.

A
preference between the question. I am not The idea of using

A
majors or, with equal sure that there is Stayman on this type The right play
length, bids 2♦ to ask the a standard answer. Since of hand (weak with depends upon
overcaller to choose. the 1♠ opening promised tolerance for three suits) is to your objective.
Many people playing a 5-card suit, 2NT cannot pass whatever partner bids If you are playing for
Landy play 2♦, 2♥ and mean that opener has only next in the hope of improving six tricks, finessing gains
2♠ as natural, which four spades. I would take it the contract. Some people against J-x-x-x onside; it
has the advantage of as 17-18 (maybe a poor 19) call this ‘Drop Dead Stay- loses to J-x or J-x-x offside.
simplicity and is what we and the sort of hand where man’. The classic shapes (I am ignoring the layouts
recommend in club play. you want to be in 3NT if re- are 4-4-4-1 or 4-4-5-0 where your play makes
If you would like something sponder has no ruffing value: (short clubs in each case). no difference.) Unless you
more sophisticated, you Using Stayman on this have reason to place the
can play Multi Landy. If you particular hand might hand against which you
watch on BBO Vugraph, ♠ K 9 4 3 2 improve the contract if might finesse with length
you will find many pairs ♥ Q J 5 partner has four spades or in the suit, playing for the
playing Multi Landy. ♦ A Q 5 four diamonds. It seems drop offers the slightly
2♣ is the majors, same ♣ A Q unlikely that a 4-3 heart fit better percentage chance.
as with simple Landy. 2♦ will play better than 1NT. If you are aiming to make
shows one major (like a One problem is that you will 5 tricks, finessing is best,
Multi 2♦ opening, albeit a ♣♦♥♠ not necessarily find a 4-4 gaining against J-x-x-x-x
bit stronger) while 2♥ and fit even when you have one. onside and losing only to

Q
2♠ show the major bid After a 1NT Partner will rebid 2♥ rather a singleton jack offside.
plus a minor (like a Lucas opening than 2♦ with 4-4 in the reds ‘Suitplay’ is a great piece
2♥/2♠ opening, again from part- and 2♥ rather than 2♠ with of software for analysing suit
a fraction stronger). ner, my hand was: 4-4 in the majors. Given combinations.

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 31

 A
Ask Julian continued Whether you play from partner and I then If you play a double
2♠ as asking for bid 3NT (which went off). as take-out, competitive,
help in spades for As it happens partner whatever you want to call
no-trump purposes or as a held four hearts. If I bid it, you should double. If

Q
Could I ask you sound club raise, it fits the Stayman, she would have you play double as for
whether an bill. If you bid 2♦, it may be bid 3♥ – fine, but if she penalties, you do not really
adjustment bid difficult to play in clubs. If bid 3♦ where do I go? have a good option. If you
indicates any strength? you bid 3NT, you run the risk Beryl Pattinson by email. have 3-card heart support,
I, South held: of playing the contract from you could raise to 2♥; even

A
the wrong side (if partner With some methods, that is a slight underbid.
has ♠Q-x for example). there is no perfect
♠ 9 4 2 solution. If you use ♣♦♥♠
♥ 10 7 3 ♣♦♥♠ Stayman, you risk missing a

Q
♦ J 9 6 4 2 5-3 spade fit. If you transfer I was South with

Q
♣ J 3 After partner and pass 3NT, you risk this 7-point
opens 1NT missing a 4-4 heart fit. If hand. We
and the next you transfer and then bid were playing pairs.
West North East South hand doubles, you 4♥, you risk playing at the
1♠ Dbl Pass 2♦ can redouble with a four level without a fit.
2♥ 3♣ Pass 3♦ weak hand asking Personally, if I had to ♠ 8 5 4
3♠ 5♣ for clubs. What is a choose, I would rather risk ♥ 9 2
rescue bid asking for missing a 5-3 spade fit and ♦ Q 8 3
North was disappointed hearts or spades? use Stayman. Perhaps if you ♣ K Q 8 6 4
in my hand. Doreen Parrington, bid 3♠ over 3♦ then partner
Rupert Timpson by email. Lancashire. will get the message that
you have five spades and West North East South

A A
Your 2♦ bid showed If you do not play four hearts, which will give 1♥ 1♠ ?
no strength. Partner’s redouble as natural, you the best of both worlds.
double forced you to you need to discuss After I bid 1NT, someone
bid. The same does not go this with your partner as ♣♦♥♠ suggested that I should
for your 3♦ bid. With a weak you have a choice here. have passed as I did

Q
hand, you should have taken If you want to make sure I am North with not have a stopper
the opportunity to that the doubler ends up on a balanced hand in spades. Do you
pass your partner’s non- lead, you can play everything and 16 points. advise pass or 1NT?
forcing 3♣ bid. You as transfers: redouble to Penny Blower by email.
had already said you clubs, 2♣ to diamonds, 2♦ West North East South

A
had diamonds, so there to hearts and 2♥ to spades. 1♦ Pass 1♥ The opposing
was no need to adjust/ Perhaps the more common 1♠ 1NT All Pass overcall means
correct 3♣ to 3♦. arrangement is to play you do not have to
that redouble asks opener After the play, someone respond 1NT merely to keep
♣♦♥♠ to bid 2♣ but does not suggested that I should the bidding open. Partner will
promise a club suit. You not have rebid 1NT get another chance to bid

Q
Playing Match then pass with clubs and because I did not have even if you pass. If you do
point pairs with otherwise correct to your a stopper in spades. anything at all, it should be
neither side real suit. The advantage Is this correct? to make a negative double.
vulnerable, North holds: of this arrangement is that Kerry Drew, Llanfilo, Powys. Bidding 1NT shows a spade
immediate bids (not via the stopper while the hand is

A
redouble) can show two When the opponents too weak for responding
♠ A 7 suits including the suit bid. bid a suit, it is 2♣. I thus advise passing.
♥ J 6 5 customary for a
♦ A K 4 2 ♣♦♥♠ no-trump bid by your side ♣♦♥♠
♣ J 10 7 5 to indicate a stopper in that

Q Q
My partner suit; this is especially the What can you
opened 2NT with case when you are over the use a 4♣ bid
West North East South 21-22 points. opposing suit. You expect the for other
1♣ I had enough points opponents to lead the suit. than Gerber?
1♠ ? for game and held 5 If partner has a stopper, it Dennis N G Law,
spades and 4 hearts. may be better to have the Nailsworth,
Lloyd Lewis by email. I bid 3♥ (transfer); 3♠ lead come up to partner. Gloucestershire.

Page 32 BRIDGE May 2014

 A
Ask Julian continued In general, you do you need two tricks fewer suits, which affects your
not want to risk for game and because the chance of buying the contract
your contract for the trick scores in no-trumps and of making game as
50% chance of an overtrick. are higher – the latter a big well as the actual score.

A
Other possible uses Someone somewhere will consideration at matchpoints. Playing 1♠-2♥ as showing
are as follows: nearly always have underbid At slam level, you five hearts helps you to find
or reached some silly normally want to play in a 5-3 heart fit when one is
1. Natural: contract. Merely by making the safest slam. Having a present. You will not miss
your contract, you will beat trump suit often gives you a 4-4 heart fit because, if
You Partner anyone who has done so. extra options in the play. you respond 2♣, 2♦ or 1NT,
1♠ How big a risk you are 2. Without slam interest opener has room to rebid 2♥.
2♥ 3♣ willing to take depends or extreme distribution, Playing the 2♥ response
4♣ upon how common you you will usually just raise as showing five hearts
estimate the contract to be. partner’s 1NT to 3NT when is standard not just in
2. A control-showing cue bid: If you and your partner each your long suit is a minor. It Acol but also Standard
have balanced hands, no is often easier to make nine American and Precision.
You Partner major suit fit and 26 points tricks than eleven. If the Believe me, if everyone
1♠ 3♠ between you, it is a fair bet 5-card suit is decent, you plays something the same
4♣ that most of the field will be can reasonably add on a way, there is a very good
in 3NT. In this case, anything point for it and raise 1NT to reason and you do not want
3. A splinter: offering 60%+ chance of 2NT with only 10 points. to try something different.
an overtrick, you are going 3. In traditional methods,
You Partner to go for. By contrast, if you you jump to three of your ♣♦♥♠
1♦ 1♠ are in 6NT with 29 points major to show a hand with

Q
4♣ between you, it is unlikely at least game values and In the Acol
that other pairs will have doubt about either the framework,
4. A fit-showing jump reached the same contract, denomination or level of the is it practical
so you play the same at final contract. If you play and/or desirable
You LHO Partner RHO matchpoints as you would at transfers, you may have to play sequences
1♠ 2♦ aggregate or IMP scoring. other options in addition such as 1♥-Pass-1♠-
4♣ to the immediate jump to Pass-2♣ as having an
♣♦♥♠ three of your long suit. 11-18 HCP range?
Believe me, these come up For example, with a I am used to

Q
far more often than when you I have read that, 5-card major and a 4-card opener limiting his
would need 4♣ specifically as playing Acol, in minor, you might transfer hand on rebid.
asking for aces. If ever response to a into the major and then Jim Claricoates by email.
someone were to offer a 1NT opening, 3♣ and 3♦ bid the minor. If you have

A
prize for the worst bridge show slam interest and a 6- or 7-card major and The idea is that a
convention invented, promise a distributional a shortage on the side, jump to 3♣ shows
Gerber would be one of hand with about 16 HCP. you might transfer into the a hand worth going
the favourites to win. If you 1. Does this mean, ‘I major and then jump in the to game, which means 19+
play in a tournament or if am interested in a slam short suit as a splinter bid. points for 3♣. You
you watch matches on BBO in the suit bid.’ Or is it can, of course, take shape
Vugraph, you will hardly an expression of slam ♣♦♥♠ and suit quality into account
ever see Gerber in use. interest in no-trumps? and upgrade some 18

Q
2. Holding a 5+ card Why does point hands to a 3♣ rebid.
♣♦♥♠ minor, with 10 to 15 HCP, responder Moreover, some 2524
what should I respond? need to hands would better suit a

Q
In the absence 3. If I hold 16+ have five hearts to 2NT rebid (showing 18-
of any clues in HCP, with a 5/6 card respond 2♥ to 1♠? 19), so actually it will be
the bidding or major, how should I R Hemming, Poole, Dorset. rare for opener to hold as
play, at pairs would you show slam interest? many as 18 for the rebid.

A
just play for whatever Tony Mann, Kidderminster, One of the objectives Yes, once in a while, you
distribution has at Worcestershire. in bidding is to will have 17 facing 8 and
least a 50% chance, discover whether stop in 2♣. Of course, if

A
or if not, how bad 1. At game level, your side has a fit. A fit responder gives preference
a split would you you usually prefer in a major is particularly to 2♥, as will often happen,
guard against? to play in no-trumps important because major opener can show extra values
Stephen Down by email. rather than a minor because suits score more than minor by bidding again.

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 33

 Q
Ask Julian continued avoid the problem simply Partner opens games 40%
by switching to a strong 1♥. The next slams 10%
no-trump. Then you might hand overcalls In real life, a fair proportion
miss the fit when opener has 1♠. I hold 8 diamonds of the makeable slams

Q
1. With the 15-17 and responder 0-7. to the queen (2 points are unbiddable, so the
Losing Trick There will always be total), 2 doubletons percentage for slams
Count, I believe some hands that do not fit and a singleton. at the table would be
you should take off half a particular range. A small Is it reasonable to more like 5% of deals.
a loser for each trump minority of pairs play that bid 4♦? What should
over four you have a 1NT opening denies a partner do with 18 ♣♦♥♠
in the agreed major. 4-card major. Overall, most points, evenly

Q
Playing 4-card majors, people are happy to play distributed and After my
if you have six trumps in the occasional wrong no diamonds? partner opened
you take off 1 loser for part-score by opening 1NT Margaret Williams by email. 1NT, the next
the additional 2 cards. when in range to do so. hand overcalled a

A
What happens if you play If you play 4♦ as natural 2♦. I held:
5-card majors – do you ♣♦♥♠ pre-emptive in that
take off just half a loser? situation and you are

Q
2. Very often, I have My wife was not vulnerable, your 4♦ bid ♠ Q J 10 2
a 1NT (Acol) opener West on this seems reasonable. Partner, ♥ 8 7 6 5
and had I opened one deal: with a misfit, should pass. ♦ A
of a major would have In a tournament, few pairs ♣ K Q 10 7
finished at the 2 level would be playing 4♦ as
with support from West East pre-emptive. I usually
partner (making) when ♠ Q 9 3 ♠ A K J 5 play it as a splinter (raise to Should I double to
1NT does not make. If ♥ A K J 6 ♥ 8 2 4♥ with a shortage in ask partner to
partner has 0-10 points, ♦ 6 4 2 ♦ K Q 9 8 7 5 diamonds). Some play it bid a major?
they do not use Stayman. ♣ Q 7 3 ♣ K as a fit-showing jump Frances Freedman,
The trouble with opening (raise to 4♥ with a side Chigwell, Essex.
in a major is you do suit of diamonds). Once

A
not have a rebid unless 1NT (12-14) 2♣ (Stayman) you know partner has fair Some people play
you lie to partner with 2♥ 3♦ values, it is better to use the double as
a 4-4 shape. Is it just Pass these jump bids in a take-out, some as
tough or is it down to constructive sense. penalties, some as showing
hand evaluation? 3NT would have made a raise to 2NT, some as
Ann Mckellow, (clubs were 6-3 with ♣♦♥♠ replacing Stayman.
Stoke Poges, Bucks. the ♦A in the short club Other than ‘penalties’,

Q
hand) and 4♠ would Are there any the hand fits reasonably

A
1. Although I am have made too. statistics showing into the other categories.
not familiar with the What is your verdict? the expected However, for rubber
precise adjustment John Collins, number of slams, bridge players and some
you suggest, I agree you Welwyn Garden City. games and partscores duplicate players, penalty
need to be cautious about per hundred deals remains the normal

A
treating hands with 4-card It seems that East is dealt? meaning here. If you have
support in the same way playing 3♦ as forcing John Hankin by email. no agreement, the safer
as hands with 3-card whereas West is way to ask partner to bid

A
support. I often add half not. The important thing is Sorry, I cannot a major is to bid 3♦.
a loser for a hand with for the partners to agree. I think of any official Since an overcall of a
only 3-card support. play Stayman followed by a source for the 1NT opening is quite a
2. Sometimes, you will miss new suit at the three level as information. My experience, common occurrence, it is
a 4-4 fit in a major if you forcing, as I think do most assuming double-dummy worth discussing the
open 1NT and partner has people. In this case, West play on both sides, is a situation with your partner
an unsuitable hand for using has to find a further bid, split roughly as follows: before it comes up
Stayman. While you will 3NT presumably. True, East partscores 50% again. ■
not reach the wrong game might have bid 3NT over 2♥,
this way, you can indeed though that might not be so
find yourself in 1NT when clever if West had three low E-mail your questions for Julian to:
2♥ or 2♠ would be better. clubs rather than three low [email protected]
Note that you cannot diamonds.

Page 34 BRIDGE May 2014

 Letters from Overseas

Anyone for Tennis? by John Barr

E
very summer, Kitzbühel hosts a yesterday’s session (both played with Dummy (above) was everything I had
professional tennis tournament partners I had never met before) were hoped for.
and the Sportspark, the sports ‘interesting’. On the first hand of the The diamonds broke 2-2, so six clubs
stadium, is transformed into a mini- afternoon I held: made, with five spades also making as
Wimbledon for a couple of weeks. On the heart ace was over the king, and
the hill at the far side of the stadium, the opposing clubs split 3-0.
winding its way through the trees, is ♠ Void On the last hand, at game all with
the Streif, the piste on which the fa- ♥ 4 West the dealer, the auction started
mous Hahnenkamm ski race is run. ♦ A 7 6 5 4 one club, a one diamond overcall from
This year, the only British interest ♣ A K Q 10 7 5 2 my partner and one heart from East.
was Andy Murray’s brother Jamie Although I had only 10 points, I had
who was playing in the doubles with two stops in each of the opponents’
Australian John Peers. I watched After my RHO dealt and opened one suits, so I bid 2NT which partner
their second round match against the spade, I realised that my partner and raised to game and East doubled
number two seeds, which was a real I had not agreed what our jump over- rather loudly.
roller coaster for supporters of either calls were. Although I did have both
pair. Murray and Peers won the first minors, I felt that the imbalance be-
set 6-4 before losing the second 0-6. tween the holdings made 2NT inap- ♠ A Q 10 9 6
They finally won the super tiebreaker propriate (even if 2NT would have ♥ 5
(played instead of a third set) by a been unusual, another unknown), so I ♦ K Q 7 6 5 4
score of 12-10, having saved a match settled for a quiet two clubs, confident ♣ 3
point along the way. Phew! that the bidding would not end there. ♠ K 8 7 ♠ 4 3
N
In addition to the Sunday and Left hand opponent bid four spades ♥ J 4 3 W E
♥ A 10 9 8 7
Tuesday club sessions at Kitzbühel and, when that came back to me I ♦ A 3 S ♦ 10 9 8
bridge club, there is informal rubber ventured five clubs. The opponents ♣ K 8 7 5 4 ♣ A 6 2
bridge most afternoons. The venue pushed on to five spades and doubled ♠ J 5 2
varies with the time of year. In when I bid six clubs. ♥ K Q 6 2
the summer, the choice is the sun ♦ J 2
terrace of the Hotel Seebichl by the ♣ Q J 10 9
Schwarzsee lake. In the winter, rubber ♠ 7 3
bridge is often played in the cosy bar ♥ K 6 5 3
by the indoor practice tennis courts at ♦ K 10 9 8 West led a heart to the ace and a second
the Sportspark. ♣ J 8 3 heart was won by my king.
Just before Christmas, there is a I ran the spade jack, played a spade
mass migration from to the nine and, when
the four corners of both opponents fol-
Europe towards Kitz- lowed, I knew the
bühel and the num- spade suit was good
ber of rubber bridge for five tricks. I now
players more than set about the dia-
doubles. While it is mond suit while I still
great to see so many had a spade entry to
new faces, a new face dummy. The defend-
at a rubber bridge ta- ers could cash their
ble is an unknown, four top tricks, but
which can be danger- could do nothing to
ous – whether they stop me making this
are your opponent rather unlikely 3NT
or your partner. The contract and winning
first and last hands of the rubber. Phew! ■

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 35

 Things You Should Know by Andrew Kambites

About Fourth
Suit Forcing
I T
f three suits have been bid, Suppose East has Hand D after the he fourth suit at the two
it is very rare that the correct start to the Auction in A. level is forcing for one
contract has the fourth suit round only.
as trumps.
Hand D There are a number of different
Auction A ♠ A Q 6 5 4 approaches but the following is simple
West East ♥ 9 7 and practical.
1♥ 1♠ ♦ 9 7 6 If West makes his third bid at the
2♣ ? ♣ A J 9 two level, it can be passed. Suppose the
auction starts thus.

Hand B Hand C Every bid is flawed. East is strong West East

♠ Q 8 6 5 4 ♠ Q 8 6 5 4 enough for 2NT but doesn’t have the 1♥ 1♠
♥ 9 7 ♥ 9 7 necessary diamond stopper. 2♣ 2♦*
♦ A J 7 6 ♦ A J 9 6 East is too strong for false preference ?
♣ J 2 ♣ A 2 to 2♥ and doesn’t have the third heart
that is needed for jump preference to West could hold any of these hands.
3♥.
How should East proceed with Hands East has the values to raise 2♣ to
B and C after Auction A? In each case, 3♣, but that would show 4-card club Hand E Hand F
East has genuine diamonds, however support. ♠ 7 4 ♠ 8 7 2
West has shown at least five hearts and East’s spades are not good enough to ♥ A Q 8 7 6 2 ♥ A Q 8 7 6
at least four clubs, leaving at most four repeat. ♦ 8 ♦ 9
cards in the other two suits. East needs a bid that simply says, ♣ A J 7 6 ♣ A J 6 5
With Hand B, East is weak: his pri- ‘help.’ 2♦ (fourth suit forcing) fits
ority is to show that he prefers hearts perfectly.
to clubs: he gives preference to 2♥. The fourth suit at the two level
With Hand C, East has all the shows at least the values for 2NT and Hand G Hand H
attributes to bid 2NT: 10-12 points and asks partner to try to show something ♠ 7 ♠ K 8
a stopper in the unbid suit. extra about his hand. The message ♥ A Q 8 7 6 ♥ A 10 7 6 5
is: ‘Partner, please do something ♦ A J 9 ♦ 7
So if it is not particularly useful for sensible.’ (Occasionally, partner does ♣ J 10 6 5 ♣ A J 6 5 2
East to bid diamonds when he has just that, however unlikely you might
diamonds, when might it be useful for find it.)
East to bid 2♦? Note that 2♦ does not show ‘half With Hand E, West rebids 2♥: non
a stopper’ in diamonds. While such forcing.
♣♦♥♠ an approach deals with some hands With Hand F, West shows his
admirably, it leaves many other hands 3-card spade support: 2♠: non forcing.

T
he time you need to bid (like D) unbiddable. (Some people might have raised the
the fourth suit is when you So what should West do if East 1♠ response to 2♠ in preference to
haven’t got values there. continues Auction A with 2♦? rebidding 2♣).

Page 36 BRIDGE May 2014

 T Y
About FSF continued he fourth suit at the three ou can use the fourth
level is game forcing. suit with a very strong
hand to create a forcing
auction.
With Hand G, West shows his Layout N
diamond stopper: 2NT: non forcing. ♠ 7 ♠ A K 9 8 3 The vast majority of usage of fourth
With Hand H, West has a fifth ♥ A K 9 4 3 N ♥ 7 5 suit forcing is when you have no
W E
club but is not really strong enough ♦ J 8 7 6 S ♦ A K Q suitable bid and want to hear what
for a game forcing 3♣. If on Hand ♣ Q J 3 ♣ 9 6 4 partner has to say.
F, you would have raised 1♠ to 2♠, However, using the fourth suit,
then perhaps you could bid 2♠ now, listening to partner and then
otherwise bid 2♥ showing fewer than West East continuing bidding creates a game
three spades, no diamond stop and a 1♥ 1♠ forcing auction. Therefore, you can
minimum opening. 2♦ 3♣* use the fourth suit simply to create a
? forcing auction.
If West rebids at the three level, the How should East continue after
auction is game forcing. In Layout N, East has the strength Auction Q if he holds Hands R and
for game, but doesn’t know the best S?
West East denomination, so bids the fourth suit:
1♥ 1♠ game forcing. Although West has a Auction Q
2♣ 2♦* very minimum hand, he does have a West East
? club stop and shows it by bidding 3NT. 1♥ 1♠
2♣ ?
♣♦♥♠
Hand J Hand K

T
♠ K 4 ♠ K 7 2 he fourth suit at the one Hand R Hand S
♥ A Q 8 7 6 2 ♥ A Q 8 7 6 level is usually played as ♠ A Q 10 8 5 4 ♠ A Q 8 7 2
♦ 8 ♦ 9 natural and forcing. ♥ 8 ♥ 8
♣ A Q 7 6 ♣ A Q 6 5 ♦ A 7 3 ♦ A 7 3
There is only one such sequence: ♣ A 4 3 ♣ A Q 4 2

West East
Hand L Hand M 1♣ 1♦ With Hand R, it might seem OK to
♠ 7 ♠ K 8 1♥ 1♠ jump to 3♠, however that bid is not
♥ A Q 8 7 6 ♥ A 10 7 6 5 forcing. The solution is to bid 2♦
♦ A J 9 ♦ 7 In this sort of sequence, West may be (fourth suit forcing) and plan to rebid
♣ A 10 6 5 ♣ A K J 5 2 4-4-1-4 shape so finding a fit in the 3♠ or raise 2♠ to 4♠.
fourth suit may be crucial. With Hand S, you want to support
If responder wants to use fourth clubs, but no immediate club bid does
With Hand J, West’s jump shows his suit forcing, he jumps to 2♠, justice to this hand. Again, you can
six hearts: 3♥: game forcing. ie 1♣-1♦-1♥-2♠. show strength by starting with 2♦ and
With Hand K, West shows his 3-card Here, we see an example of finding a continuing with the lowest legal bid in
spade support: 3♠: game forcing. fit in the fourth suit. clubs.
With Hand L, West shows his
diamond stopper: 3NT. This use is rare and somewhat
With Hand M, West shows his fifth Layout P more sophisticated than normal
club: 3♣: game forcing. ♠ K J 8 7 ♠ A Q 4 2 use of fourth suit forcing. I would
♥ A 9 3 2 N ♥ Q 4 recommend that you fully master the
W E
By the time East has bid ‘fourth suit ♦ 8 S ♦ A 7 6 3 2 first five points of this article before
forcing’ and West has made his third ♣ K J 6 5 ♣ Q 3 trying it.
bid, East is likely to know everything
there is to know about West’s hand ♣♦♥♠
and should be able to decide upon the West East

T
final contract. 1♣ 1♦ he use of fourth suit forc-
However, occasionally investigation 1♥ 1♠1 ing should be alerted as it
is needed and the general principle 2♠2 4♠ is a conventional bid.
is that if anybody bids at the three
level, the auction becomes game 1
Natural: four spades. As always, it is the partner of the
forcing. 2
Minimum with four spades. conventional bidder who alerts. ■

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 37

 CHARITY EVENTS Things You Should Know About
Fourth Suit Forcing Quiz
MAY SEPTEMBER
by Andrew Kambites
8 BURGHLEY ROTARY CHARITIES 3 FARINGDON QUAKER AID
Stamford Bridge Club. (Supporting Gulu Youth
(Answers on page 40)
1.45 for 2.00pm. £8.00. Development Association,
Alan Kinch Northern Uganda). Corn 1 You are East. What is your next bid with Hands A to F?
( 01780 444276 Exchange, Faringdon. £15.
Steve Braithwaite West East
14 AFRICAN MISSIONS
( 01367 240929 1♦ 1♠
Bridge Tea.
[email protected] 2♣ ?
Ladywell Convent, Godalming.
1.30 for 2pm. £40 per table. 4 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE
Sister June ROTARY CLUB
( 01483 419393 Outlane Golf Club. Hand A Hand B Hand C
[email protected] 12 for 12.30. £48.00 per table. ♠ Q 9 4 3 2 ♠ Q 9 4 3 2 ♠ Q 9 4 3 2
Rtn Sam Smith ♥ 8 7 5 ♥ A Q 5 ♥ 8 7 5
15 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE
( 01924 492540 ♦ K 7 ♦ 8 7 ♦ A 8
ROTARY CLUB
samuelsmith396 ♣ K 6 2 ♣ K 6 2 ♣ A J 4
Outlane Golf Club. Lunch with
@btinternet.com
afternoon tea & biscuits.
12 for 12.30. £48.00 per table. 12 ST MARY’S CHURCH
Rtn Sam Smith Eaton Socon, St Neots. 10.00 Hand D Hand E Hand F
( 01924 492540 for 10.30am. £13.50. ♠ Q 9 4 3 2 ♠ K Q 10 8 6 5 ♠ K Q 10 8 6 5
samuelsmith396 Malcolm Howarth ♥ 8 7 5 ♥ 9 7 3 ♥ 9 7 3
@btinternet.com ( 01480 212910
♦ A 8 ♦ A 8 ♦ A 8
16 MS THERAPY CENTRE ♣ A K 4 ♣ Q 2 ♣ A 2
Huntingdon, Cambs. £14.00. OCTOBER
Hemingford Abbots Village
3 ST ANDREWS CHURCH
Hall. 10.00 for 10.30am.
Mandeville Hall, 2 You are West. What is your next bid with Hands G to P?
Jenny Lea
Kimbolton, Cambs.
( 01480 455810
10.00 for 10.30am. £14.00. West East
Mavis Campion 1♥ 1♠
JUNE ( 01480 860477
2♣ 2♦*
13 ST MARY’S CHURCH ?
Eaton Socon, St Neots. NOVEMBER
10.00 for 10.30am. £13.50.
1 EYE CANCER
Malcolm Howarth Hand G Hand H Hand J Hand K
Reynolds Institute,
( 01480 212910
Upwey, Weymouth. ♠ 3 ♠ 3 ♠ 3 ♠ 3
1.30pm for 2pm start. ♥ A Q 8 6 5 2 ♥ A Q J 6 5 2 ♥ K J 7 6 5 ♥ K J 7 6 5
JULY £30 per table to include ♦ 6 5 ♦ 6 5 ♦ A J 9 ♦ A J 9
afternoon tea and cakes. ♣ K Q 9 8 ♣ A K J 2 ♣ K 8 6 5 ♣ A K 6 5
3 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE
Val Pierce
ROTARY CLUB
( 01305 833686
Outlane Golf Club. Lunch with
Gene Hill ( 01305 786509
afternoon tea & biscuits. Hand L Hand M Hand N Hand P
12 for 12.30. £48.00 per table. ♠ 9 4 2 ♠ J 4 2 ♠ 6 ♠ K 8
Rtn Sam Smith 13 HUDDERSFIELD PENNINE ♥ A Q 8 5 4 ♥ A Q 8 5 4 ♥ A Q 8 5 4 ♥ A Q 8 5 4
( 01924 492540 ROTARY CLUB
♦ 8 ♦ 8 ♦ J 2 ♦ 8 7
samuelsmith396 Outlane Golf Club. Lunch with
@btinternet.com ♣ K Q 8 7 ♣ A K Q 6 ♣ K J 7 5 3 ♣ K J 7 5
afternoon tea & biscuits.
12 for 12.30. £48.00 per table.
11 GREAT BARFORD CHURCH
Rtn Sam Smith
Village Hall, Great Barford. 3 You are West. What is your next bid with Hands Q to T?
( 01924 492540
10.00 for 10.30am. £13.50.
samuelsmith396
Derek Fordham
@btinternet.com West East
( 01234 870324
22 RNLI 1♠ 2♦
Cheltenham Bridge Club 2♥ 3♣*
AUGUST
1pm-5pm. Includes tea ?
15 ST IVES DAY CARE CENTRE & cakes. £10 per person.
Hemingford Abbots Village Margaret Beverley
Hall. 10 for 10.30am. £13.50. ( 01242 510193 Hand Q Hand R Hand S Hand T
Don Moorman margaretbeverley
♠ K Q 9 8 7 ♠ K Q 9 7 6 ♠ K Q 9 7 6 ♠ K Q 9 7 6
( 01480 463444 @dsl.pipex
♥ A Q 6 2 ♥ A Q 6 3 2 ♥ A 10 6 2 ♥ A 10 6 2
♦ 8 2 ♦ 8 ♦ 9 ♦ A J 2
E-mail your charity events: [email protected] ♣ Q 3 ♣ Q 3 ♣ K J 6 ♣ 6

Page 38 BRIDGE May 2014

 Answers to David Huggett’s 
Play Quiz on page 30
The only possible losers are one spade sarily if the king of hearts is well placed,
1. ♠ 7 5 and one diamond and it looks as if you but that is a small price to pay for guar-
♥ Q 6 2 just need one finesse to be right in either anteeing the contract.
♦ 6 5 4 2 of those suits. But consider what will hap-
♣ A J 10 3 pen if you draw trumps and run the jack
♠ 8 6 2 ♠ Q J 10 9 of diamonds. If it loses, East will return
N
♥ A 7
W E
♥ 9 8 4 3 a spade irrespective of his holding and 4. ♠ K 7 4
♦ K J 10 9 8 S ♦ 7 3 you won’t know whether to finesse or not. ♥ K 8 2
♣ 8 7 4 ♣ K 6 5 If diamonds break evenly, you can pitch ♦ 8 5
♠ A K 4 3 three spades from hand, but if they don’t, ♣ A Q J 7 5
♥ K J 10 5 you will need the king of spades to be ♠ Q J 10 8 ♠ 9 5 3 2
N
♦ A Q onside. You are being put to a premature ♥ 9 3 W E ♥ J 10 6 5
♣ Q 9 2 guess but you can stop all that by draw- ♦ K J 6 4 2 S ♦ A Q 10
ing trumps and leading a low diamond ♣ 9 8 ♣ 6 3
from dummy. If East plays the king, then ♠ A 6
You are in 3NT and West leads the ♦J. you will almost certainly have enough ♥ A Q 7 4
East plays the ♦7. How do you plan the discards for the spades, while if West ♦ 9 7 3
play? wins he cannot lead a spade without giv- ♣ K 10 4 2
Even if the club finesse wins, you still ing you the contract. The difference now
need a heart trick and it might seem as is that you can test the diamonds first.
if it doesn’t matter which suit you play on You are declarer in 4♥ and West leads
first. But, of course, it does. If you tackle the ♠Q. How do you plan the play?
clubs and the finesse loses, East will play 5♣ is where you really want to be but
back a diamond and you will be defeat- 3. ♠ A 7 6 4 4♥ is certainly playable, although you
ed every time the diamonds break 5-2 ♥ A Q do have to be careful. Suppose you win
and West holds the ace of hearts. But, if ♦ A Q 6 the opening lead, draw three rounds
you knock out the ace of hearts first, then ♣ J 10 8 4 of trumps and find that they do not
you will be taking the club finesse into ♠ 10 3 ♠ 9 5 break. Then, when you play on clubs, a
N
the hand with the short diamonds and, ♥ 10 8 5 2 ♥ K 9 6 4 defender will ruff and you will lose three
W E
if East started with three diamonds, then ♦ J 9 7 S ♦ 10 8 5 4 3 diamonds. The answer is simple – just
all you lose are two diamonds, one heart ♣ A 7 6 2 ♣ K 5 duck a heart early on. Dummy can take
and a club. ♠ K Q J 8 2 care of a third round of diamonds and
♥ J 7 3 as soon as you regain the lead, you can
♦ K 2 draw the rest of the trumps. ■
♣ Q 9 3
2. ♠ 8 6 5
♥ 2 Mr Bridge
♦ A Q 5 4 3 You are declarer in 4♠ and West leads Premium Quality Cards
♣ A 9 8 5 the ♥2. How do you plan the play?
♠ K 9 3 ♠ 7 4 2 Sometimes, it is hard not to play on au- Standard Faces
♥ Q J 10 8 5 4 N ♥ K 9 6 3 topilot and that could well happen here with or without
W E bar codes.
♦ 9 6 S ♦ K 10 8 7 if you are not careful. Suppose you take
Unboxed.
♣ 6 3 ♣ 10 2 the heart finesse instinctively and it loses,
6 red / 6 blue
♠ A Q J 10 then, on a bad day, the defence might £19.95
♥ A 7 manage to come to a club ruff and you 30 red / 30 blue
♦ J 2 will have gone down in a contract that only £60
♣ K Q J 7 4 was 100% guaranteed. If you simply play
the ace of hearts at trick one and draw The London Bridge Centre
trumps, you will find nothing can stop
( 020 7388 2404
You are declarer in 6♣ and West leads you from coming to ten tricks. It is true www.bridgeshop.com
the ♥Q. Plan the play (trumps split 2-2). that you might lose a heart trick unneces-

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 39

 Answers to Fourth Suit Forcing on page 38
1 You are East. bid no-trumps with a heart stopper. Note
that your spades are far too poor to bid Hand N Hand P
West East them a second time. ♠ 6 ♠ K 8
1♦ 1♠ ♥ A Q 8 5 4 ♥ A Q 8 5 4
2♣ ? Hand D: 2♥*. ♦ J 2 ♦ 8 7
As with Hand C. This time, you are strong ♣ K J 7 5 3 ♣ K J 7 5
What is your next bid with Hands A to F? enough to insist on game even if partner
shows a minimum opening bid.
2♦ is fourth suit forcing, asking you to de-
Hand A Hand B Hand E: 3♠. scribe your hand further. Partner has at
♠ Q 9 4 3 2 ♠ Q 9 4 3 2 Showing a good 6-card suit and highly least the values for 2NT.
♥ 8 7 5 ♥ A Q 5 encouraging, but not absolutely forcing. Remember that if you bid at the two
♦ K 7 ♦ 8 7 With a minimum opening and singleton level, partner can pass so if you have
♣ K 6 2 ♣ K 6 2 spade, partner will pass. extra values, you must do more.

Hand F: 2♥*. Hand G: 2♥.

Fourth suit forcing. This time you are too Minimum. Not forcing.
Hand C Hand D strong for an immediate 3♠. Start with
♠ Q 9 4 3 2 ♠ Q 9 4 3 2 2♥ and bid 3♠ next time, game forcing. Hand H: 3♥.
♥ 8 7 5 ♥ 8 7 5 This is an example of using the fourth suit Game forcing with six hearts.
♦ A 8 ♦ A 8 to create a forcing auction.
♣ A J 4 ♣ A K 4 Hand J: 2NT.
Minimum with at least one stopper in the
2 You are West. unbid suit, diamonds. Not forcing. Don’t
worry about the singleton spade. Partner
Hand E Hand F West East bid them.
♠ K Q 10 8 6 5 ♠ K Q 10 8 6 5 1♥ 1♠
♥ 9 7 3 ♥ 9 7 3 2♣ 2♦* Hand K:
♦ A 8 ♦ A 8 ? 3NT. Too strong for 2NT with at least one
♣ Q 2 ♣ A 2 stopper in the unbid suit, diamonds.
What is your next bid with Hands G to P?
Hand L: 2♠.
Partner probably has 5+ diamonds and Minimum with probably three spades.
4+ clubs (though he could possibly be Hand G Hand H You might have raised 1♠ to 2♠ rather
1-4-4-4 shape). If you use the fourth suit ♠ 3 ♠ 3 than rebid 2♣.
to ask him for more information, your ♥ A Q 8 6 5 2 ♥ A Q J 6 5 2
hand should satisfy two criteria. ♦ 6 5 ♦ 6 5 Hand M: 3♠.
First, you should have at least the val- ♣ K Q 9 8 ♣ A K J 2 Game forcing with three spades.
ues for 2NT. Second, you should not have
a bid that describes your hand accurately. Hand N: Difficult.
It is always better, if possible, to tell part- 3♣, showing your fifth club, would
ner what you have and rely on him to bid Hand J Hand K describe your shape perfectly, but 3♣
sensibly rather than ask him what he has. ♠ 3 ♠ 3 is game forcing, not really justified with
♥ K J 7 6 5 ♥ K J 7 6 5 11 points when partner might have only
Hand A: 2♦. ♦ A J 9 ♦ A J 9 the values for 2NT. Bid 2♥ denying a
False preference. You are not strong ♣ K 8 6 5 ♣ A K 6 5 diamond stop and 3-card spade support.
enough to bid fourth suit forcing.
Hand P: Again difficult.
Hand B: 2NT. If you would regularly raise 1♠ to 2♠ on
11 points and at least one stopper in the Hand L Hand M 3-card support you could bid 2♠ now,
unbid suit, hearts. ♠ 9 4 2 ♠ J 4 2 otherwise bid 2♥ showing a minimum.
♥ A Q 8 5 4 ♥ A Q 8 5 4
Hand C: 2♥*. ♦ 8 ♦ 8 Hands N and P show that while fourth
Fourth suit forcing. You are hoping part- ♣ K Q 8 7 ♣ A K Q 6 suit forcing is a brilliant concept, there
ner can show spade support or maybe are hands where you must improvise.

Page 40 BRIDGE May 2014

 FSF Quiz continued

JUST DUPLICATE BRIDGE

3 You are West. What is your
9-11 May £199 31 Oct – 2 Nov £169
next bid with Hands Q to T?
Blunsdon House Hotel The Olde Barn
West East 16-18 May £169 31 Oct – 2 Nov £199
1♠ 2♦ The Olde Barn Elstead Hotel
2♥ 3♣*
? 30 May – 1 June £199 7-9 November £199
Chatsworth Hotel Denham Grove

Hand Q Hand R 13-15 June £169 Chatsworth Hotel

14-16 November £199
♠ K Q 9 8 7 ♠ K Q 9 7 6 The Olde Barn Worthing BN11 3DU Chatsworth Hotel
♥ A Q 6 2 ♥ A Q 6 3 2
♦ 8 2 ♦ 8 27-29 June £169 11-13 July £199 14-16 November £199
♣ Q 3 ♣ Q 3 The Olde Barn Clifton Park Hotel Elstead Hotel

18-20 July £199

Blunsdon House Hotel
Hand S Hand T
♠ K Q 9 7 6 ♠ K Q 9 7 6
1-3 August £169
The Olde Barn
♥ A 10 6 2 ♥ A 10 6 2
♦ 9 ♦ A J 2
8-10 August £199
♣ K J 6 ♣ 6
Clifton Park Hotel

Partner’s 3♣ is fourth suit Elstead Hotel Denham Grove

forcing, asking you to clarify Bournemouth BH1 3QP Denham, Bucks UB9 5DU
your hand further. So far, you
have shown five spades and 27-29 June £199 21-23 November £199
four hearts. The auction is at Clifton Park Hotel Chatsworth Hotel
the three level so it is game
forcing. 4-6 July £199 28-30 November £199
Denham Grove Chatsworth Hotel
Hand Q: 3♠. Blunsdon House Hotel
No extra shape or stopper. 11-13 July £169 Blunsdon, Swindon SN26 7AS 28-30 November £169
Partner would like you to have The Olde Barn The Olde Barn
six spades, but you have to 12-14 September £169
bid something! The Olde Barn

Hand R: 3♥.
10-12 October £199
Blunsdon House Hotel
Show your fifth heart.

10-12 October £199

Hand S: 3NT.
Elstead Hotel
You have a club stopper.
17-19 October £169
Hand T: 3♦. The Olde Barn
You have no extra shape in
the majors, but you do have The Olde Barn Hotel 24-26 October £199 Clifton Park Hotel
Marston, Lincs NG32 2HT St Annes on Sea FY8 1HN
three diamonds. Knowing you Chatsworth Hotel
have the majors and diamond
support should allow partner
to place you with a singleton
Full Board – No Single Supplement
club and lets him place the Booking Form on page 8.
final contract. Perhaps he
might even go for a diamond Please note there are no seminars, set hands or prizes at these events.
slam. ■

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 41

 Answers to Julian Pottage’s 
Defence Quiz on page 29
West North East South presumably around 15 or 16 on your
1. ♠ J 5 3 1NT left, prospects do not seem too bright.
♥ Q 9 3 2 Pass 2♦1 Pass 2♥ If partner holds ♥Q-J-x-x, two trump
♦ A Q 10 5 3 Pass 3NT Pass 4♥ tricks will go with your two aces. More
♣ A All Pass likely, partner has only one trump trick,
♠ 8 7 ♠ A Q 10 6 2 1
Transfer in which case a ruff will need to provide
N
♥ K 5 ♥ 7 4 the setting trick.
W E
♦ 9 8 6 4 S ♦ K 2 Partner leads the ♠7 (second and fourth); Hoping the ♠8 is a singleton, you put
♣ J 8 7 5 2 ♣ K 9 4 3 dummy plays low. What is your plan? up the ♠A and return the ♠2. After part-
♠ K 9 4 Assuming the lead is second highest ner ruffs and puts you back in with the
♥ A J 10 8 6 from a poor suit, your side will make only ♣A, a third round of spades allows the
♦ J 7 one spade trick whatever you do. Does ♥Q to score.
♣ Q 10 6 this mean you should take the ♠A and
look around for tricks in the other suits?
The danger with putting up the
West North East South ♠A is that the ♠K and ♠Q will score 4. ♠ 4 3
1♦ 1♠ 2♥ independently. One of dummy’s ♥ Q 8
Pass 4♥ All Pass diamonds could end up going on the ♦ A K Q
♠Q, killing your slow diamond winner. ♣ Q J 10 9 7 5
Partner leads the ♠8; dummy plays low. Instead, you should play the ♠10. Since ♠ Q 8 2 ♠ A J 9 7 6
N
What is your plan? South cannot hold a singleton spade on ♥ J 7 6 3 2 W E ♥ K 4
Although the usual rule is that third the bidding and is unlikely to have Q-x ♦ 9 5 2 S ♦ J 10 8 7
player plays high, you should not blindly and K-x in the black suits either, your ♠A ♣ K 8 ♣ 4 2
adhere to any rules like that. Sometimes, can hardly run away. Finessing the ♠10 ♠ K 10 5
you need to finesse against an honour also works well if partner has the ♦A and ♥ A 10 9 5
in dummy. only one trump trick. ♦ 6 4 3
If you put up the ♠A and the lead is ♣ A 6 3
from a doubleton, you will be unable to
continue the suit without setting up dum-
my’s ♠J. Since you lack a quick entry, it is 3. ♠ Q 3 West North East South
unlikely that you will be able to give part- ♥ 10 8 6 2 1♣ 1♠ Dbl1
ner a ruff to make up for that. You should ♦ A Q 10 6 3 2♠ 3♣ Pass 3NT
thus play the ♠10 at trick one. Later, your ♣ K Q All Pass
side scores two spade tricks to go with ♠ 8 ♠ A J 10 7 6 2 1
Take-out, usually with four hearts
the two red kings. ♥ Q 7 3 N ♥ 4
W E
♦ J 9 5 2 S ♦ 8 7 Partner leads the ♠2. What is your plan?
♣ 10 8 7 5 4 ♣ A 9 6 2 Assuming that declarer has a spade
♠ K 9 5 4 stopper, a safe assumption against most
2. ♠ K 3 ♥ A K J 9 5 opponents, your side cannot run five
♥ J 9 7 3 2 ♦ K 4 spade tricks. Nor, unless partner’s hearts
♦ K 10 3 ♣ J 3 are as good as A-J-10-x-x, can you run
♣ A Q 4 the hearts.
♠ 8 7 5 2 ♠ A J 10 6 You should aim for four spade tricks
♥ A Q 5 N ♥ 4 West North East South and a club – declarer certainly does not
W E
♦ 9 6 4 S ♦ Q J 7 1♥ have to hold both the ♣A and ♣K. Since
♣ 10 8 5 ♣ J 9 7 3 2 Pass 2♦ 2♠ 2NT you have no sure entry, it is no good to
♠ Q 9 4 Pass 4♥ All Pass put up the ♠A and clear the suit. Declarer
♥ K 10 8 6 will hold up until the third round, go to
♦ A 8 5 2 Partner leads the ♠8 and dummy plays dummy with a diamond and finesse safe-
♣ K 6 low. What do you do? ly. You need to put in the ♠J at trick one,
With 13 points in dummy and returning a low spade if this holds. ■

Page 42 BRIDGE May 2014

 2014 with Jeremy Dhondy, Chairman of the EBU

May 2014: Bridge,

VAT and Publicity
S
o is bridge a game, a sport, 2002. Sadly, no more has come of this debater’s points about what does
an activity or a mind sport or yet. It would seem sensible to have a or does not constitute a sport,
perhaps something else and why common and consistent definition. Government ought to recognise it
does the definition matter? Bridge got The definition, of course, matters not because of the good it does for society.
rather more publicity during February just for those who want to debate the 300,000+ are involved in the game in
and March of this year than it has for matter but more importantly to the one way or another but that is down
some time. The publicity arose from way bridge is regarded and funded. on estimates from earlier years. The
a ruling of an HMRC tribunal that Bridge keeps an important organ in habit of playing card games at home
bridge was not a sport and therefore our body fit: the brain. The French has died away to a large extent and
the EBU had to continue to pay VAT Bridge Federation have invested in a there are many other demands on
on its competition entries. This adds set of TV adverts where you see a green the time of most people. If they do
up to quite a lot of money. Disputes stick-man exercising in the brain area. consider bridge, then we must be
of this sort can go on for a long time It’s easy to see the point and there is aware that it has a rather fuddy duddy
and the revenue do not give in easily. significant research to indicate that a reputation in some circles although
The case most commonly quoted game like bridge can help the young talk of colonels playing bridge in local
is as to whether a Jaffa Cake was a with improvement of mathematical golf clubs is rather wide of the mark
cake or a biscuit and before you say skills and the old with delay in the in most people’s experience. It didn’t
‘Who cares?’ remember that a great onset of dementia. It is also an activity stop BBC Radio 4 getting an ‘expert’
deal of money (millions) rested on which helps people continue to be from an accounting firm to appear
the decision made some years ago. involved in society. A significant on their morning radio show to talk
The decision that the EBU is trying number of U3A groups have a bridge of bridge players sitting in armchairs
to win is not for millions but is for a section, for example. In countries like and sipping gin and tonics. He didn’t
pretty significant amount of money. Poland and Italy, bridge is accepted as seem to have attended any major
Those activities that are defined by the a sport by National Government and championship, competitive top-level
revenue as ‘sports’ are exempt from the National Olympic Committee. tournaments nor a local club if he
VAT on competition entries. You don’t That gives rise to two things. The first thinks that.
pay VAT, for example, on an entry for is access to government funding, the One of the big challenges is to
a 10km run or a five a side football likes of which is not available in the change the perception of bridge.
competition. Are these more valuable UK. The second is unequal treatment Big advertising campaigns costing
social activities than bridge? across countries in the EU, including upwards of half a million pounds are
The Education part of the EBU tax treatment. I wrote to a couple of both unaffordable and also probably
became a charity at the start of April the papers following the publicity and not great if you are looking for a decent
and the Charity Commission had was glad they published my letters. My return on the investment. There are,
no difficulty in accepting bridge as next move is to write to an MP or two. however, a number of things to do
a sport. HMRC rely on a list and are I suspect strongly that, left to my own which are small but if done consistently
very reluctant to change it in any way. I devices, I will be a small fish in a big will raise the profile of bridge. The EBU
think they see the possibility of revenue pond but although it takes a lot of time has a communications officer. Part
slipping away. They have a definition and there is no guarantee of success, of his job is to encourage the press to
that comes from an Act of Parliament it does keep bridge in the public eye publish information and keep bridge
of the early 1930s. There isn’t much and the eye of parliament (there is in the public gaze. The challenge for
logic to it. If you choose to define sport an all parliamentary bridge group all of us is to promote our game and
as involving physical activity, then it chaired by Baroness Henig which does keep it going and prospering for many
is hard to establish why gliding is on valuable work). So if you have a few years. We do, after all, derive great
their list. The International Olympic minutes, let your MP know that taxing pleasure from it.
Committee accepted bridge as a sport our great game is both discriminatory If you have constructive comment
in the late 1990s and it led to bridge and counter-productive. You may be or feedback on these or other topics,
being a demonstration sport in the the one who tips the balance. I will be pleased to hear from you at
Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City in When we have finished making [email protected]. ■

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 43

 Blunsdon Catching Up by Sally Brock
House
W
hen I left you option so we are free to pass having trouble with her
Hotel last month, we
(Berks & Bucks)
two diamonds whenever we
choose. Our two heart and
eyes. Before Christmas, she
had a fairly serious opera-
Swindon SN26 7AS were just about to defend two spade openings show tion and it has taken a long
our title in the Tollemache. decent weak twos, say 8–12 while for her eyes to settle
I am happy to report that we points. Another advantage down enough to get pre-
did so successfully, not win- of this style is that when scription glasses made up
ning by as large a margin as we open one of a major and to enable her to see. But,
last year, but managing to subsequently show a six- finally, she was up to it and
squeak through in the end. card suit, we are known to we had a game in the Lon-
These days, top players have full opening values. don Super League – a nar-
put as much store in dis- So, here, I opened two row loss but it was good to
rupting their opponents’ diamonds with the North play again. Then we had an
game as they do in their hand. Barry, of course, online session to practise
own constructive bidding. thought I had spades. He bid a new bit of system (a two
At favourable vulnerability, two hearts, expecting me to club relay after a one heart
the odds seriously favour bid two spades, after which opening and one spade re-
BRIDGE EVENTS getting into the auction he was going to bid three sponse). It is good to be
when you have a bit of dis- clubs. His plans were foiled playing together again.
9-11 May £199
tribution – you never know when West overcalled three
Just Duplicate what will happen. spades and East raised to ♣♦♥♠
four. Now he bid five hearts
18-20 July £199
and that ended the auc- I’m also involved in a new
Just Duplicate Dealer North. East/West Vul. tion. East-West could not project that is beginning to
♠ 10 9 7 get a plus score any longer. take shape. Some friends
10-12 October £199
♥ K Q J 9 3 With hearts 2-2, Barry had (Ben Green and Simon
Just Duplicate ♦ 10 6 4 2 no trouble in setting up the Cope) and I are in the pro-
Shelia Rogers ♣ Q clubs and making his con- cess of setting up a profes-
♠ A K J 8 5 2 ♠ Q 6 4 3 tract. At other tables, North- sional bridge agency (Pro-
14-16 November £245 ♥ 6 2 N ♥ 8 5 South did not manage to Bridge).
Bernard Magee W E
♦ A J 8 3 S ♦ Q 7 5 find their heart fit at all. The idea is that bridge
Further into ♣ K ♣ J 8 7 2 pros who work in the game
the Auction ♠ Void ♣♦♥♠ – either teaching (both
♥ A 10 7 4 at the table, in seminars
28-30 November £245 ♦ K 9 I continued to coach my and online) or playing for
Bernard Magee
NEW
TOPIC ♣ A 10 9 6 5 4 3 Irish women. I was re- pay – will enrol on our
Distributional ally excited after their first website. Each will have
weekend of trials because space to display a photo
Hands In order to enable us to get they finished at the top of and a short profile. Then
into the bidding with very the table, with the first eight anyone interested in using
little, Barry and I play what pairs to qualify. They led their service can visit the
is called a ‘trash’ Multi. In more or less from the start site and see who is available.
traditional style, people play and finished well clear of At the moment, we are at
a Multi-coloured two dia- the field. Unfortunately, the the stage of recruiting the
monds as showing a weak second weekend of their professionals. But we hope
two in a major or some sort trials did not go so well for to have the website done
of strong hand. Then, their them and they didn’t make and be up and running
openings of two hearts and the team, but I don’t think for a launch at Easter, after
two spades are freed up for they really expected to and which our focus will shift
something else. What we were enthusiastic about my to promoting the service for
like is to play two diamonds coaching sessions. clients.
Full Board as a very weak two bid in There is a lot of work
No Single Supplement a major; in first and third ♣♦♥♠ to be done but the idea is
seat non-vulnerable, it is ex- being well received and I
Booking Form on page 8.
pected to be only a five-card A few months ago, I men- find the whole project quite
suit. There is also no strong tioned that Nicola had been exciting. ■

Page 44 BRIDGE May 2014

 Seven Days
by Sally Brock
Monday travelling, in Cairns in early April
to drift down the coast to Sydney
Barry’s for a two-hour online session
with Richard and Gerry. Gerry is in
This is a week of catching up with over the next few weeks before flying the UK at the moment, so it’s a bit
friends – and lunches out. home. But there are lots of details to easier to schedule in our session.
The week starts, as has been usual be settled. In the evening, we go out to dinner
for the past few months, with Briony with friends – the Turkish superstar
and me going to our drawing class. Nafiz Zorlu is in town and we are
I have always wanted to be able to
draw and am enjoying the classes. Tuesday invited out to dinner by mutual friend
Anita. It’s a good evening. Zia is there,
Unfortunately, I am a creature of habit Today, we go shopping – to Bicester and Ben Green.
and find it difficult to make time for Village, a designer outlet place half
practice outside the lessons and this I an hour or so up the M40. We get
must do if there is to be any future in it.
This week, we are doing quick portraits
there about 10.30am and have an
hour and a half of shopping before we Thursday
of each other, using a variety of media. need to head off to see friends in the I manage to get a small amount of
Sometimes I get a decent likeness and Cotswolds. work done and then Briony comes into
sometimes it looks horrendous – I’ve Connie and Peter were great friends London and we meet at Westfield, first
no real idea why. of Raymond and, before he died, we for a coffee and then for shopping. She
Afterwards, we go to visit my friend used to get together every couple has lost weight recently and has plans
Sonya and take her out for lunch. of months or so. Somehow, this has to travel quite shortly, so needs a lot of
She is 92 and a marvel. Her mind slipped and we haven’t seen them for new clothes. We shop until lunchtime
is amazingly sharp, along with her a while. We take them out for a pub and then go on the tube to Bond Street
eyesight and hearing etc. But she has lunch in Bourton-on-the-Water and and St Christopher’s Place. There’s a
fallen a few times recently and has are reminded just what really nice dress I’ve had my eye on in Hampstead
associated aches and pains. It’s good people they are and how much we Bazaar but, unfortunately, it doesn’t
to catch up. enjoy their company. Then it’s back to look so good on. Then it’s a Turkish
Then it’s home. I have an hour-long Bicester Village for more shopping. I lunch and back to Shepherd’s Bush.
online lesson with a new client, Peter, foolishly hoped that the morning stint In the evening, it’s the Night of the
at five which I do while Briony potters might have been enough, but no. We Stars, a most fabulous annual event.
in the kitchen. Because we had lunch eventually get home by about seven, This year it is held in Putney at the
out, we’re just snacking for supper after a rewarding day – but having Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. I
(so I get to eat a lot of cashew nuts bought a worryingly small number of meet up with my charming partner,
– my favourite indulgence). Briony garments. Carlos Dabezies, who has paid lots
has a new job starting in the middle of money to charity to play with me.
of May and has decided to travel for Then we have a couple of glasses of
a couple of months beforehand. The
broad plan is to go to India as soon as Wednesday wine along with some excellent cheese
– this year, there are some ‘to-die-for’
she gets her new passport (hopefully After a short time shopping in High cheese straws that I completely pig out
next week), partly to work in a charity Wycombe, Briony drops me off at the over.
school in Jaipur and partly to travel station and I take the train to London. The bridge goes fairly well. We don’t
around, maybe in Nepal too. Then First, I meet Debbie for lunch and we have quite enough luck to win the
she is meeting a friend, who is already swap family news. Then it’s back to event but things generally go our

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 45

 Seven Days continued organised by a whole host of people
headed by Terry Hewett. This year,
Sunday
it raises over £36,000 for the four The day starts with a working break-
charities: the Royal Hospital for fast. This is the easiest way for Ben,
way and we finish fourth out of a field Neuro-disability, Teenage Cancer Simon and I to get together to discuss
of 112. Trust, West London Action for the ProBridge project. We handed out
I do badly on the following deal, Children and Macmillan Cancer letters to all the experts at the Night of
aided and abetted by Andrew Robson. Support. the Stars and have feedback to report.
We also need to inform everyone who
wasn’t there, prepare text for the web-

Dealer East. North/South Vul.
♠ Q 10 8 5 2
Friday site, etc.
After breakfast, the bridge starts. We
♥ 7 3 I have lunch in London with old are playing Swiss teams with Richard
♦ J 7 6 schoolfriends, Clarissa and Julia. We and Gerry. We start well with a 20-0
♣ A 9 3 go to Bistro 1 in Covent Garden and win, helped partly by our first board:
♠ J 4 ♠ K 9 7 6 3 have an excellent meal for very little.
N
♥ 10 8 6 4 2 W E ♥ J Then I go back to Shepherds Bush.
♦ 8 4 S ♦ Q 3 2 The plan was to drive back to High Dealer East. Love All.
♣ K Q J 10 ♣ 8 7 6 5 Wycombe, but Barry has some work ♠ J 10
♠ A to do before he can leave and I’m keen ♥ A 9 7 5 3
♥ A K Q 9 5 to get back. He offers me his car but ♦ Void
♦ A K 10 9 5 in the rush hour the train is the better ♣ K Q 8 7 3 2
♣ 4 2 option. ♠ Q 9 7 6 3 ♠ A K 8
N
Briony picks me up from the station ♥ K J 10 4 2 W E ♥ Q 8
and we head for home. We both had ♦ 10 2 S ♦ K Q 8 7 6 5
After East passes, I open one heart with big lunches so all we do is graze a bit ♣ 5 ♣ A 6
my monster and Andrew has to find for dinner. She is spending lots of ♠ 5 4 2
something exciting to do at favourable time researching her trip, getting a lot ♥ 6
vulnerability facing a passed partner. of conflicting information on India. ♦ A J 9 4 3
He chooses to overcall three clubs! We’re hoping her passport comes back ♣ J 10 9 4
My partner passes and East raises to soon so she can get off.
four clubs. Perhaps I should just bid a
simple four diamonds but it needs so When there is a lot of distribution
little from partner for eleven tricks in
a red suit, so I jump to five diamonds Saturday flying around, it often pays to keep
on bidding. Even if you are wrong in
which ends the auction. Barry turns up at about 10am and the theory, you may be right in practice.
Robson leads a top club which I win three of us head off north. First stop Here, according to Deep Finesse, the
in the dummy and play a diamond to is Nottingham for lunch with friends. analysis program, four spades goes
my ten. I now play two top hearts and Then further north. down: ace of hearts, heart ruff, ace
when East ruffs the second and plays a Barry and I are heading for York. of diamonds, diamond ruff. And
club, I am down. Briony drops us off at the Park Inn and five clubs loses the obvious three top
Perhaps I should have taken East’s then goes back to Bradford to spend tricks. But …
jack of hearts seriously (instead I took the next 24 hours with Toby. They At our team-mates’ table, the
Robson’s three club overcall seriously). book into a Holiday Inn, order room bidding is:
If I change tack here and draw trumps service and watch movies together.
instead (still making my contract Barry and I are there to play bridge West North East South
when hearts are 4-2 or better), I can tomorrow. 1♦ Pass
play another top heart and discover First we meet up with friends and 1♠ Pass 2NT Pass
the bad break. Now, because Robson have a drink. We go out to dinner with 4♥ Pass 4♠ All Pass
holds all the clubs higher than the Ben’s girlfriend Dana who is a non-
nine, I can succeed. I simply play off bridge player. With difficulty we find Their North does not find the ace of
the rest of my trumps. Robson can’t an Italian restaurant that is not full hearts lead and four spades makes
afford to throw a heart; if he discards and have a pleasant meal, discussing easily enough.
anything else, I can throw him in with this and that. At our table, this was the auction:
a club (he will have had to discard one We wander back to the hotel just
of his spades), having first cashed the about when the bridge is finishing. West North East South
ace of spades, forcing him to lead into Now is the time to hear the sob stories 1♦ Pass
my heart tenace at the end. and talk about the hands. It’s a late 1♠ 2NT* 4♠ 5♣
It is a really enjoyable evening, night but fun all the same. Pass Pass Dbl All Pass

Page 46 BRIDGE May 2014

 Seven Days continued North South
1♥ Bernard Magee’s Tips
2♦ 2♥
3♠* 4♣ for Better Bridge
Here, West leads his 4NT 5♣
partner’s suit, a diamond, 5NT 6♥
65 invaluable tips in 160 pages
and declarer soon makes
Bidding Tips 33 A low lead usually promises
eleven tricks via a cross- North’s 3♠ is a splinter 1 Always consider bidding length and an honour
ruff. (showing a singleton) and spades if you can 34 When declaring 1NT,
For what it’s worth, I after South shows a club 2 Bid more aggressively try to be patient
when non-vulnerable 35 Duck an early round when
don’t blame their West for control, North uses RKCB. 3 Always double when the you are short of entries
not leading a spade, but I do He hears that all the aces are opponents steal your deal 36 Lead up to your
blame him for not leading a there and tries 5NT, just on 4 A takeout double shows two-honour holding
shortage in the suit doubled 37 Do not always assume
trump. When you have such the off chance that partner 5 ‘Borrow’ a king a suit will break well
a strong holding in what you has the ♦K. The 6♥ response to keep the auction open 38 Drop a high card
know is your opponent’s denies anything extra. 6 After a penalty double, to put off the defence
don’t let the opponents escape 39 Play your highest card to tempt
side suit, then you know Another possibility is: 7 Halve the value of a singleton a defender to cover
they will need to do a lot of honour when opening 40 Draw trumps first unless you
8 Only add length-points for a have a good reason not to
ruffing. On a trump lead, North South
suit that might be useful 41 Do not waste your trumps
East will surely win, cash 1♥ 9 Isolated honours are bad 42 Consider leaving a lone defen-
a couple of top spades and 2♦ 3♦ except in partner’s suit sive trump winner out
continue a trump, leading 10 Use the jump shift sparingly
3♥ 3♠* Defence Tips
11 Consider passing and letting
to two down. 4♣ 4♥ partner decide 43 Keep four-card suits intact
Our fortunes do not 4NT 5♣ 12 You need two top honours whenever possible
for a second-seat pre-empt 44 Give count on declarer’s leads
continue to flourish, 6♥ 45 Keep the right cards
13 Put the brakes on if you have a
however and we finish just misfit rather than signal
over average. But we end on On this sequence, with both 14 Strong and long minors work 46 Take your time
well in no-trumps when dummy is put down
a high note. suits agreed, experts will 15 One stop in the opponents’ suit 47 High cards are for killing
include both red-suit kings can be enough for no-trumps other high cards
in their response to RKCB. 16 Keep your two-level 48 Do not waste
responses up to strength intermediate cards
Dealer South. Love All. Suffice it to say, that the 17 Use your normal methods in 49 Pick two key suits to
North auction did not go quite so response to a 1NT overcall concentrate on during the play
50 If in doubt, cover an honour
♠ 5 smoothly in real life, but 18 Don’t overcall just because
with an honour
you have opening points
♥ Q 6 4 after a misunderstanding or 19 Overcalls can be quite weak, 51 If a lead is from two honours, it
♦ A Q J 5 4 3 two, they did at least end up so be prudent when responding is best not to cover
52 Keep your honour to kill
♣ A J 7 in the right spot. 20 Weak overcalls must be based
dummy’s honour
on strong suits
West East After we’re done and 21 6NT requires 33 points 53 Try to show partner your
♠ Q 9 8 7 ♠ K 10 6 2 dusted, Barry goes home not 4 aces and 4 kings solid honour sequences
54 Lead the normal card when
♥ 10 3 ♥ J 5 2 on the train (he has a trial 22 Raise immediately, if weak
leading partner’s suit
with four-card support
♦ 10 7 2 ♦ K starting on Monday and 23 In a competitive auction, 55 Never underlead an ace at trick
♣ K Q 5 4 ♣ 10 9 6 3 2 needs to get his head in gear) show support immediately one in a suit contract
56 Be wary of leading from
South while Briony and I head off 24 Bid to the level of your fit
four cards to only one honour
quickly with weak hands
♠ A J 4 3 into the wet, windy and 25 With strength and support, 57 Lead a higher card from
♥ A K 9 8 7 dark night. It is a miserable use the opponents’ bid suit a suit without an honour
58 Lead through ‘beatable’
♦ 9 8 6 drive home but we manage strength and up to weakness
♣ 8 it without incident, though I Declarer Play Tips 59 Cash your winners before try-
26 When your contract depends
feel pretty exhausted by the on a finesse, think ‘endplay’
ing for a trump promotion
60 Be patient when defending
end of it. The good news is 27 Consider what a defender 1NT
It is pleasing to come back that her passport is on the might be thinking about 61 Trump leads can be safe
28 Always take your time throughout the play
with our score of –480 doormat when we get home at trick one
and compare with Richard and now the travel planning 29 Establish extra tricks before General Tips
and Gerry’s +980. A nice can start in earnest. cashing your winners 62 Do not put important cards
30 Use your opponents’ at either end of your hand
11 IMPs to finish off the Despite its being after bidding to your advantage 63 Avoid being declarer when
weekend. eleven when we get home, 31 Avoid the ‘baddie’ you are dummy
I wish I could tell you we spend another hour or gaining the lead 64 Before you lead, ask for a
32 Use the Rule of Seven when review of the auction
about their wonderful so looking at various exotic holding up in no-trumps 65 Enjoy the Game!
bidding sequence. A couple websites in India and Nepal.
£14 including postage and packing from Mr Bridge,
of possibilities spring to I wonder where she will be Ryden Grange, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2TH. ( 01483 489961
mind: when next I write. ■

BRIDGE May 2014 Page 47

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