2016-01 Bridge Mag Jan 2016


NEW BOOKS FROM

MASTER POINT PRESS
THE BRIDGE PUBLISHER
The Eight of Clubs was Good?

Comfort Food for the Bridge Player’s Soul
Elizabeth Flynn
As a new bridge player, Elizabeth Flynn began blogging about

her experiences with the game and the people she met. Through
a series of heartwarming and humorous anecdotes, the author
details in this book her struggles as a new player learning a
complex game. We encounter some of the remarkable people she
has met in the world of bridge and the often funny, sometimes
touching, things that have happened at her local bridge center.
The perfect gift for any bridge enthusiast, the book even includes
recipes for some goodies to take along to the next game.
Out of Hand… Out of Mind

A Humorous Look at Bridge
Bill Buttle
Bill Buttle’s ‘Out of Hand’ cartoon panels appear

regularly in a number of bridge magazines, notably
the ACBL’s monthly Bridge Bulletin. This is his first
collection devoted solely to bridge humor. A great
gift for any bridge enthusiast in your life.
Also by Bill Buttle

Out of Hand... And Off the Fairway
The Humorous Side of Bridge and Golf
In this collection Bill Buttle aims his darts not only at bridge
players but golfers. This book of hilarious one-panel cartoons
will make a great gift for any bridge nut or golf addict.
AVAILABLE FROM CHESS & BRIDGE
2 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine


Out with the Old
2015 was quite a year, not least because of the
BRIDGE
MAGAZINE
startling developments away from the table as
a series of high-profile players were accused of
serious ethical violations. The results of ongo-
ing investigations by numerous authorities will
doubtless result in more publicity in 2016 and
might lead to some spectacular legal battles.
In with the New

2016 promises to be a fantastic one for bridge.
On the domestic front, the EBU has finally moved its Summer
Festival from Brighton to the more tranquil setting of the Win-
44 BAKER STREET ter Gardens Eastbourne. You can get some early information at:
LONDON W1U 7RT http://www.ebu.co.uk/competitions/brighton
Tel: 020-7486 8222
Fax: 020-7486 3355 The bigger picture is even more exciting.
email: info@bridgeshop.com
http://www.bridgeshop.com The European Championships, the qualifying events for the 2017
Editor: World Bridge Championships in Lyon, will be located in the won-
Mark Horton derful City of Budapest.
Assistant Editor:
Christina Lund Madsen The 2016 World Bridge Games take place in Wroclaw, Poland,
Advertising: from 3–17 September at the magnificent Hala Stulecia.
Matthew Read
This 2016 ACBL Nationals are in Reno, Washington & Orlando,
Photographer:
Ron Tacchi three venues that showcase the diverse nature of life across the pond.
Proofreaders: You can add to these high profile events wonderful Festivals all
Danny Roth
Monica Kummel around the world, including those in Juan les Pins, Biarritz, Deau-
Herman De Wael ville & Madeira.
Typesetter:
Ron Tacchi Rest assured that Bridge Magazine Online will bring you news and
BRIDGE Magazine is published views from all around the world.
monthly.
Online Subscriptions:
1 year: £19.95 Winter is Coming
Individual Issue:
£2.00 A Song of the Weather, penned and performed by Michael Flan-
Distributors
CHESS & BRIDGE LTD. ders & Donald Swann begins with the couplets:
44 Baker Street
London W1U 7RT U.K. January brings the snow,
Views expressed in this publication are not
necessarily those of the Editor. Editorial Makes your feet and fingers glow.
contributions will be published at the
Editor’s discretion and may be shortened
February’s ice and sleet
if space is limited.
No parts of this publication may be
Freeze the toes tight off your feet.
reproduced without the prior express
permission of the publishers. All rights
reserved. 2016
One way to banish the winter blues is to get away from it all.
You can warm up by visiting Monaco where the European Bridge
League and the Federation Monegasque de Bridge are hosting the
inaugural European Winter Games from 5-11 February.


The Tournament is sponsored by Pierre Zimmermann and offers substantial cash prizes and he
outlines the format of the tournament in an interview with Alfredo Lima which you can see at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSR0c0Qf52A
The idea behind the event is to recreate a great Teams event in Europe, modelled on the Vander-
bilt, Spingold & Reisinger events from the US Nationals.
The event starts with the Zimmermann Cup, which begins with a three-day Swiss movement, 16
teams qualifying for the Knock-out phase.
The teams who don’t qualify participate in the FMB BAM Trophy where they are joined by those
who do not survive the first two rounds of the KO.
The Winter Games will be played every two years and five editions are already guaranteed, with
at least three of them being in Monaco.
The event will alternate with the Cavendish, and that will be moved from October to February
in 2017.
The tournament has a prize fund of €150,000 and you will find full details at:
http://www.wintergames.bridgemonaco.com/prize-list-2016/
To register for the event go to:
http://www.eurobridge.org/repository/competitions/16monaco/microsite/Participants.htm
Opportunity Knocks
Sally Brock has been appointed as Leader for the Under 25 Women’s Squad and she will be assisted
by Fiona Brown and Bryony Youngs.
The group will train alongside the current U25, U20 and U15 squads, and participants will be
eligible for selection in all relevant categories.
If you would like to apply to join the squad, or want more information, just contact Dawn at
the EBU: dawn@ebu.co.uk.
In This Issue
I 5 Problem Corner — Ron Tacchi & Patrick Jourdain. I 84 Test Your Defence — Julian Pottage
I 6 Return To The Best Exotic Chennai Hotel — The I 86 The Abbot’s Unlucky Draw — David Bird
Editor concludes his report on the 2015 World I 93 Solution to Non-Prize Problem
Bridge Championships
GI 94 This Month’s Video Page
I 28 Book Review — Bob Baker reviews The Rabbi’s
Rules by Mark Horton & Eric Kokish I 95 Solution to Test Your Defence
I 30 Monte Carlo or Bust — The Editor reports on the I 96 Partnership Profile — Mark Horton
Cavendish in Monte Carlo I 104 Marks & Comments — Alan Mould
GI 78 The Rainbow Bridge Club — Alex Adamson &
Harry Smith

 Intermediate
Ron Tacchi and Solution to Prize Problem 310
Patrick Jourdain’s Christmas Present
Problem ♠ A K J 10 8 7
♥ 42
♦ A W
N
E
♠ Q96
♥ A K 10 9 8 5
♦ K7
Corner ♣ QJ85 S ♣ A6
After the following five-card major auction North
sponsored by leads a small trump as is the tradition against a Grand
THE ORION PUBLISHING GROUP Slam. How do you play?
Master Bridge Series West North East South
1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass
2♠ Pass 3♠ Pass
4♦* Pass 4♥* Pass
Non-Prize Problem See Page 93
4♠ Pass 4NT* Pass
South reaches Four Hearts doubled after the auc-
5♦* Pass 7♠ All Pass
tion given:
5♦ 0 or 3 Keycards
Dealer West. Both Vulnerable.
Win in hand and unblock the ace of diamonds. Cross
♠ Q to dummy with a high heart and cash the king of dia-
♥ 52 monds discarding your little heart. Now ruff a heart
♦ A K 10 8 6 3 high. If the hearts are 3-2 you can draw trumps and
♣ J 10 8 5 table your cards, otherwise cross back to dummy
with a smll trump to the nine and ruff another heart
♠ A 10 9 5 4
♥ A Q 10 8 7 6
and again draw trumps and you still have an entry
♦ 5 to dummy with the ace of clubs to cash your now
♣ 6 established hearts. Of course had the hearts split 5-0
you would have failed, but the quality of your trump
West North East South suit allows you to cope with a 4-0 trump break and
1♦* 2♦* Pass 2♥ a 4-1 heart division.
Pass 3♦ Double 3♠ Why a Christmas Present? Well, a deliberately easy
Double 4♥ Double All Pass problem to allow you plenty of time to boil your
1♦ Precision, may be short
2♦ Natural Brussel Sprouts.
West leads ace and another club on which East plays
the king.
Prize Problem 311

Congratulations Desperate Measures
Prize Problem 309. ♠ Q5 N ♠ K J 10 9 7
♥ Q 10 7 6 ♥ 532
A larger entry than normal and Ellen Cherniavsky ♦ AJ 6 5 W E ♦ —
was fortunate enough to have her name drawn from ♣ J 10 6 S ♣ AK 9 7 3
the hat. There were some incorrect attempts mainly
due to not realising the tenace position in the heart West North East South
suit. – 1♦ 1♠ 2♦
Double Pass 3♣ Pass
3NT All Pass
Look for Patrick Jourdain’s Problem Corner, After an excess of Brandy Butter on both yours and
available from Chess & Bridge. your partner’s Christmas Pudding you arrive in an
ambitious contract. North leads the king of hearts
Email your answers to BMProb@vaupillon.com or send and gets a discouraging card from his partner. He
on a postcard to The Editor, Bridge Magazine, 44 Baker now switches to a small diamond to South’s king.
Street, London, W1U 7RT. Entries must be received before How do you propose to make your contract? What
31st January. The first correct solution out of the hat will assumptions are you going to make?
receive £15 of BRIDGE Magazine book vouchers.

 Intermediate
Return to The Best Exotic Chennai Hotel
The Editor concludes his report on the World Bridge Championships in Chennai.
I n the race for the d’Orsi Trophy, the team designated as USA 1 were overwhelming favour-
ites, securing 59% of the votes cast in the Bridgewinners poll, while the level of support for
England, 13%, made them second in the eyes of the public.
Here are some highlights from the Round Robin:
(Bad) Breaking News

When the last deal of the second round d’Orsi Trophy match between Norway and Canada set-
tled on the table, the North Americans led 32-23 IMPs.
Board 32. Dealer West. E/W Vul.
♠ A K Q J 10
♥ K96
♦ 10 7 5
♣ 64
♠ 965 N ♠ 873
♥— ♥ A 10 8 7 2
♦ KQ9643 W E ♦J
♣ 10 7 3 2 S ♣ AQ J 9
♠ 42
♥ QJ543
♦ A82
♣ K85
Open Room
West North East South
Kirr Anderssen Thorpe Marstrander
2♦ 2♠ Pass 3♥
Pass 4♥ All Pass
West led a low club and East took the ace and switched to the jack of diamonds. Declarer won
with the ace and played a heart to the king, East winning with the ace as West pitched a spade.
Declarer won the return of the queen of clubs and played three rounds of spades pitching a dia-
mond. On the next spade East ruffed in with the seven of hearts and declarer overruffed with the
jack, ruffed a club and played a fifth spade. East ruffed with the eight of hearts, but declarer dis-
carded his remaining diamond and East, down to ♥10 2 ♣ J had no good move, as playing the
club would allow declarer to ruff in hand, overruff in dummy and then play a diamond, neutral-
ising East’s trumps, +420.
Have you spotted the winning defence?
After failing to put in the jack of clubs at trick one East must ruff the last spade with the two
of hearts!
If declarer overruffs and plays a diamond, West wins and East will score a trump trick.
Would that be enough to turn the match round?

 Intermediate
Closed Room
Maesel Roche Maesel Rayner
Pass 1♠ 2♥ All Pass
This miserable contract finished four down (it could have been worse) so Norway had to be con-
tent with a single IMP.
Age is no Bar to Excellence
Bridge is one of the sports where age can be an advantage.
In any major event the efforts of the scoring team ensure that it is possible to check the results
on a specific deal at every table.
This was the last deal of Round 3:
♠ A93
♥ K4
♦ A9876
♣ AK4
♠ KJ86 N ♠ Q 10 7 5 4 2
♥ 9752 ♥ A 10 3
♦K W E ♦Q
♣ J976 S ♣ 10 8 2
♠—
♥ QJ86
♦ J 10 5 4 3 2
♣ Q53
You might like to reach 6♦ on the North/South cards – it passes Bob Hamman’s Law on slams –
but how easy is it to achieve?
In the Bermuda Bowl 6♦ was bid five times, the rest of the field reaching 3NT/5♦ (apart from
the unfortunate pair who attempted 6♣).
In the Venice Cup 6♦ was reached three times. Three E/W pairs were allowed to play in 3♠ (one
attempted 4♠ doubled which cost 800) while one N/S pair came to rest in 4♥ – which was allowed
to make. The strangest result was perhaps when N/S played in 2♦ (Brian Senior’s match report in
the Bulletin revealed all), with kudos to the pairs in the matches between Bulgaria and Pakistan &
Egypt and Chile where it was a flat board in 6♦. The remainder of the field played in game.
Here is one of the successful auctions from the Bermuda Bowl match between Bulgaria and Denmark:
Open Room
Houmoller Stamatov Schaffer Danailov
Pass 1♣* 1♠ Double*
3♠* Pass Pass 4♦
Pass 4♠* Pass 6♦
All Pass
1♣ 16+
Dble 6+
4♠ Cue-bid
You will observe that even without the ace of spades, 6♦ will make as long as the trumps divide.

 Intermediate
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource”
their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the
newly-restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find
the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined,
they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin
again when you let go of the past.
One of my favourite lines from the film is delivered by the proprietor of the unfinished hotel:
‘In India we have a saying: “Everything will be alright in the end and if it not alright then it is
not the end.”’
When the teams representing the United States met in Round 5 they were both in a qualifying
position and hoping that at the end of the Round Robin everything would be okay.
Board 3. Dealer South. E/W Vul.
♠ AJ63
♥A
♦ 10 6 3
♣ Q 10 7 4 3
♠ 10 N ♠ KQ8
♥ QJ8754 ♥ K2
♦ AK 9 2 W E ♦ QJ874
♣ J5 S ♣ K82
♠ 97542
♥ 10 9 6 3
♦5
♣ A96
Open Room
Clerkin Rosenberg Clerkin Mahmood
– – – Pass
1♥ Double 2♣ 2♠
3♦ Pass 3NT All Pass
South led the seven of spades and North took the ace and, after due consideration, switched to
the three of clubs. Declarer won the third round of the suit and played a heart to the queen and
ace, North cashing out for two down, -200.
Closed Room
Lair Aker Hamman Simson
– – – Pass
1♥ Double Redouble 2♠
3♥ Pass 4♥ All Pass
North led the three of clubs and South took the ace and switched to the five of diamonds. Declarer
won with the ace and played a heart and North won, laid down the ace of spades and on seeing
a discouraging nine from South , played the three of diamonds, South’s ruff meaning one down,
-100 and 3 IMPs to USA1.

 Intermediate
Board 4. Dealer West. All Vul.
♠ A Q 10 9
♥ J2
♦ J 10 8
♣ A 10 9 8
♠ KJ864 N ♠ 75
♥ A 10 6 5 ♥8
♦ 653 W E ♦ KQ42
♣3 S ♣ KQJ65
♠ 32
♥ KQ9743
♦ A97
♣ 74
Open Room
Pass 1♣ Pass 1♥
1♠ Pass Pass Double
All Pass
North led the jack of diamonds and when declarer put up dummy’s king South followed with the
seven. The king of clubs went to North’s ace and he continued with the eight of diamonds, South
winning with the nine and returning the three of spades, covered by the jack and queen. North
cashed the ace of spades and followed it with the ten. Cut off from dummy declarer could only
win and play a diamond for the king and ace. He took South’s low heart return with the ace and
exited with a trump. As the cards lay, the defenders eventually had to concede a fifth trick, two
down, -500.
Closed Room
Pass 1♦* 2♣ 2♦*
Pass 2♥ All Pass
Declarer lost two hearts, a diamond and a club, +140, 8 IMPs to USA 1.

 Intermediate
Board 5. Dealer North. N/S Vul.
♠ AKQ
♥ A2
♦ Q2
♣ KQJ642
♠ J52 N ♠ 10 8 7 3
♥ KJ953 ♥ Q86
♦ A8 7 W E ♦ J 10 5 4
♣ 98 S ♣ A5
♠ 964
♥ 10 7 4
♦ K963
♣ 10 7 3
Open Room
– 2♣* Pass 2♦*
Pass 2NT Pass 3NT
All Pass
When East led the eight of spades declarer could win and drive out the ace of clubs for an even-
tual +660.
For what it’s worth, a quick canvass found the majority voting for a diamond lead when West
would have the opportunity to win and switch to a heart.
Closed Room
– 1♣ Pass 1♦
1♥ Double 2♥ Pass
Pass 3♣ All Pass
Declarer took ten tricks so USA 1 added another 11 IMPs to lead 22-0.
On Board 6 N/S held ♠AK985 ♥73 ♦- ♣A107642 opposite ♠1043 ♥AK8 ♦K76 ♣KQ53.
Rosenberg -Zia bid 1NT-2♠*-2NT*-3♠-4♣-4♠-4NT*-5♦*-5♠*-6♣ which was basically a
sequence involving a transfer to clubs followed by showing the spades followed by a RKCB ask.
Aker-Simson bid 1NT-2♥*-2♠-2NT-3♦*-3♠-3NT-4♦*-4♥*-6♣. I was about to set off in search
of the players to get a detailed explanation when Barry Rigal suggested it was much more fun to
try and guess, so here goes: After the transfer to spades 2NT showed clubs with 3♦ indicating a
good fit. 4♦ & 4♥ were cue-bids.
Well done by both pairs.

 Intermediate
Board 7. Dealer South. All Vul.
♠ J 10 6
♥ K8543
♦ 10 8
♣ K64
♠Q N ♠ K94
♥ 10 2 ♥ J76
♦ 32 W E ♦ AK Q J 9 7
♣ AQ1098752 S ♣3
♠ A87532
♥ AQ9
♦ 654
♣J
Open Room
– – – 1♠
4♣ All Pass
North led the ten of diamonds and declarer won with the ace and played a club for the jack, queen
and king, North continuing with the jack of spades for the four, ace and queen. I was expecting
South to lay down the ace of hearts at this point, the idea being to play a diamond if North dis-
couraged, but the actual choice of a diamond allowed declarer to win in dummy, pitch a heart
on a spade and then pitch a second heart on a diamond, North’s ruff being the last trick for the
defence, +130.
Closed Room
– – – 1♠
4♣ All Pass
Here North led the jack of spades and South took the ace and continued with the ace and queen
of hearts, one down, -100 and 6 IMPs for USA II.

 Intermediate
Board 9. Dealer North. E/W Vul.
♠ AK9854
♥2
♦ Q7
♣ 9754
♠ J62 N ♠ 10 3
♥ K 10 9 8 ♥ A7 6 5 3
♦ AK 9 2 W E ♦ 85
♣ 83 S ♣ A K J 10
♠ Q7
♥ QJ4
♦ J 10 6 4 3
♣ Q62
Open Room
– 2♠ Double 3♠
4♥ Double Pass 4♠
Double All Pass
East started with the ace, king and jack of clubs and West ruffed, cashed the king of diamonds,
played the king of hearts, cashed the ace of diamonds and played a third diamond. Declarer ruffed
high, and could draw trumps ending in dummy, three down, -500.
Do you see how West might have improved on this?
After ruffing the third round of clubs, West exits with a trump. Declarer wins in hand and ruffs
a club, but when he exits with a red card West can cash three winners and then play a third dia-
mond, promoting East’s ten of spades.
Closed Room
– 1♠ 2♥ Pass
4♥ All Pass
The defenders started with three rounds of spades and South overruffed dummy’s seven of hearts
with the jack and exited with the four of hearts, declarer quickly claiming the rest, +620 and 3
IMPs to USA I when it might have been 5 in the opposite direction.

 Intermediate
♠ Q3
♥ AK643
♦ AKQ4
♣ 74
♠ A 10 8 N ♠ 75
♥ J75 ♥ Q8
♦ 10 9 6 W E ♦ 87532
♣ K963 S ♣ J 10 8 5
♠ KJ9642
♥ 10 9 2
♦J
♣ AQ2
Open Room
Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠
Pass 2♦ Pass 3♥
Pass 4♦ Pass 4♥
All Pass
East led the jack of clubs and declarer won with dummy’s ace, unblocked the jack of diamonds,
came to hand with a trump, pitched two clubs on top diamonds, ruffed a club and played a trump
for eleven tricks, +450.
Closed Room
Pass 1♣* Pass 1♥*
Pass 1♠* Pass 2♠
Pass 4♥ All Pass
1♣ RM Precision, 16+
1♥ 5+♠, 8+ or 11-13 balanced, game-forcing
After the 1♥ response 1NT would ask for controls (show MM with 11-13 BAL). If a spade suit is
shown, North can relay or set spades as trumps. Then shape-showing and low Keycard can apply.
New suits would show unbid suits by steps.
If I had been able to find N/S I would have discovered the meaning of 4♥.
6♠ was reached at a number of tables. If North is declarer, East can lead the jack of clubs, when
there is no winning line.
When South is declarer there is a winning lead – but no defender in the Bermuda Bowl found it.
Can you?
West must lead a low heart.
Declarer wins in dummy and plays the queen of spades, which West must duck. After a second
spade goes to the ace West returns his remaining low heart and declarer cannot unscramble his tricks.
USA 1 took this low-scoring encounter 26-17 IMPs, 12.55-7.45 VP. Both teams would be
hoping to advance to the knock-out phase – if they met in the quarter- or semi-finals I planned
a sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

 Intermediate
Round Robin – Match 21 – Seniors – USA1 v Austria – Board 16
Do as you are asked!
Simon Cochemé spotted a fine piece of play by Michael Rosenberg against Austria on the final
deal of the last match in the round robin:
Board 16. Dealer West. E/W Vul
♠ AKQ4
♥ AJ76
♦ J9
♣ 10 8 5
♠2 N ♠ 9865
♥ K543 ♥ Q 10
♦ 10 5 3 2 W E ♦ Q874
♣ A6 3 2 S ♣ QJ4
♠ J 10 7 3
♥ 982
♦ AK6
♣ K97
Open Room
Stalzer Rosenberg Terraneo Zia
– 1NT Pass 3NT
All Pass
The opening lead was ♥Q. Systemically the lead of the queen asked for the unblock of the jack.
Rosenberg thought the lead strongly rated to be from ♥KQ10 and, worried that he might get a
club or diamond switch if he followed with a small heart, he decided to do as East had requested
and played the ♥J.
Sure enough, East followed up with the ♥10. Rosenberg won and played back a third heart.
He might have been put to the test if West played a diamond now, but as it was he won West’s
spade switch and took two club finesses to wrap up nine tricks.
In the other room, South was held to eight tricks in 3NT. The ♠9 lead was won in dummy
and the ♥9 was run to the ♥10. Now East must switch to the ♣Q and West must duck when the
♣K is played from dummy. Not an easy defence to find, but Bob Hamman did indeed shift to
the ♣Q and Mark Lair did indeed find the duck. Well done! Klukowski (East) and Gawrys also
found this defence for Poland against USA1.
3NT was made eight times and went down five times. The remaining nine declarers went off
in 4♠ or 5♠.
USA1’s victory in the Seniors, by 80 IMPS to 30 (19.16 VP), consolidated their position at the
top of the table (earning them first choice for the quarter-finals) and consigned Austria to ninth
place, one position off qualification.
In the quarter-finals USA1 defeated Norway, USA2 bested Ireland and Sweden eliminated Aus-
tralia. England trailed Poland 108.5-57 after two of the six sets, but fought back well to be only
11.5 behind going in to the last 16 deals. Alas, they lost that one 30-18.
The teams representing the USA had to meet in the semi-final and USA1 gradually asserted
their authority, winning 216.5-169.

 Intermediate
For the superstitious, this was deal number 13 of the second session of the semi-final:
Board 13. Dealer North. All Vul.
♠ Q82
♥ QJ7
♦ J 10 8
♣ A874
♠ A4 3 N ♠ K5
♥ AK 6 4 2 ♥ 985
♦ K7 W E ♦ AQ 6 5 4 3 2
♣ K 10 2 S ♣3
♠ J 10 9 7 6
♥ 10 3
♦9
♣ QJ965
Open Room
Zwerling Rosenberg Tolliver Zia
– Pass 1♦ Pass
1♥ Pass 2♦ Pass
2♠ Pass 3♦ Pass
4♣ Pass 4♦ Pass
4NT* Pass 5♣* Pass
6♦ All Pass
South led the jack of spades and declarer won in hand with the ace, drew trumps, South pitch-
ing two clubs, and played the three of clubs. Zia put up the queen and declarer made the natural
but fatal play of covering with the king. North took the ace and returned the two of spades and
there was no way for declarer to arrive at more than eleven tricks.
The winning play is to duck the queen of clubs.
If South returns a spade, declarer takes dummy’s ace, ruffs a spade and plays trumps, discard-
ing hearts from dummy. The penultimate one sees North, down to ♥QJ7 ♣A8 caught in a trump
squeeze.
In the other room, 3NT scoring +690 gave USA 1 13 IMPs.
6♦ was attempted at only one other table and that was in the Bermuda Bowl:
Open Room
Hurd Upmark Wooldridge Nystrom
– Pass 2♦* Pass
2♥* Pass 4♣* Pass
4♦ Pass 6♦ All Pass
2♦ 5-10 usually a six card suit
2♥ Forcing
4♣ Splinter
An auction to admire.
South led the nine of spades and declarer went wrong immediately by going up with dummy’s

 Intermediate
ace. He drew trumps, South pitching a club and a spade and after a fourth trump, South and
North throwing clubs, he played his club.
South covered with the jack and declarer ducked.
Now it was essential that South play a heart, removing a vital entry from the dummy. When he
played a second spade declarer won with the king, cashed a diamond pitching a spade and then
played another diamond, reducing dummy to ♥AK ♣K10.
North, down to ♥QJ7 ♣A8 was caught.
Pitching a heart allows declarer to cash the ace king and return to hand with a club ruff to cash
a heart, while parting with a club allows the ace of clubs to be ruffed out and there is an entry to
dummy to cash it.
The most beautiful variation in 6♦ arises when South leads a club honour. If declarer covers
with dummy’s king North wins and returns a club (as good as anything). Declarer ruffs and plays
five rounds of trumps to reach this ending:
♠ Q82
♥ QJ7
♦—
♣—
♠ A4 3 N ♠ K5
♥ AK ♥ 985
♦— W E ♦4
♣ 10 S ♣—
♠ J 10 9
♥ 10
♦—
♣ J9
Declarer crosses to the ace of hearts and cashes the king, South discarding a club. Declarer returns
to hand with the king of spades to reach this ending:
♠ Q8
♥Q
♦—
♣—
♠ A4 N ♠5
♥— ♥5
♦— W E ♦4
♣ 10 S ♣—
♠ J 10
♥—
♦—
♣J
When the last trump is played South must part with a spade.
Having done its work the ten of clubs goes from dummy and North must also throw a spade,
allowing declarer to scoop up the last two tricks with the ace and four of spades.
Meanwhile Sweden took an early lead against Poland and maintained until the end, winning
189.7-161.
Sweden started the final with a carry-over advantage of 2.3.

 Intermediate
Board 8. Dealer West. None Vul.
♠ 10 7
♥ Q 10 8 7 6
♦8
♣ Q J 10 7 4
♠ AQ 8 5 4 3 2 N ♠ K9
♥3 ♥ AK J 9 5 4 2
♦ KQJ W E ♦ 10 7
♣ 93 S ♣ 62
♠ J6
♥—
♦ A965432
♣ AK85
Open Room
Sellden Rosenberg Wenneberg Zia
1♠ Pass 2♥ 4♦
4♠ Pass Pass Double
Pass 4NT Pass 5♣
Double All Pass
4♠ would have been two down as long as North leads a heart at some point, but Rosenberg, visu-
alising a heart void in partner’s hand, knew there must be a big fit in clubs.
When West led the three of hearts declarer could ruff, cash the ace of diamonds, ruff a dia-
mond, take the queen of clubs, play a club to hand, ruff a diamond and claim twelve tricks, +650.
Closed Room
Lair Ostberg Hamman Eliasson
1♠ Pass 2♥ 5♦
Double All Pass
South’s unilateral decision gave West an easy option.

Two spades and two diamonds meant -300 and 14 IMPs to the USA, who took the first set
59-17 IMPs.
USA took the second set 57-12 to lead 116.0-31.3.

 Intermediate
Board 4. Dealer West. Both Vul.
♠ K Q 10 8 6
♥ 643
♦ 54
♣ Q82
♠3 N ♠ A7 2
♥ A9 8 ♥ J 10 2
♦ KJ96 W E ♦ A 10 7 3 2
♣ A 10 7 6 4 S ♣ KJ
♠ J954
♥ KQ75
♦ Q8
♣ 953
Open Room
Bjerregard Hamman Morath Lair
1♦* Pass 2♦* Pass
2♠* Pass 3♠* Pass
4♣* Pass 5♦ All Pass
1♦ 11-16, not balanced, may have longer clubs
2♦ 10+
2♠ Splinter
3♠ Cue-bid
4♣ Cue-bid
East’s jump to 5♦ was precipitous. Had he marked time with 4♦ West would have been able to bid 4♥.
Declarer took all the tricks, +540.
Closed Room
Zia Wenneberg Rosenberg Sellden
1♣* 1♠ 2♦* 3♠
4♠* Pass 4NT* Pass
5♦* Pass 5♥* Pass
5♠* Pass 6♦ All Pass
1♣ 3+♣
2♦ Forcing
4♠ Splinter
4NT RKCB
5♦ 3 key cards
5♥ Do you have the ♦Q?
5♠ No
South led the five of spades and declarer won with the ace, crossed to the king of diamonds and
ran the jack to South’s queen. Declarer won the return of the king of hearts with dummy’s ace
and played a club to the jack, soon claiming +1370 and 12 IMPs, USA taking the third set 43-19.
If the final had been a boxing match, the referee would have stopped the contest to save Sweden from
further punishment, as they trailed by 108.7 IMPs at the halfway mark, eventually losing 126.3-263.

 Intermediate
USA1 — Hemant Lall, Reese Milner, Michael Rosenberg, Petra Hamman(npc)

Mahmood Zia, Bob Hamman, Mark Lair & Jacek Pszczola (coach)
There was a terrific entry for the Transnational championship, which attracted 135 teams and gen-
erated a great deal of interest, not least because of the participation of Boye Brogeland.
India’s T.C. Pant reported a number of interesting deals.
Round 2, Board 18. Dealer East, N/S Vul.
♠ AKJ7
♥ A842
♦ Q984
♣4
♠ 9432 N ♠ 65
♥ K 10 7 6 ♥ J95
♦ J 10 7 2 W E ♦ 63
♣3 S ♣ AK Q J 8 6
♠ Q 10 8
♥ Q3
♦ AK5
♣ 10 9 7 5 2
It was an interesting deal, where if South plays in 3NT, and West leads ♣3, East cannot cash all
the 4 top clubs as that will give the ninth trick to the ♣10.
After cashing three clubs, forcing dummy to pitch two hearts, East must switch to a heart.
A heart or diamond lead from West immediately gives away the contract.
On a spade lead, declarer can take four tricks in the suit, discarding ♥3, and play ♣4. Now,
East can only cash three clubs when West is left with four diamonds (he cannot throw a diamond,
otherwise dummy’s fourth diamond becomes the ninth trick) and two hearts. When East plays
a heart and it is the jack, declarer can take the king with dummy’s ace and hope to endplay West
with the ♥10. He is now forced to lead a diamond, but as long as it is a low one declarer is doomed.

 Intermediate
Round 5, Board 14. Dealer East. None Vul.
♠ Q852
♥ AKQ
♦ K92
♣ AKQ
♠ A9 3 N ♠ J64
♥ J9765 ♥8
♦ Q3 W E ♦ 10 8 6 5 4
♣ 10 7 5 S ♣ J864
♠ K 10 7
♥ 10 4 3 2
♦ AJ7
♣ 932
– – Pass Pass
Pass 1♣* Pass 1NT
Pass 2♣* Pass 2♥
Pass 2♠ Pass 3NT
Pass 6NT All Pass
North’s 1♣ was Precision (17+ HCP) and though South was a passed hand, once he bid 1NT,
North eventually bid 6NT (an invitational 4NT would have been better).
West led a passive ♣7, and declarer could see three hearts, three clubs, and two diamonds in
top tricks. If the ♥J fell, declarer would have four heart tricks, bringing his total to nine, so he
would need three spade tricks to get to 12.
Hence he correctly played low spade to the 10, and when that worked and spades broke 3-3,
suddenly he could see hope. He cleared all the suits and found that the hearts did not break
favorably. With three cards left, he had to now correctly guess the ♦Q position. He calculated
that East had more diamonds than West (five with East, two for West), so he played the ♦K and
a low diamond to the jack. Alas, the finesse failed and the contract went two down, when West
cashed the last heart as well.
The deal of day two was surely Board 4 of Round Seven.
Team Zimmermann - Winners of Transnational Teams

 Intermediate
♠ 965
♥ 10
♦ 9632
♣ J7642
♠ 10 8 4 N ♠ A7
♥ AK 9 5 4 2 ♥ QJ8
♦J W E ♦ AK 8 4
♣ A 10 9 S ♣ KQ53
♠ KQJ32
♥ 763
♦ Q 10 7 5
♣8
1♥ Pass 2NT* 3♠
Pass 4♠ 4NT* Pass
5♣* Pass 5NT* Pass
7♥ * Pass 7NT All Pass
2NT Forcing heart raise
4NT RKCB
5♣ 3 key cards
5NT King ask
West judged that his sixth heart was worth the king he didn’t have.
A few E/W pairs bid 7♥ and managed all 13 tricks by taking the right view in clubs. Three
pairs bid 7NT and made it.
At table 1, where Zimmermann played against Germany, Zimmermann’s E/W pair bid and
made 7♥. The German E/W got to 7NT as shown.
South led the ♠K and declarer won with the ace, played the ♥Q and ♥J and then three more
rounds of hearts. He now played the ♣K and ♣Q noting the club distribution. Next he entered
dummy with ♣A. This was the four-card end position:
♠—
♥—
♦ 963
♣J
♠ 10 8 N ♠—
♥2 ♥—
♦J W E ♦ AK 8
♣— S ♣5
♠K
♥—
♦ Q 10 7
♣—
When the last heart was led from dummy, North was forced to discard a diamond or East’s ♣5 would
be good. Declarer discarded the ♣5 and now it was the turn of South to feel the pressure. If South
pitched the ♠K, dummy’s 10 would be good, so he had to let go of a diamond. Declarer then played
the ♦J to the ace. The ♦K picked up the last two diamonds, making the ♦8 good for the 13th trick.

 Intermediate
Diamonds are Forever
Herman De Wael was in the right place to report this deal:
Someone came into the Bulletin office and told Mark Horton about a hand he had played in
the Transnationals. Before he started, he obtained an irrevocable undertaking that he would not
publish the hand. Mark promised, and as he is a man of his word, he does not write about it. I
however, made no such promise and so here is the story (and I respectfully omit the names of
the players).
The main protagonist of this story was looking at ♠AK32 ♥95 ♦9874 ♣876, vulnerable against
not, in second seat on the eighth board of a 10-board match. His right-hand opponent opened
1♣, Polish. He wanted to muddy the waters and overcalled 1♠. Left hand doubled, and partner
bid 2♦. Right hand also doubled, and he decided to raise partner to 3♦. Another double and
partner upped the ante once again: 4♦. Right hand passed, and so did our man. Left hand dou-
bled, and now partner bid 4♠, again doubled. What the **** was happening here? Some people
might suggest running to 5♦, but not so our friend.
Minus 800 was still the final outcome, because this was the full deal
Board 28. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
♠ AK32
♥ 95
♦ 9874
♣ 876
♠ 97 N ♠ J854
♥ K86 ♥ A Q 10 7
♦ A Q 10 6 5 2 W E ♦ K3
♣ K5 S ♣ J42
♠ Q 10 6
♥ J432
♦J
♣ A Q 10 9 3
1♦ 1♠ Double 2♦
Double 3♦ Double 4♦
Pass Pass Double 4♠
Double All Pass
Yes, you saw correctly, the opening bid was 1♦, not 1♣. North thought he had seen 1♣, and when
the tray appeared in the second round, the double was obscuring the first bid, so he never recov-
ered. East’s first double was negative, and South showed a good three-card spade raise.
West’s double showed extra diamonds, but of course North never realised that, and he raised
diamonds that he thought were partner’s. South interpreted this as a strong spade suit and showed
another control, hoping to hear a heart control. He was very surprised to see it run around and
relieved to get another chance. East had by chance taken the correct action, turning 700 into 800.
Which just goes to show that there’s always an explanation for every auction.

 Intermediate
The Transnational Qualifier
Patrick Jourdain reported on the most exciting of the qualifying rounds:
Round 12 of the Transnational Qualifier contained an amazing five potential slam deals with
two of considerable interest and one worth a mention.
Consider Board 23 for both bidding and play. These were the East-West cards:
Dealer South. Both Vul
♠ Q J 10 8 4 N ♠ AK 3 2
♥ AJ 9 7 6 ♥ Q 10 8 3
♦ Q J 10 W E ♦ A5
♣— S ♣ Q62
Lewis Jourdain
– – – Pass
1♠ 2♣ 3♣* 3♦
3♥ Pass 4♦* 5♣
5♥ Pass 6♥ All Pass
3♣ Raise to at least 3♠
4♦ Cue-bid
Despite having agreed spades initially I offered hearts as trumps for the slam as it was clear the
diamond loser could go on the fifth spade. If partner had four good hearts that suit might pro-
vide an extra trick. Even with 5-5 hearts did prove a better spot than spades.
Superficially the slam is one of two finesses but South’s 3♦ bid suggests that finesse is losing.
However, when North led a top club declarer Marshall Lewis realised the slam was virtually cold
by using a dummy reversal.
He ruffed the club with the jack of hearts and led the six at trick two. Dummy has the entries
to ruff all three clubs, draw trumps, and later discard the diamond on the fifth spade.
It was a shock when North showed out on the first trump. Suddenly dummy’s trumps didn’t
look quite good enough and Lewis was forced to play low. South might have held up but actually
won the king and played a second trump.
Lewis was back in business. He won in dummy, and ruffed the second club. Dummy’s two
aces should provide the two entries to ruff the third club and draw trumps. But when he tried
to cross to the ace of spades South ruffed and led a third trump. The “solid” slam was two down
with the 4-0 breaks in both majors.
These were the North-South cards:
♠ 9765
♥—
♦ 873
♣ A K J 10 9 7
♠—
♥ K542
♦ K9642
♣ 8543
Note South’s lead-directional 3♦ bid. However, had North led a diamond, the slam is easy. Declarer
can happily draw trumps using the finesse and set up diamonds for 12 tricks. The same applies if
you choose Six Spades. It is easy on a diamond lead and impossible on the forcing top club lead.

 Intermediate
(If West is in 6♠ he can ruff a club lead and lay down the ♠Q. He crosses to dummy with a spade,
ruffs a club, cashes the ♠J, crosses to the ♦A, draws the outstanding trump and runs the queen of hearts
for twelve tricks. Editor.)
Three boards later, I faced a poorer prospect of Six Hearts as East on these cards:
♠ K53 N ♠ AJ 8
♥ A8 7 6 5 4 ♥ KQJ
♦ A 10 4 W E ♦ Q963
♣Q S ♣ A 10 4
Not particularly good but the lead from South was the ♠2. That improved matters considerably.
If trumps are breaking, you can eliminate clubs on the way to drawing trumps, cashing the spades
and guaranteeing the slam with a diamond to the ten.
That plan died when the spades proved to be 7-0 and North ruffed the opening lead and made
a diamond later.
Three boards later along came the best of the slams, which I present as a play problem in Six
Hearts on a diamond lead from North:
Board 29 Dealer North. Both Vul.
♠ 42 N ♠K
♥ K Q J 10 9 2 ♥ A8 3
♦ A5 2 W E ♦ KJ763
♣ AQ S ♣ K 10 9 3
Many pairs reached 6♥.
This was perhaps the most entertaining auction:
Helgemo Helness
– 2♠ Double 4NT*
Double 5♦* Pass 5♠
6♥ All Pass
4NT RKCB
5♦ 0 key cards
North leads the ten of diamonds.
More than one declarer won the opening lead in hand and drew a round of trumps, both defend-
ers following. They then played a spade, intending to ruff a spade for the twelfth trick.
This was the full deal:
♠ Q J 10 9 7 6
♥ 654
♦ 10
♣ 872
♠ 42 N ♠K
♥ K Q J 10 9 2 ♥ A8 3
♦ A5 2 W E ♦ KJ763
♣ AQ S ♣ K 10 9 3
♠ A853
♥7
♦ Q984
♣ J654
 Intermediate
South unexpectedly produced the ace and led a diamond for North to ruff.
There are two winning lines and as Helgemo knew that the ace of spades was with South, it
was not too difficult to find one of them.
After drawing two rounds of trumps, he unblocked the clubs, crossed to dummy with a heart,
cashed the king of clubs and ruffed a club. He then played off all his trumps, the last of which
saw South down to ♠A8 ♦Q9. If a spade is discarded South is thrown in with the ace of spades
to lead into the diamond tenace.
The other is to simply play off all your trumps reducing dummy to ♠K ♦K ♣K1093. (It’s not
essential to keep the ♠K.)
South will have been forced down to ♠A ♦Q ♣J654 and after unblocking the clubs declarer
crosses to dummy with a diamond and throws South in with a spade to lead into the club tenace.
I prefer the first line as it caters for North having started with ♣Jxx.
A final point – if North has the ace of spades it is still easy to make the contract. Cash all your
hearts reducing dummy to ♦KJ ♣K1093. Unblock the ♣AQ and play two rounds of diamonds
to endplay South.
The red-hot favourites for the title were the team from Monaco.
The powerful Polish team Buras finished ahead of them in the qualifying rounds, but thereaf-
ter team Zimmermann went on the rampage.
They defeated China Red 165-117 in the round of 16, demolished Germany 132-26 in the
quarter-final, thrashed YBM 125-28 in the semi-final to set up a final against Bulgaria’s Bermuda
Bowl squad.
They took the first set 47-39.
Board 18. Dealer East. N/S Vul.
♠ AQ72
♥ 743
♦ J 10 8 4
♣ A2
♠ 84 N ♠ 10 9 6 5
♥ K86 ♥ J92
♦ K97 W E ♦ AQ
♣ J 10 9 5 4 S ♣ 8743
♠ KJ3
♥ A Q 10 5
♦ 6532
♣ KQ
Open Room
Helgemo Nanev Helness Gunev
– – Pass 1♦
Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT
Pass 2♦* Pass 3♠
Pass 4♠ All Pass
2♦ Game-forcing
East led the three of clubs and declarer could not avoid the loss of four tricks, -100.

 Intermediate
Closed Room
Mihov Zimmermann Stefanov Multon
– – Pass 1NT
Pass 3NT All Pass
West led the jack of clubs and declarer won in dummy and played a heart to the ten and king.
With hearts breaking there were nine tricks, +600 and 12 IMPs.
♠ 10 9 7 4 3
♥ 765
♦ J5
♣ A94
♠ J52 N ♠ AQ 6
♥ A 10 9 4 ♥ J3
♦ A 10 8 4 W E ♦ K92
♣ KJ S ♣ 87532
♠ K8
♥ KQ82
♦ Q763
♣ Q 10 6
Open Room
– – – 1♦
Double 1♥ 2NT Pass
3NT All Pass
South led the two of hearts (nothing is better) and this Meckwellian game was unbeatable.
Declarer won with the jack and returned a heart for the king and ace. South took the next heart
as declarer discarded a spade and switched to the six of clubs for the jack and ace. The return of the
nine of clubs went to dummy’s king and declarer played a spade to the ace and a club, claiming +600.
Closed Room
– – – 1NT*
Pass 2♥* Pass 2♠
All Pass
1NT 12-14
2♥ Transfer
West led the five of spades and East took the ace and switched to the jack of hearts, for the queen
and ace. Declarer won the heart continuation and played a third heart, West winning as East pitched
the nine of diamonds. East ruffed the next heart as declarer pitched a diamond from dummy.
That was the fourth trick for the defenders and they still had a spade a diamond and club to
come, two down, -100 but 11 IMPs to Zimmermann.

 Intermediate
♠7
♥J
♦ Q 10 7 6 3
♣ AKQJ53
♠ J83 N ♠ A Q 10 6 5
♥ 86432 ♥ Q 10 9
♦ A8 W E ♦ KJ94
♣ 864 S ♣9
♠ K942
♥ AK75
♦ 52
♣ 10 7 2
Open Room
Pass 2♣* 2♠ Double*
3♠ 4♦ Pass 5♣
All Pass
2♣ 6+♣ or 5♣ and a four-card major
East led the ace of spades and continued with the five. Declarer could not avoid the loss of two
diamonds, -50.
Closed Room
Pass 1♣ 1♠ Double*
2♠ 3♦ Pass 3NT
All Pass
East led the eight of spades and when West won with the ace declarer claimed nine tricks, +400
and 10 IMPs.
Zimmermann won the set 55-13 and although they lost the last one 39-23 they ran out com-
fortable winners, 125-91.

 Intermediate
Book Reviews Bob Baker

The Rabbi’s Rules
Mark Horton and Eric Kokish
£10.99 from MasterPoint Press
S ome of you may have heard of the Rabbi, Leonard Helman, and perhaps you have heard
also of the “Rabbi’s Rule”: “When the king is offside and singleton declarer must play the
ace to drop the king”. In fact this particular “Rule” is attributed to Milton Shattner, a
New York player known as “The Rabbi”, but in the course of this book we are introduced to
many other “Rabbi’s Rules”.
The Rabbi describes himself as an average-plus player, although the results that he has achieved
in major events, albeit with strong partners (frequently one of the authors), suggests that this is
unduly modest. His play of some of the hands here is certainly of a high standard, as the follow-
ing deal illustrates:
Dealer: South. N/S Vul.
♠ QJ7
♥ A932
♦ A8
♣ 9432
♠ 5432 N ♠ K82
♥— ♥ K Q 10 8 4
♦ Q 10 9 W E ♦ 652
♣ K Q J 10 8 5 S ♣ 76
♠ A54
♥ J765
♦ KJ743
♣A
– – – 1♦
2♣ Double Pass 2♥
Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥
Pass Pass Double All Pass
Opening lead: ♣K
The Rabbi was sitting South – East, who was nameless and facing a partner who had overcalled,
must (as it says in the text) have thought Christmas had arrived early.
Having won ♣A, declarer led a diamond to the ace and ruffed a club. The ♦K was followed
by a diamond ruff and ♠Q, covered by the king and ace, and now declarer played a winning dia-
mond, discarding a spade from dummy. East ruffed and played ♥K – declarer won in dummy
and played a club. It would not help East to ruff so he discarded a spade – declarer ruffed and
crossed to dummy with ♠J, his ninth trick. Now a club from dummy allowed declarer to score
his ♥J en passant, and with it the doubled game. A good illustration of the Rabbi’s Rule 2: Listen

 Intermediate
to the bidding.
There are twenty Rabbi’s Rules in all, and each one is illustrated by example hands. Two rules
which go well together are numbers nine and ten regarding the jump to five of the trump suit:
Rule 9 – In a sequence with no opposition bidding where you have bid three suits, a jump to
five of the trump suit asks for a control in the unbid suit
Rule 10 – When you have bid all the suits, a jump to five of the trump suit asks for good trumps.
I suppose in a way this is common sense, but certainly setting these agreements out in “rules”
clarifies what may be, for some players, a murky area.
Many of the rules are fairly straightforward, but the average player who takes notice of them
will soon notice an improvement in their game. Simple advice such as “Rule 6 – When a hand
looks easy, it is a good idea to ask yourself what can possibly go wrong” is something that strong
players always consider but average players usually disregard.
There is a lot of good bridge throughout (and some very amusing moments – the authors are
not afraid to describe hands where things went wrong) and the style is very easy to read, and I
enjoyed this book.
MASTER POINT PRESSthe bridge publisher

What’s Your Line?
100 Instructive Bridge Problems
An Honors Book
by David Bird
This collection of 100 problems features instructive deals that have
appeared in David Bird’s bridge columns over the past few years.
The author has aimed to present problems that will give you a good
chance of finding the solution. They illustrate a wide range of card-play
techniques.
Each problem is presented in two-hand format on a righthand page,

with the solution and full deal overleaf. In addition, you will find a large
number of ‘Bidding Tips’ and ‘Points to Remember’.

DISCUSS
DISCUSSTODAY’S
TODAY’SBRIDGE
BRIDGEISSUES
ISSUESON
ONWWW.BRIDGEBLOGGING.COM
WWW.BRIDGEBLOGGING.COM

 Intermediate
Monte Carlo or Bust
The Editor reports on the latest edition of the richest event in the calendar, the Monaco
Cavendish.
J ust as in the film that provides the title to this report, competitors from all over the world
travelled to Monaco to compete for some of the biggest prizes in bridge.
Some of them warmed up by competing in the Patton Teams.
Coincidence
There are many reasons why one chooses to report a particular match. In this case my eye was
drawn to the quarter-final between Ireland and a strong French team – not least because the latter
had adopted the name ‘Badminton’ and the Badminton Horse Trials (a three-day event, one of
only six annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Four Star **** events as classified by the
Fédération Équestre Internationale) is staged each year just a few miles from my home in England.
If one were rating bridge events then the Cavendish would be sure to be awarded ***** status.
On the opening deal E/W held ♠A10 ♥QJ106 ♦QJ10984 ♣2 opposite ♠KJ2 ♥A5 ♦AK752
♣987. When North opened 1♣ on ♠9653 ♥K742 ♦- ♣AQJ43 East overcalled 1♦. Neither West
considered their hand to be worth a splinter in clubs, so there was never a chance of the slam
that was on a finesse through the opening bidder being reached, both pairs recording +420 in 5♦.
♠ 98543
♥ QJ73
♦—
♣ QJ86
♠ K76 N ♠ J 10
♥ 10 5 ♥ AK 4 2
♦ Q87653 W E ♦ K10 9
♣ 74 S ♣ 10 5 3 2
♠ AQ2
♥ 986
♦ AJ42
♣ AK9
Open Room
McGann Robert Hanlon Francesche
– – 1♣* 1NT
Pass 2♣* Pass 2♦*
Pass 2♠ Pass 4♠
All Pass
1♣ 11(10+)-13 HCP balanced or 17+ any (not 20-22 balanced)

 Intermediate
East led the ace of hearts for the six, ten and three and ♠ 98543
switched to the five of clubs, declarer winning with the ♥ QJ73
queen and playing a spade to the queen and king. Back ♦ —
♣ QJ86
came the five of hearts and East won and returned a heart ♠ K 7 6 ♠ J 10
for West to ruff, -100. N
♥ 10 5 ♥ AK 4 2
♦ Q87653 W E ♦ K10 9
Closed Room ♣ 74 S ♣ 10 5 3 2
West North East South ♠ AQ2
♥ 986
De Teissiere Carroll Lhuissier Moran ♦ AJ42
– – 1NT* Double* ♣ AK9
2♦* 4♦* Double Pass
5♦ Double All Pass
1NT has the appearance of a mini. Despite the risk that South might hold wasted values in dia-
monds North insisted on game and East’s support-showing double was enough for West to take
the phantom sacrifice.
North led the eight of spades and South took the ace, cashed the king and ace of clubs and
exited with a club. Declarer ruffed and played a diamond to the king, South taking the ace and
exiting with a spade. Declarer won with the king, ruffed a spade, ruffed a club, crossed to the ace
of hearts, ran the ten of diamonds and played the king of hearts and a heart, picking up South’s
trumps, still two down, -300 and 9 IMPs for Ireland.
♠ K73
♥ J73
♦ Q743
♣ J 10 3
♠ J 10 9 2 N ♠ Q854
♥ 952 ♥ A K Q 10 4
♦ K5 W E ♦ J 10
♣ KQ98 S ♣ 54
♠ A6
♥ 86
♦ A9862
♣ A762
Open Room
McGann Robert Hanlon Franceschetti
Pass Pass 1♥ Pass
2♣* Pass 2♦* Pass
2♥ All Pass
That looks like a Drury auction to me.

South found the lead of the two of diamonds and when the unsuspecting declarer played dum-
my’s five North won with the queen and switched to the three of spades. South won with the
ace, cashed the ace of diamonds and returned the six of spades. North won with the king and
returned the three.
Unfortunately it was the three of clubs and declarer was home free, +110.

 Intermediate
Closed Room
De Teissiere Carroll Lhuissier Moran
Pass Pass 1♥ Pass
2♥ All Pass
South led the ace of spades and continued with the six, North winning and returning the three
for South to ruff. He switched to the six of diamonds, but declarer put up dummy’s king and was
home, no swing.
Board 6. Dealer East. E/W Vul.
♠ Q9872
♥2
♦ J5
♣ KQJ42
♠ A3 N ♠ K 10 6 5
♥ A K Q 10 8 5 ♥ 9763
♦ Q7 W E ♦ 942
♣ 10 7 5 S ♣ 96
♠ J4
♥ J4
♦ A K 10 8 6 3
♣ A83
Open Room
– – Pass 1♦
2♥* Double 3♥ Pass
Pass 3♠ Pass 4♦
All Pass
2♥ Intermediate jump overcall
West led the king of hearts for the two, seven and four and switched to the ace of spades and a spade.
Declarer dropped the jack on the first round so East could win with the ten and continue with the six,
a neat trump promotion. Declarer ruffed with the ten, but West’s queen was the setting trick, +50.
Closed Room
De Teissiere Carroll Lhuissier Moran
– – Pass 1NT*
2♦* 3♥* Pass 4♥
Pass 4♠ Pass 5♣
All Pass
This auction looks like an exam question: please explain the meaning in less than 100 words.
We can assume 1NT was weak and that 2♦ was Multilandy or a Texas transfer to hearts. 3♥
looks like it was intended to show spades, but given how the auction continued perhaps it was
more subtle than that.

 Intermediate
West led the ace of hearts and East followed with the nine. That was surely intended to show
something good in spades, but the message was lost in translation as West continued with the
king of hearts. Declarer ruffed, cashed the king and jack of clubs, and played the top diamonds.
When the queen appeared he could draw the outstanding trump and claim, +400 and 10 IMPs.
On the last deal of the set this was the layout:
♠ AJ4
♥ 542
♦ 985
♣ AJ87
♠ 97 N ♠ K Q 10 8 6 5 2
♥ A Q J 10 6 ♥—
♦ KJ62 W E ♦ Q 10 7 4 3
♣ Q 10 S ♣5
♠3
♥ K9873
♦A
♣ K96432
Open Room
1♥ Pass 1♠ 2♣
2♦ 2♠* 4♠ All Pass
2♠ Good raise in clubs
South led the ace of diamonds, and declarer dropped the queen.
When South switched to the three of clubs declarer played dummy’s queen and North won with
the ace. When North continued with the jack of clubs declarer was in with a shout. He ruffed
and played the queen of spades, which held the trick.
Declarer was at the crossroads – should he play for spades to be 2-2 or 3-1?
Eventually he played the king of spades and was one down.
It proved to be a flat board – I cannot tell you why as connection to the Closed room was lost.
Ireland had pitched a shutout to lead 19-0.

 Intermediate
Board 5. Dealer North. N/S Vul.
♠ A85432
♥ 73
♦ A4
♣ A 10 7
♠ J 10 9 N ♠7
♥ K98642 ♥ Q J 10 5
♦ J 10 2 W E ♦ Q83
♣K S ♣ J9652
♠ KQ6
♥A
♦ K9765
♣ Q843
Open Room
Boland Robert Carroll Franceschetti
– 1♠ Pass 2♣*
Pass 4NT* Pass 5♠*
Pass 5NT* Pass 6♦*
Pass 6♠ All Pass
2♣ Game-forcing
2♥ Transfer to spades
4NT RKCB
5♠ 2 keys +♠Q
6♦ ♦K
East led the queen of hearts and declarer won perforce with dummy’s ace and played a club for
the king (delightful) and ace. After ruffing a heart declarer unblocked the spades, came to hand
with a diamond, drew the outstanding trump and played two more rounds of diamonds, claim-
ing +1460 when they divided.
Closed Room
De Teissiere Hanlon Lhuissier McGann
– 1♠ Pass 2♥*
Pass 3♠* Pass 4♠
All Pass
2♥ 3 card ♠ support 10-12 or 13+ GF with three-card support
Whatever the precise meaning of 3♠ it was not enough for South to bid on.
The play went along similar lines and Badminton had recovered 13 IMPs.
On Board 7 N/S held ♠AJ987 ♥AJ9 ♦AJ754 ♣- facing ♠K1052 ♥Q1072 ♦K ♣K974 and
with spades 2-2 and the queen of diamonds tripleton it was easy to score 12 tricks.
The French pair in the Open Room were right on the money – but the Irish matched them to
advance to the semi-finals.

 Intermediate
Bidding Wars
Lavazza overwhelmed Ireland in their Patton semi-final, mainly because they won too many of
the bidding battles.
♠ Q73
♥ AK
♦ 10 5 3
♣ AQ743
♠ 942 N ♠ K J 10 8 6
♥ 10 9 7 5 4 ♥ Q3
♦ QJ94 W E ♦ AK 6
♣2 S ♣ 965
♠ A5
♥ J8642
♦ 872
♣ K J 10 8
Open Room
McGann Bilde Hanlon Duboin
– – 1♠ Pass
2♠ All Pass
South led the two of diamonds and declarer won with the ace and played a club, North winning
with the queen and switching to the three of spades. When declarer played the jack South won
with the ace and returned a spade. Declarer won, ruffed a club, came to hand with a diamond
and drew the outstanding trump, +140.
For my money South might have re-opened with a double, when North would almost certainly
have tried his luck in 3NT.
Closed Room
Madala Carroll Bocchi Moran
– – 1♠ Pass
2♠ 2NT* Pass 3♠*
Pass 3NT All Pass
On my screen 2NT was alerted as showing clubs, so 3♠ may have been showing a good raise with
game interest.
The defenders could cash four diamonds, but with the queen of hearts falling declarer had the
rest along with 12 IMPs.

 Intermediate
♠ Q6
♥A
♦ AK7
♣ A Q J 10 6 5 3
♠ AK 8 5 N ♠ J73
♥ J974 ♥ KQ863
♦ 10 8 3 W E ♦ Q965
♣ 94 S ♣2
♠ 10 9 4 2
♥ 10 5 2
♦ J42
♣ K87
Open Room
– – – Pass
Pass 1♣* 1♥ Pass
2NT* Double Pass 3♣
3♥ 3NT Pass Pass
Double 4♣ All Pass
1♣ Balanced or natural
2NT Heart support
When West doubled 3NT North decided that discretion was the better part of valour and ran to 4♣.
East led the king of hearts and declarer claimed, +130.
Closed Room
– – – Pass
Pass 1♣ 1♥ Pass
2NT* 5♣ All Pass
East led the king of hearts and declarer won with the ace and played the six of spades to the nine
and king. West switched to the eight of diamonds and declarer won with the ace and played the
queen of spades, West winning and continuing with the three of diamonds. Declarer won, cashed
the ace of clubs, overtook the queen with the king and ruffed a spade, felling the jack. The eight
of clubs was the entry to the ten of spades and away went the losing diamond, +400 and 7 IMPs
to Ireland.
You will have realised that the winning defence is for East to lead his trump at trick one, remov-
ing a vital entry to dummy.

 Intermediate
♠ 765
♥ 752
♦ 976
♣ K942
♠ AK 8 N ♠ Q2
♥ KQ83 ♥ A9 6 4
♦ QJ8 W E ♦ A 10 5 4
♣ J86 S ♣ AQ 3
♠ J 10 9 4 3
♥ J 10
♦ K32
♣ 10 7 5
Open Room
– – 1NT* Pass
3NT All Pass
1NT 14-16, 5M, 6m or 5/4 minors
South led the jack of spades and declarer won with dummy’s ace and ran the queen of diamonds.
The good news was that it lost to South’s king.
The bad news came soon afterwards when the club finesse worked and the hearts broke, +690.
Closed Room
– – 1NT Pass
2♣* Pass 2♥ Pass
2♠* Pass 3♣* Pass
6♥ All Pass
1NT 15-17
2♣ Stayman
2♠ Asking for strength, min-max
3♣ Not minimum
Declarer won the spade lead in hand, cashed the ace of hearts and must have been relieved when
South followed to the next round. The defenders scored the king of diamonds, but declarer had
the rest, +1430 and 12 IMPs to Lavazza, who led 33-10 at half-time and doubled their score in
a one-sided second half.
Ireland had one chance to recover some ground but fluffed their lines:

 Intermediate
♠ K 10 4 3
♥ K5
♦ K843
♣ 10 6 3
♠ AQ J 5 N ♠8
♥ A8 7 3 ♥ 10 2
♦ A2 W E ♦ J965
♣ 854 S ♣ AK Q 9 7 2
♠ 9762
♥ QJ964
♦ Q 10 7
♣J
Open Room
Boland Bocchi Carroll Di Franco
– – 1♣ 1♥
Double* Pass 2♣ Pass
2♥* Pass 3♣ Pass
4NT* Pass 5♠* Pass
6♣ All Pass
4NT RKCB
5♠ 2 keys +♣Q
South led the queen of hearts and declarer won, came to hand with a club and took a spade finesse.
North pounced with the king, cashed the king of hearts and waited for a diamond trick, -200.
How unlucky for declarer that the ruffing finesse in spades would have enabled him to dispose
of his losing heart, and then, as the cards lie he cannot be defeated, as the defenders can only pre-
vent two diamond ruffs in dummy by giving up a second diamond trick.
Closed Room
Duboin Hanlon Bilde McGann
– – 1♣ 1♥
Double* Redouble 2♣ Pass
2♥* Double 3♣ Pass
4♣ All Pass
West must have thought that 4♣ was forcing – but the gods were smiling.
Declarer won the heart lead, cashed the ace of spades and played the queen, covered by the
king and ruffed. A diamond to the ace enabled declarer to pitch a heart on the jack of spades and
he ruffed a spade and cashed the ace of clubs. When the jack fell he exited with a diamond and
the defenders were stuck; if North overtook South’s ten to play a trump declarer would win and
ruff a diamond, establishing the jack.
That was +170 and 9 IMPs.

 Intermediate
Suicide is Painless
The theme song from the movie and the TV series M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless) was written
by Johnny Mandel (music) and Mike Altman (lyrics).
With a very minor amendment it goes like this:
The game of bridge is hard to play
I’m gonna lose it anyway
The losing card I’ll someday lay
so this is all I have to say.
Cause suicide is painless
it brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
...and you can do the same thing if you please.
On this deal from the final of the Patton North tried to commit suicide, but found it proved to
be a surreal experience.
♠ AQ6
♥ Q 10 9 6
♦ 864
♣ KJ8
♠ 10 7 3 N ♠ KJ54
♥ A2 ♥ J854
♦ 10 7 5 3 2 W E ♦ AK 9
♣ A Q 10 S ♣ 72
♠ 982
♥ K73
♦ QJ
♣ 96543
In the Open Room East opened 1♣ and passed West’s response of 1NT, declarer emerging with
eight tricks, +120.
Closed Room
Madala Cieslak Bocchi Filipowicz
– – 1NT* Pass
Pass Double Pass 2♣
Pass Pass Double* Pass
Pass Redouble* All Pass
1NT 12-14 (10-13)
Double Takeout
Rdbl Hopeful
It can work well to double a weak no-trump with the type of hand North held here, but this was
not the moment.
West elected to start with the ace hearts – as it happens this is not the moment to play for ruffs
and a spade lead would almost certainly result in two down, the 1000 point penalty handing
E/W 13 IMPs.

 Intermediate
When East discouraged with the ♥8 West switched to the ten of spades, covered by the queen
and king and East cashed the king of diamonds and then, assuming that West held the nine of
spades (according to the convention card he would have led the nine from ♠109) East fatally
returned the four of spades.
Declarer won with the nine and played a club for the queen and king. He came off dummy
with a diamond and East won and played a third spade. Declarer won with dummy’s ace, ruffed
a diamond and played a club, West going up with the ace and exiting with a diamond. Declarer
ruffed in hand, drew the outstanding trump and claimed a stupendous +760 and those 13 IMPs
that were up for grabs went in the opposite direction.
The Patton winners
FMB President Jean-Charles Allavena, WBF Emeritus President José Damiani, May Sakr,
FFB President Patrick Grenthe, Krzysztof Martens, Dominik Filipowicz, Jaroslav Cieslak
Next up is the Cavendish Teams – which attracted 16 squads:
CAVENDISH TEAMS ROSTERS
ALTSHULER Altshuler Gilad, Birman Alon, Manno Andrea, Di Franco Massimiliano
BRIDGE 24 Narkiewicz Gregorz, Buras Krzysztof, Gawel Wojtek, Jagniewski Rafal
CHINA LADIES Lu Yan, Liu Yan, Gan Ling, Ran Jing Rong
CLUB FRANCE Oursel Christophe, Soulet Philippe, Mauberquez Erik, De Sainte-Marie Thierry
DIAMOND Diamond John, Platnick Brian, Hurd John, Demuy Vincent
EIDI Eidi Michel, Vroustis Vassilis, Bessis Michel, Bessis Thomas
IRELAND Hanlon Tom, McGann Hugh, Garvey Tommy, Carroll John, Moran Mark, Boland Rory
LAVAZZA Mahmood Zia, Bilde Dennis, Duboin Giorgio, Madala Agustin
LEVY Levy Alain, Abecassis Michel, Volcker Frederic, Seguineau Paul
MARILL Marill Philippe, Cronier Philippe, Toffier Philippe, Palau Jean-Jacques
MOSSOP Mossop David, Hackett Jason, Hackett Justin, Hackett Paul
SMOKING GUNS Hansen Gus, Drijver Bob, Rimstedt Mikael, Rimstedt Ola
SNELLERS Snellers Agnes, De Boer Wubbo, Van Lankveld Joris, Van Den Bos Berend
Ward-Platt Kiki, Cabanes Bernard, Lorenzini Cedric, Quantin Jean-Christophe, Franc-
WARD-PLATT
eschetti Pierre, Quantin Robert
WIGODER Wigoder Charles, Pszczola Jacek, Kalita Jacek, Nowosadzki Michal
Helgemo Geir, Helness Tor, Martens Krzysztof, Multon Franck, Vainikonis Vytautas,
ZIMMKONIS
Olanski Wojtek
After seven rounds of Swiss, the leading teams play-off for the top prizes.

 Intermediate
Margins of Error
In bridge, as in life, the margin for error can vary enormously. Sometimes a small misjudgment can have
catastrophic consequences, whilst on other occasions it will make little difference to the overall result.
In the Round 1 match between Diamond and Bridge 24 the outcome was determined by
almost insignificant details.
♠ Q 10 7 4
♥ 62
♦ Q976
♣ J87
♠ KJ6 N ♠A
♥Q ♥ AK J 9 5 4
♦ AK 4 3 W E ♦ J 10 5
♣ A9 4 3 2 S ♣ KQ6
♠ 98532
♥ 10 8 7 3
♦ 82
♣ 10 5
Open Room
Buras Demuy Narkiewicz Hurd
1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass
2♦ Pass 2♠* Pass
2NT Pass 3♣ Pass
3NT Pass 4♣ Pass
4♦ Pass 4NT* Pass
5♥* Pass 5♠* Pass
6♦* Pass 7♣ All Pass
2♠ Fourth suit, game-forcing
4NT RKCB
5♥ 2 key cards
5♠ King ask
6♦ ♦K
With clubs 3-2 all was well, but imagine they had been 4-1. Then E/W might have paid a heavy
price for missing the superior 7NT.
Closed Room
Diamond Jagniewski Platnick Gawel
1♣* Pass 1NT* Pass
2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass
2NT Pass 3♣ Pass
3♥ Pass 4♠ Pass
5♥ Pass 7NT All Pass
1♣ Precision
I was hoping to locate a copy of the E/W convention card at www.livebridge.net but from mem-
ory 1NT was control-showing. Playing in the superior contract was worth just 2 IMPs.

 Intermediate
♠ 97
♥ A97643
♦ K94
♣ 96
♠ 10 5 4 2 N ♠8
♥— ♥ J 10 5 2
♦ J 10 8 2 W E ♦ A7 3
♣ K 10 8 4 2 S ♣ QJ753
♠ AKQJ63
♥ KQ8
♦ Q65
♣A
Open Room
Pass 2♥ Pass 4♣*
Double Pass Pass 6♥
All Pass
East led the queen of clubs and declarer won in dummy and cashed the king of hearts. When the
4-0 split was revealed he had to go two down, -100.
Closed Room
Pass 2♦* Pass 2NT*
Pass 3♣* Pass 3♦*
Pass 3♠* Pass 4♣*
Pass 4♦* Pass 4NT*
All Pass
Here’s my best guess as to the meaning of the Polish pair’s auction.

2♦ Multi
2NT Relay
3♣ Weak in hearts
3♦ Relay
4♦ Cue-bid
4♥ Cue-bid
4NT RKCB
5♣ One key card
West led the jack of diamonds and East took his ace and waited for a trump trick - one down and 2 IMPs.
In isolation 6♠ is a better contract than 6♥. Even with hearts 4-0 you may survive, for example,
the ace of diamonds may be onside, so after drawing trumps you can establish the hearts with a
ruff and then play a diamond up.
On the actual layout 6♠ is fated to fail, but if West leads the jack of diamonds East has to be
alert, going up with the ace and returning a heart for West to ruff.

 Intermediate
♠ AQ972
♥ KJ2
♦ 8652
♣8
♠4 N ♠ 10 8 3
♥ A9 6 ♥ Q 10 5
♦ K J 10 9 W E ♦ Q3
♣ K7532 S ♣ AQ J 9 6
♠ KJ65
♥ 8743
♦ A74
♣ 10 4
Open Room
– 1♠ Pass 3♠*
All Pass
3♠ Mixed Raise
East led the three of spades and declarer won with dummy’s five, drew trumps and ducked a dia-
mond to West. West switched to the king of clubs and declarer was soon claiming eight tricks, -50.
Closed Room
– 1♠ Pass 2NT*
All Pass
East led the five of hearts and West won with the ace and switched to the jack of diamonds, declarer
winning with dummy’s ace, drawing two rounds of trumps ending in dummy and playing a heart
to the jack and queen. East exited with his remaining trump and the contract was two down, -100
and yes, another 2 IMP swing.
Observe that if North does not open 1♠ East can start with 1♣, when there is every chance
that E/W will reach 5♣.
If South is on lead and starts with a low spade the contract becomes unbeatable, as declarer’s
heart losers will vanish on dummy’s diamonds.
Once North had opened it became much harder for E/W to enter the auction. An immediate
overcall of 2♣ is suspect at this vulnerability, but maybe after 1♠-2NT West can risk a take out
double? If East then bids 5♣ (you see how much easier life is as pen pusher) South has to find a
heart lead, or more realistically start with the king of spades, after which the necessity to switch
to a heart switch should be clear.
Bridge 24 won this low-scoring affair 12-10.

 Intermediate
Triskaidekaphobia
Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13; it is a superstition perhaps originating from the fact that
the 13th person at the Last Supper was Judas, who betrayed Jesus and ultimately hanged himself.
I can’t tell you if bridge players hold the number in awe, but it is surprising how often it deliv-
ers a dramatic deal. This was the layout of the fateful board in Round 5.
♠5
♥ A7
♦ Q 10 6 2
♣ A97642
♠ Q 10 9 6 3 N ♠ J72
♥ K2 ♥ J 10 8 6 3
♦ 53 W E ♦ 874
♣ KQ83 S ♣ J 10
♠ AK84
♥ Q954
♦ AKJ9
♣5
Closed Room
Mahmood Demuy Bilde Hurd
– 1♣ Pass 1♥
1♠ Pass Pass 3NT
All Pass
West led the three of spades and when East played the jack declarer ducked. He won the next
spade with the ace and played a club to the ace and a club, discarding the four of hearts. East
returned his remaining spade and declarer won, pitching a club, played a diamond to the queen
and two more diamonds.
In the five-card ending West was down to ♠9 ♥K2 ♣KQ and when declarer played the jack of
diamonds he took his best shot by pitching the two of hearts.
However, declarer made no mistake and he played a heart, collecting the two tricks he needed
with the ace and queen, +600.
At another table declarer, in the same contract, reached this position:
♠—
♥ A7
♦—
♣ 97
♠ 10 N ♠—
♥ K2 ♥ J 10 8 6
♦— W E ♦—
♣K S ♣—
♠—
♥ Q954
♦—
♣—
 Intermediate
When he played a heart to the ace and a heart he was ♠ 5
one down. ♥ A7
You see the winning line? ♦ Q 10 6 2
Declarer must play the queen of hearts! ♣ A97642
♠Q 10 9 6 3 N ♠ J72
When West covers declarer wins with dummy’s ace ♥ K2 ♥ J 10 8 6 3
and plays a heart, scoring the nine of hearts at trick 13. ♦53 W E ♦ 874
♣ KQ83 S ♣ J 10
Open Room ♠ AK84
♥ Q954
West North East South ♦ AKJ9
Diamond Duboin Platnick Madala ♣ 5
– Pass Pass 1♦*
1♠ 3♠* Pass 4♣*
Pass 4♦ Pass 4♠*
Pass 4NT* Pass 6♦
All Pass
1♦ 4+♦ unbalanced
3♠ Splinter
4♣ Cue-bid
4♠ Turbo
4NT even number of key cards
I’m pretty sure this was an auction involving the use of Turbo, but I’m not sure if it was North
who instigated it with 4♦.
Unless West leads a trump 6♦ can be made on a cross ruff, but Diamond lived up to his name
by tabling the three of diamonds.
Declarer won in hand with the ace, played a club to the ace and ruffed a club with the king
of diamonds. He cashed the top spades pitching dummy’s losing heart, overtook the jack of dia-
monds with dummy’s queen, ruffed a club, crossed to the ace of hearts, drew the outstanding
trump and gave up a club for a splendid +1370.
You may already have worked out how many IMPs that was worth.
At the Double
Looking at the team rosters, I spotted the name of England’s Charles Wigoder, a regular at the
Cavendish and other major events.
I have never met Charles, but I know his brother Giles very well, as we share a common inter-
est, a passion for wine and regularly meet at auctions all over the UK.

 Intermediate
Board 17. Dealer North. None Vul.
♠ K4
♥ 986
♦ A742
♣ A873
♠ AJ 9 7 6 N ♠ Q83
♥ Q53 ♥ K42
♦ J 10 9 W E ♦ Q53
♣ KJ S ♣ 10 9 6 5
♠ 10 5 2
♥ A J 10 7
♦ K86
♣ Q42
Open Room
Toffier Nowosadzki Palau Kalita
– 1♦ Pass 1♥
1♠ Double* 2♠ 3♥
All Pass
Double Heart support
West led the jack of diamonds for the two, three and king and declarer made the natural-looking
play of a spade to the king, continuing with a spade when it held. East won with the queen and
accurately switched to the six of clubs. Declarer ducked West’s jack, won the club continuation
with dummy’s ace and ran the nine of hearts to West’s queen.
The ten of diamonds was taken by dummy’s ace and declarer played a heart to the jack, ruffed
a spade and played a club to the queen. West ruffed and played a diamond, the setting trick, -50.
Closed Room
Wigoder Cronier Pszczola Marill
– Pass Pass Pass
1♠ Pass 2♠ Pass
Pass Double Pass 3♥
Double All Pass
Clearly, the Wigoders dine on red meat!

West led the jack of diamonds and the first three tricks were identical. However, at trick four
East switched to the two of hearts and West won with the queen and returned the five, declarer
taking East’s king with the ace, ruffing a spade and playing ace and another diamond.
East won with the queen and returned the five of clubs, declarer ducking when West played
the jack. The club return was taken by dummy’s ace and declarer knew he could make the con-
tract as long as he could guess West’s shape.
If he was 5-3-3-2 then the winning line was to ruff a diamond, draw the outstanding trumps
and cash the ♣Q.
If he was 5-2-3-3 then declarer needed to come to hand with a club in order to draw trumps.
It should not have been difficult for declarer to get this right, aside from the fact that East would

 Intermediate
have been unlikely to cover the second heart holding king to four, it was clear that West would
have forced declarer with a spade rather than exit with the king of clubs.
However, when declarer played a club to the queen West ruffed and gratefully pocketed 2 IMPs.
As the cards lie declarer can always score nine tricks, one way being to win the diamond lead
in dummy and take a trump finesse. The combination of hearts and diamonds 3-3 along with the
favourable positions in clubs and spades mean that the contract cannot be defeated.
♠ 10 5 2
♥ K64
♦ J9
♣ K9654
♠ AK 8 6 4 N ♠ J3
♥ 10 5 3 ♥ J9
♦ A4 3 2 W E ♦ 875
♣A S ♣ Q J 10 8 3 2
♠ Q97
♥ AQ872
♦ K Q 10 6
♣7
Open Room
Toffier Nowosadzki Palau Kalita
– – Pass 1♥
1♠ 2♥ Pass Pass
Double Pass 3♣ 3♥
All Pass
West led the king of spades, cashed the ace of clubs, took the ace of spades, gave East a ruff and
had to score a diamond, -100.
(I’m assuming that when East returned a club declarer ruffed high, cashed a top heart and then
ran the eight.)
Closed Room
Wigoder Cronier Pszczola Marill
– – 3♣ 3♥
Double All Pass
West was on much firmer ground this time.

He cashed the ace of clubs and then played three rounds of spades, East ruffing and playing
back the ten of clubs. When declarer pitched a diamond West ruffed and collected +500.

 Intermediate
Maverick
Maverick was an American Western television series with comedic overtones which ran from Septem-
ber 1957 to 1962 and starred James Garner as Bret Maverick, an adroitly articulate cardsharp. Eight
episodes into the first season, he was joined by Jack Kelly as his brother Bart, and from that point on,
they alternated leads from week to week, sometimes teaming up for the occasional two-brother episode.
The Mavericks were poker players from Texas who travelled all over the American Old West
and on Mississippi riverboats, constantly getting into and out of life-threatening trouble of one
sort or another, usually involving money, women, or both. They would typically find themselves
weighing a financial windfall against a moral dilemma. More often than not, their consciences
trumped their wallets since both Mavericks were intrinsically ethical.
I couldn’t resist the opportunity to follow the fortunes of the legendary Poker Star Gus Hansen.
Board 11. Dealer South. None Vul.
♠ Q7
♥ Q 10 9 4
♦ J9854
♣ 43
♠ 10 6 3 2 N ♠ A9
♥ 8765 ♥ AK J 2
♦ AK W E ♦ 632
♣ 875 S ♣ A Q J 10
♠ KJ854
♥3
♦ Q 10 7
♣ K962
Open Room
Jason O Rimstedt Justin M Rimstedt
– – – 2♠*
Pass 3♠ Double Pass
4♥ All Pass
2♠ 5-10 (5)6+♠
North led the queen of spades and declarer won with the ace, cashed the ace of hearts, crossed
to the ace of diamonds and played a heart to the nine and jack, South pitching the two of clubs.
Declarer went back to dummy with a diamond and played a club to the queen. When it held
he ruffed a diamond and repeated the club finesse, South winning and cashing the king of spades.
At this point declarer claimed.
If South played the jack of spades declarer would ruff and play a winning club. North could
ruff and play a diamond, but declarer would ruff in dummy and play the ten of spades. +420.
Closed Room
Hansen Hackett Drijver Mossop
– – – Pass
Pass Pass 1♣* 1♦
Double All Pass
1♣ Any 14+

 Intermediate
Why a poker player would look beyond the ‘Big Slick’ ♠ Q7
(the ♦AK, famously described as the Anna Kournikova ♥ Q 10 9 4
by commentator Vince Van Patton because the combina- ♦ J9854
tion looks great – but never wins) for his opening lead is ♠ 10 6 3 2 ♣ 43
N ♠ A9
unclear, but West went for the seven of hearts. East took ♥ 8 7 6 5 ♥ AK J 2
dummy’s ten with the jack and switched to the queen ♦ A K W E ♦ 632
of clubs (a trump is also good enough) declarer winning ♣ 8 7 5 S ♣ A Q J 10
with the king and playing a spade to the queen and ace. ♠ K J 8 5 4
East returned the three of diamonds and West won ♥ 3
♦ Q 10 7
with the king and fatally continued with a club. East won ♣ K962
with the jack and returned the nine of spades, but declarer
won with the king, ruffed a club, ruffed a heart and ruffed a club. He could ruff a heart with the
queen of diamonds and then ruff a spade for +140, 11 IMPs and the early chip, sorry, IMP, lead.
Despite that bad beat, rather than look for any action West played a solid game and three small
swings were enough to see the lead change hands.
♠ AK86
♥ 6542
♦K
♣ J843
♠ 75 N ♠ Q J 10 3 2
♥ AQ 8 ♥ K J 10 3
♦ AQ J 6 3 2 W E ♦ 87
♣ Q5 S ♣ K7
♠ 94
♥ 97
♦ 10 9 5 4
♣ A 10 9 6 2
Open Room
– – – Pass
1NT 2♣* Double Pass
3♦ Pass 3NT All Pass
2♣ Majors
North led the three of clubs and when declarer put up the king South allowed it to win (they were
playing 1/3/5 leads). Declarer took a losing diamond finesse (there is never a Rabbi around when
you need one) and North continued with the four of clubs. Still unsure of the position South
again withheld the ace and declarer won, cashed four hearts and played a diamond to the queen,
conceding one down, -100.

 Intermediate
Closed Room ♠ AK86
♥ 6542
West North East South ♦ K
Hansen Hackett Drijver Mossop ♣ J843
– – – Pass ♠ 75 N ♠ Q J 10 3 2
♥ ♥
1♣* 1♠
AQ 8 K J 10 3
Double* Pass W E
♦ AQ J 6 3 2 ♦ 87
1NT Pass 2♠* Pass ♣ Q5 S ♣ K7
2NT Pass 3♥ Pass ♠ 94
4♦ Pass 4♥ All Pass ♥ 97
1♣ Any 14+ ♦ 10 9 5 4
♣ A 10 9 6 2
Against this revealing (sic) sequence South led the nine
of hearts and declarer won with dummy’s queen and played a spade, North winning with the
king and switching to the eight of clubs. South won with the ace and returned the two of clubs
to declarer’s king.
Now declarer played a top spade and North won with the ace and returned a heart, which
declarer won with dummy’s ace.
When declarer drew the outstanding trumps, and cashed his spades, South pitched the nine of
diamonds. In the two-card ending South followed to a diamond with the ten, but declarer went
up with dummy’s ace to make his contract ‘on the river’ and gain 12 IMPs.
♠ 97
♥ A 10 6
♦ K2
♣ QJ8764
♠ J64 N ♠ A K Q 10 8 3
♥ J9 ♥—
♦ Q J 10 8 6 5 W E ♦ A9 4
♣ AK S ♣ 10 9 5 2
♠ 52
♥ KQ875432
♦ 73
♣3
Open Room
1♦ Pass 1♠ 3♥
Pass Pass 4♥* Pass
4♠ All Pass
Commentating on BBO I confidently predicted that East would bid 4♥ and then opined that
despite the possibility of partner having three small clubs opposite, would continue with 5♦ over 4♠.
East must have been disappointed when he saw dummy flop onto the table.

 Intermediate
Closed Room
Hansen Hackett Drijver Mossop
1♦* Pass 1♠ 3♥
3♠ 4♥ 5♣ 5♥
Double Pass 5♠ All Pass
1♦ 8-13
When West supported spades North raised the ante and East tried a subtle bluff. When South re
raised, West expressed an opinion, which left East with a decision. He could hardly go all in by
bidding 7♠, but I was expecting him to bid 6♠.
He must have been relieved to discover that it had not cost the match.
The final saw Snellers take on Lavazza, while Diamond and Smoking Guns met in the third-
place play-off.
In a short match the big deals are vital:
Board 20. Dealer West. Both Vul.
♠ 97
♥ A 10 6
♦ K2
♣ QJ8764
♠ J64 N ♠ A K Q 10 8 3
♥ J9 ♥—
♦ Q J 10 8 6 5 W E ♦ A9 4
♣ AK S ♣ 10 9 5 2
♠ 52
♥ KQ875432
♦ 73
♣3
Open Room
van Lankveld Duboin van den Bos Madala
1♦ Pass 1♠ 4♥
Pass Pass 4♠ Pass
Pass 5♥ 5♠ Pass
Pass 6♥ 6♠ All Pass
Having pushed E/W to the five-level, North might have let things rest, but when he bid again
East bid his spades for the fourth time and recorded +1460.
As an aside, should East have done more, perhaps bidding 5♥ rather than 4♠?
Closed Room
Mahmood de Boer Bilde Snellers
1♦ Pass 1♠ 3♥
Pass 4♥ 4♠ 5♥
Double All Pass

 Intermediate
Once again East could find nothing better than 4♠.
Now South bid 5♥ which strikes me as somewhat dubious, but when West doubled it pro-
duced a wonderful result.
West led the king of clubs and switched to the four of spades and East took the king and queen
(not easy to underlead back to West’s jack) and cashed the ace of diamonds for two down, +500
and a loss of 14 IMPs.
That was the last board of the first half which saw Snellers ahead 25-12.
Board 26. Dealer East. All Vul.
♠ 42
♥ A Q 10 9 3
♦ AQ
♣ K 10 3 2
♠ J96 N ♠3
♥ 542 ♥ K876
♦ KJ32 W E ♦ 98654
♣ 986 S ♣ A7 4
♠ A K Q 10 8 7 5
♥J
♦ 10 7
♣ QJ5
Open Room
Snellers Duboin de Boer Madala
– – Pass 1♠
Pass 2♥ Pass 2♠
Pass 2NT Pass 3♥
Pass 3NT Pass 4♠
Pass 6♠ All Pass
With those red-suit tenaces should North have preferred 6NT?

6♠ is a good contract, but West found the way to give declarer a headache when she led the
three of diamonds.
As is so often the case declarer was perhaps unwilling to risk everything at trick one and he put
up the ace, drew trumps and overtook the jack of hearts with dummy’s queen. East won and the
defenders cashed a club and a diamond for two down, -200.
In the other room van Lankveld & van den Bos bid 1♠-2♥-3♠-4♣-4♠ to collect +680 and 13
IMPs.
If they had gone the other way Lavazza would have been celebrating, but in the event Snellers
had achieved a famous victory while Diamond won the battle for third.

 Intermediate
1 Snellers €32,500
2 Lavazza €23,000
3 Diamond €18,000
4 Smoking Guns €9,000
5 Zimmkonis 97.44
6 Mossop 96.49
7 Eidi 90.43
8 Marill 88.69
9 China Ladies 87.12
10 Ireland 86.25
11 Bridge24 84.79
12 Levy 83.51
13 Ward-Platt 80.2
14 Club France 76.94
15 Altshuler 75.75
16 Wigoder 50.53
So, on to the main events, the two Pairs Championships.

In the auction hosted by Zia and Christina Lund Madsen the
top bids in the Open were:
€35,000 Geir Helgemo & Tor Helness
€30,000 Giorgio Duboin & Agustin Madala
€25,000 Krzysztof Buras & Grzegorz Narkiewicz
€25,000 Zia Mahmood & Dennis Bilde
€20,000 Thomas Bessis & Fréderic Volcker
while in the Ladies the top money was on:
€10,000 Sylvie Willard – Benedicte Cronier
The total auction for the open was €532,000, while the Ladies
attracted €88,500.
You can see the full lists at:
http://www.cavendishmonaco.com/images/stories/2015bulletins/20151021.pdf

 Intermediate
With a little Finesse
The finesse is one of the basic elements of card play. It played its part on these two deals from the
first session of the Pairs:
♠ 843
♥ Q 10 5 2
♦9
♣ AQJ75
♠ J65 N ♠ K92
♥ K4 ♥ J983
♦ Q 10 4 3 W E ♦ J765
♣ 9862 S ♣ K 10
♠ A Q 10 7
♥ A76
♦ AK82
♣ 43
Drake Abecassis Van Cleeff Levy
– – – 1NT
Pass 2♣* Pass 2♠
Pass 3♣ Pass 3♦
Pass 3NT All Pass
West led the three of diamonds and when East played the jack declarer won with the king and played a
club to the queen and king. The diamond return was covered by the eight and ten and West elected to
exit with the six of clubs, declarer winning with dummy’s jack and playing a spade to the ten and jack.
West exited with the nine of clubs and declarer won with dummy’s ace, East discard of the six
of diamonds being matched by declarer’s two.
Declarer played a spade to the queen followed by a low heart, but West pounced on that with
the king of hearts and cashed the eight of clubs for one down, +50.
Go back to the point where West exited with a third club.
When East pitched a diamond declarer does best to part with a heart. Then he plays a spade to
the queen and cashes two more tricks in the suit. On the last of these West is down to
♥K4 ♦Q4 ♣8 and has to throw the club. Then declarer plays the ace of diamonds and a dia-
mond and has only to guess which heart to play from dummy at trick twelve.
However, if East keeps both his remaining diamonds declarer cannot achieve the desired ending.
Suppose that instead of covering the second diamond with the eight declarer follows with the
two, pitching a spade from dummy, and East plays a third diamond?
Declarer wins and must discard something from dummy. That has to be a club, which perhaps
feels wrong, but at this level if East had started with king to three clubs might he not have with-
held the king of clubs on the first round?
Declarer can now play a heart and put in dummy’s queen, followed by a spade to the ten and
jack. West can cash a diamond, but that will be the last defensive trick.
If West goes in with the king of hearts and cashes a diamond declarer will take the last seven
tricks by playing East for the king of spades.
One down cost N/S 108 IMPs, while making 3NT was worth 167 IMPs.

 Intermediate
♠ Q J 10 4 3 2
♥—
♦ A632
♣ K 10 6
♠K N ♠ 9865
♥ J 10 9 4 3 ♥ AK Q 6
♦ K97 W E ♦ Q84
♣ J954 S ♣ 87
♠ A7
♥ 8752
♦ J 10 5
♣ AQ32
Volcker Quentin Bessis Franceschetti
Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT
Pass 2♠ Pass 4♠
All Pass
East led the ace of hearts and when West followed with the three, declarer ruffed and ran the
queen of spades (which offers a 13.5% chance of avoiding a loser) to West’s king. Back came the
ten of hearts and when declarer ruffed East followed with the king, suggesting something useful
in diamonds.
Declarer crossed to dummy with a spade and West pitched the four of hearts.
With plenty of entries the best chance of scoring four tricks in clubs is to play low to the ace
and then low to the king (54.8%) but that was not an option here.
The play to the first trick suggested that West had started with five hearts, which meant that
East was known to hold eight cards in the majors.
That made West the favourite to have length in clubs, so declarer played a club to the ten and
was home, +420.
That was worth 139 IMPs – going down would have cost 189.

 Intermediate
Off Balance
No one likes to defend a one-level contract and it is normal to take a bid in the balancing seat.
However, there are limits, and on this deal from the third session of the Pairs E/W pushed the
boat a little too far out of the harbour:
♠ Q98743
♥ KQ
♦ K3
♣ A62
♠ K6 N ♠ AJ 2
♥ J52 ♥ A 10 9 8 4
♦ A 10 6 5 2 W E ♦ Q9
♣ 854 S ♣ J97
♠ 10 5
♥ 763
♦ J874
♣ K Q 10 3
Cresty Gromov Louchart Dubinin
– 1♠ Pass Pass
1NT Pass 2♦* Pass
2♥ Pass 2NT Pass
3♥ Pass 3NT Double
All Pass
West was certainly under strength for 1NT and that came home to roost when East pushed on
to the notrump game.
North found the excellent lead of the two of clubs and when the ten held South switched to
the eight of diamonds. North won with the king and went back to clubs, the defenders cash-
ing three tricks in the suit. North discarded the nine of spades on the thirteenth club and South
switched to the six of hearts, two down, -500 and a loss of 223 IMPs. Leaving N/S to play in 1♠
would have cost just 10 IMPs.

 Intermediate
Don’t Panic
The maxim ‘Don’t panic’ has many connotations. It is perhaps best known as a catchphrase from
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but television buffs will recall it as the favorite expression
of Lance-Corporal Jones in the classic BBC series Dad’s Army.
When you are defending it is a good maxim to keep in mind, as on this deal from session 4.
Board 15. Dealer South. N/S Vul.
♠ QJ5
♥ QJ65
♦ 97
♣ 9632
♠ A K 10 N ♠ 9864
♥ K9 ♥ 10 8 7 4 2
♦ A8 6 5 W E ♦2
♣ J 10 5 4 S ♣ KQ7
♠ 732
♥ A3
♦ K Q J 10 4 3
♣ A8
Hansen Di Franco Drijver Manno
– – – 1♦
Double Pass 2♦* 3♦
Double All Pass
West led the ace of spades and when East followed with the four he switched to the four of clubs,
declarer taking East’s queen with the ace and playing the three of diamonds to dummy’s nine and
a diamond to the king and ace, East pitching the two of hearts.
At this point West should be able to work out East’s distribution – 4-5-1-3. As long as East has
the king of clubs the defenders are sure of five tricks, two spades, a heart, a diamond and a club,
and the same is true if East has the ace of hearts rather than the king of clubs.
However, West, ignoring the warning implicit in my title, switched to the king of hearts and
a grateful declarer claimed ten tricks, +870 and 286 IMPs. One down would have given E/W 99
IMPs.

 Intermediate
Fail Safe
There are several definitions of the words Fail Safe.
(They were famously used as the title of the 1964 film that shows how a series of minor errors
lead to an thermonuclear strikes on Moscow and New York.)
Capable of compensating automatically and safely for a failure, as of a mechanism or power source.
Acting to discontinue a military attack on the occurrence of any of various predetermined conditions.
Guaranteed not to fail.
Foolproof.
To return to a safe condition in the event of a failure or malfunction.
On Wednesday afternoon I decided to watch the final session of play, concentrating on the
Ladies Pairs. As usual I left my computer running so that the bidding and play at each table would
be recorded.
When I settled down at 07.30 in the morning to work on the deals, up flashed the message that
you don’t want to see, ‘Deal record not found’.
Annoying, but not necessarily fatal, as there is an archive site on BBO. It has the records from
every table – but (and the reader may be ahead of me here) although all three tables from Session
5 of the Open are in place there was no sign of the one I needed.
So, my report has to follow a different route, relying on some brief notes, my suspect mem-
ory and the impressive data that is available via the web site. (http://simultanei.federbridge.it/
g2bwrama/ftpout/barorama.html & http://www.cavendishmonaco.com/barorama.html)
This was a match-up between the pairs lying 4th (E/W) and 6th (N/S)
♠—
♥ AQJ8763
♦ K J 10 4
♣ 62
♠ KJ2 N ♠ AQ 9 5 3
♥ K 10 9 5 4 ♥—
♦ 863 W E ♦ A7 5 2
♣ 10 5 S ♣ KQJ7
♠ 10 8 7 6 4
♥2
♦ Q9
♣ A9843
Frey Brewiak D’Ovidio Hayman
Pass 1♥ 1♠ Pass
2♠ 2NT* 4♠ All Pass
North had several options during the bidding, including a decision at trick one. In the Open many
players must have opened 4♥ as the final contract was 4♥ doubled at 20 tables, failing by one or
two tricks. Bessis-Volcker were doubled in 3♥ and allowed to make it, a nice bonus of 341 IMPs.
Only 4 E/W pairs played in 4♠, all were doubled and three of them made an overtrick to col-
lect 232 IMPs.
4♠ was the contract at eight tables in the Ladies Pairs, but Frey-D’Ovidio were the only ones
not to be doubled and that cost them 24 IMPs.

 Intermediate
Frey and D’Ovidio were also in action on my next two offerings, where they sat N/S against
Huberschwiller and Mourgues.
♠ AK
♥ Q863
♦ A6543
♣ 64
♠ Q 10 9 6 3 2 N ♠ 874
♥ 10 7 5 2 ♥A
♦9 W E ♦ K Q 10 8 2
♣ AK S ♣ Q J 10 5
♠ J5
♥ KJ94
♦ J7
♣ 98732
On this lie you want to be in 4♠ – the seven pairs who managed it added 40 IMPs to their total.
The French ladies picked up 44 IMPs because their opponents stopped in 3♠.
The best result was in the Open, where Vainikonis-Olanski were allowed to steal the pot in 2♥
for 266 IMPs.
Board 12. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
♠ K Q 10 8 5
♥ 9543
♦ 83
♣ 43
♠ A2 N ♠ 743
♥ A 10 7 2 ♥ QJ6
♦ A K Q 10 2 W E ♦9
♣ 75 S ♣ A K 10 9 6 2
♠ J96
♥ K8
♦ J7654
♣ QJ8
Huberschwiller D’Ovidio Mourgues Frey
1♦ 1♠ 2♣ 2♠
3♥ Pass 4♥ Pass
4NT* Pass 5♣ Pass
6♥ All Pass
At the time I thought West might be best to double two spades, but you then have to find a rebid
over East’s 3♣.
6♥ was hopeless, two down costing117 IMPs.
Weinger-Botta were the only pair to get to 6♣ – it was worth 137 IMPs. In the Open only
Levy-Abecassis and Hurd-Demuy managed it – their reward was 277 IMPs.
The Italians, Olivieri and Arrigoni, lying in second place, feature on my last two deals, where
they were N/S against Tamburelli and Duboin:

 Intermediate
♠ AQ
♥ K Q 10 3
♦ A 10
♣ QJ863
♠K N ♠ 10 9 7 6 5 4 3 2
♥ J865 ♥ 972
♦ Q8 W E ♦ 92
♣ K97542 S ♣—
♠ J8
♥ A4
♦ KJ76543
♣ A 10
I’m pretty sure the final contract was 5♦ and missing the slam cost 76 IMPs.
In the Open Palau-Toffier got all the way to 7NT which cost their (unlucky?) opponents 332
IMPs.
Board 14. Dealer East. None Vul.
♠ 95
♥ J54
♦ K9
♣ QJ7643
♠ AJ 7 6 N ♠ K 10 8 3 2
♥ A 10 9 8 6 2 ♥ Q3
♦ 10 6 W E ♦ AQ 5 4 2
♣ 10 S ♣A
♠ Q4
♥ K7
♦ J873
♣ K9852
You can’t fail to make 6♠ on the E/W cards, the two pairs who managed it earned 120 IMPs.
At my table E/W stopped in 4♠ and lost 20 IMPs.
12 Pairs were in as slam in the Open.
Making 6♠ was worth 181 IMPs. One declarer (I apologise for suggesting you can’t go down)
failed by a trick, losing 331 IMPs.
Finally, one N/S pair ‘saved’ in 6♣, losing 1100 and 233 IMPs.

 Intermediate
Hold the Front Page
Used to draw attention to an important or noteworthy fact or occurrence
I was following play during the morning session on Thursday and had already noted a couple
of interesting deals, when this one came up on screen:
♠ KQJ8
♥ J963
♦ 10 6 3
♣ 83
♠2 N ♠ 10 7 3
♥ Q84 ♥ A K 10 7 5 2
♦ 7542 W E ♦ AQ J
♣ AK Q 6 5 S ♣4
♠ A9654
♥—
♦ K98
♣ J 10 9 7 2
Piedra Hanlon Lanteron Carroll
– – – Pass
1♣ Pass 1♦* 1♠
Double* 3♠ 5♥ Pass
6♥ All Pass
1♦ Hearts
I can’t be 100% sure, but West’s double might have promised three-card heart support.
South led the ace of spades and North followed with the king. Perhaps interpreting it as a suit-
preference signal South switched to the eight of diamonds and declarer won with the queen, ruffed
a spade, cashed the queen of hearts and claimed when South showed out, +980.
Suppose that South continues with a spade at trick two?
Declarer ruffs, cashes the queen of hearts and then plays five more rounds of the suit. On the last of these
South will be down to ♦K9 ♣J1097 and be forced to blank the king of diamonds or unguard the clubs.
Let’s move to another table:
Hydes Berg Mossop Hansen
– – – Pass
1♣ 1♠ 2♥ 4♥*
Double* 4♠ 5♦* Pass
6♦ Pass 6♥ All Pass
4♥ Splinter
Dble Heart support
5♦ Cue-bid
Jonny Hansen led the ace of spades and once again North contributed the king.
Now came the devastating switch to the two of clubs!
With the link to dummy severed declarer was without resource and had to go one down, -50.
Making 6♥ was worth 189 IMPs, being defeated cost 123 – not a bad swing for the young Norwegian.

 Intermediate
The Right Stuff
Have you ever stopped to think who reads the Daily Bulletins at a major event? Naturally the
participants will take a look over breakfast (is their anyone who does not enjoy seeing their name
in print?) but they represent only a small fraction of the readership.
My guess is that the vast majority will be regular club players, enjoying not only the occasional
brilliancy or blunder, but also hoping to pick up a few tips from the way the experts tackle a par-
ticular deal.
Here are a few from Thursday – I leave you to judge which category they might fit into.
♠ AJ98
♥ AQ762
♦A
♣ Q62
♠ Q3 N ♠ K4
♥ K4 ♥ J985
♦ KQ6 W E ♦ 87532
♣ J 10 8 5 4 3 S ♣ AK
♠ 10 7 6 5 2
♥ 10 3
♦ J 10 9 4
♣ 97
Pass 1♥ Pass Pass
1NT Pass 3♦ Pass
3NT Double All Pass
A few of you may recall that many years ago I wrote a Bols Bridge Tip entitled Don’t be afraid to
Respond. Imagine South had bid 1♠ on his assortment – North would not have stopped below
4♠ - and have found that it is unbeatable.
Bompis and Vinciguerra were the only pair to reach it the Open and collected 266 IMPs.
However, it was someway short of the best result on the deal, which was achieved by Sandqvist
and Townsend.
Facing a passed partner I would have been happy to put the dummy down as East (you will
note I mention no names, trusting that they delivered a fine bottle of wine to Bulletin Editor Jean
Paul Meyer) but things quickly got out of hand.
North found the tremendous lead of the ace of spades. Declarer dropped dummy’s king under
it and when South followed with the two North switched to the two of clubs. Declarer won in
dummy, cashed the other top club and played a diamond to the king and ace. North exited with
the jack of spades and declarer won and played the jack of clubs, North winning as South dis-
carded the ten of hearts.
North continued with the nine of spades and when that held South came in on the next round,
cashed another spade and played a heart, four down, -1100 and 376 IMPs change hands.

 Intermediate
♠ 874
♥ A852
♦ A 10 9
♣ AQ7
♠ Q3 N ♠ K 10 9
♥ Q 10 ♥ K3
♦ 86432 W E ♦ KQJ75
♣ K 10 8 5 S ♣ 943
♠ AJ652
♥ J9764
♦—
♣ J62
With hearts 2-2, spades 3-2 and the club king onside it is clear that ten tricks are available in
either major.
How easy is it to reach a major-suit game?
Here is one auction I saw (for a moment I thought I was back in Acol land):
Pass 1NT Pass 2♥*
Pass 2♠ Pass 3♥
Pass 4♥ All Pass
By pure chance this was the only table at which 4♥ went down (declarer faced the lead of the eight
of clubs and refused the finesse after which it is much harder to get up to ten tricks – although
not impossible) and it cost 259 IMPs.
Combining the results from both events we discover that only one pair stopped short of game,
it cost them 60 IMPs.
Without going into an exhaustive analysis the main points to bear in mind are these:
Once you discover you have a fit you can add on around 3 points for the fifth card in the trump
suit (so its roughly worth an extra king).
The diamond void is of significant value – personally I rate it as being worth an extra five points.
Once hearts have been supported you can see that facing an opening bid it is worth attempt-
ing the heart game.

 Intermediate
Board 23. Dealer South. All Vul.
♠4
♥ 42
♦ A K Q J 10 5
♣ AK75
♠ AQ 7 5 3 N ♠ K96
♥ KQJ ♥ 9753
♦ 32 W E ♦ 86
♣ J84 S ♣ Q963
♠ J 10 8 2
♥ A 10 8 6
♦ 974
♣ 10 2
Gunev Malinowski De Botton Nanev
– – – Pass
1♠ Double 2♠* Pass
Pass 3♠* Double 3NT
All Pass
2♠ Weak raise
3♠ Looking for a stopper
Notice that having limited his hand on the first round East doubled to show his spade honour
on the next round.
It did not help here, but next time.....
Four pairs in the Open missed game, losing 215 points, but a pair not unconnected with
Monaco attempted 6♦, which cost them 295 IMPs.
Three pairs stopped short in the Ladies and lost 100 IMPs apiece.
Opportunity Knocks
At this game you usually get plenty of chances to score heavily in every session – but it’s not always
easy to convert them into IMPs.
How would you have fared on these three deals?
♠ J3
♥ AK72
♦ K762
♣ K85
♠ K87 N ♠ AQ 6 5
♥ J853 ♥ Q 10
♦ 984 W E ♦ AQ J 5 3
♣ A7 3 S ♣ 10 6
♠ 10 9 4 2
♥ 964
♦ 10
♣ QJ942
 Intermediate
Volcker Helgemo Bessis Helness
– 1♦ 1♠ Pass
2♠ Pass 2NT Pass
3NT All Pass
South led the queen of clubs and continued with the four, declarer allowing North to win with the king.
Back came the two of diamonds and declarer had to consider the possibility that North had
switched from ♦K1072 or the like, in which case he needed to play low. When he eventually
opted for the three of diamonds South won with the ten and the game was up, one down, -100
and 149 IMPs away instead of 209 for making.
There are several points worth noting:
As the cards lie declarer cannot afford to duck the second club – the entry is needed to develop the
diamonds. After winning the second club declarer must lead the four of diamonds to the jack. When
the ten appears, declarer returns to hand with the king of spades and advances the nine of diamonds.
As the play went, North does best to exit with a spade rather than a diamond.
Finally, would North ever have returned a diamond from a suit headed by the K10?
♠ A82
♥ KQ64
♦6
♣ A 10 9 6 4
♠ KQ64 N ♠ 753
♥ AJ 9 5 ♥ 32
♦ 943 W E ♦ A Q 10 7 5 2
♣ K3 S ♣ 82
♠ J 10 9
♥ 10 8 7
♦ KJ8
♣ QJ75
Volcker Helgemo Bessis Helness
– – Pass Pass
1♣* Pass 1♦ Pass
1♥ Pass 2♦ Pass
Pass Double Pass 2♠
All Pass
West led the three of diamonds and East took the ace and switched to the five of spades for the
jack, queen and ace and declarer continued with a spade to his ten. When that held he advanced
the queen of clubs. When it was covered he won with dummy’s ace and played a third spade. He
was in complete control, taking nine tricks in his sub Moysian 3-3 fit
However it cost 105 IMPs, as several pairs had reached 3NT (Quentin-Franceshetti made it
with a doubled overtrick earning 216 IMPs).
3NT was bid 7 times in the Ladies, making 5 times. The unsuccessful declarers attempted it
as E/W (!) with Willard-Cronier collecting a badly needed 1400 and 177 IMPs from 3NT dou-
bled down 6.

 Intermediate
♠K
♥ J7
♦ AQJ6542
♣ 964
♠ A Q 10 8 7 N ♠ 9654
♥ 54 ♥ K Q 10 9 8
♦ K9 W E ♦ 10 3
♣ KJ82 S ♣ A 10
♠ J32
♥ A632
♦ 87
♣ Q753
Demuy Zimmermann Hurd Multon
– – – Pass
1♠ 3♦ 4♠ All Pass
North led the four of clubs and the ten was covered by the queen and king. Declarer went back
to dummy with the ace of clubs and played the four of spades.
After considerable thought declarer opted for the queen and North took the king and switched
to the jack of hearts, South winning and returning the seven of diamonds. Declarer finished one
down, losing 185 IMPs.
Had he followed the Rabbi’s rule and gone up with the ace of spades he would have taken
twelve tricks and 186 IMPs.
Eyes on the Prize

As the qualification neared its end my inclination was to follow the ladies. At this stage, the ques-
tion was who would seize the moment and secure a spot in the final.
By the time I got to my computer the top nine seemed secure (although that did not prove to
be the case). Then came:
Huberchwiller – Mourgues 196
Olivieri – Arrigoni 154
Willard – Cronier 145
Weinger – Botta 145
Hayman – Brewiak 137
Only three of these five would survive.

 Intermediate
With six deals to go up came:
♠ AQJ9
♥ 63
♦ K98
♣ AJ96
♠ K 10 5 3 2 N ♠—
♥ 84 ♥ A K 10 7 5 2
♦ A Q J 10 7 W E ♦ 65432
♣ 10 S ♣ 54
♠ 8764
♥ QJ9
♦—
♣ KQ8732
At the BBO table the auction was:
– 1NT 3♥ Double
Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠
Double All Pass
East started with three rounds of hearts, when the simplest defence is for West to pitch the ten
of clubs.
However, West saw fit to ruff and declarer overruffed. Now the winning line is to come to hand
with a club and take a spade finesse. Then declarer plays on clubs. If West ruffs in at any point,
she either has to play a spade allowing declarer to draw trumps, or exit with a diamond which
declarer can ruff in order to take the trump finesse. If West waits to ruff the fourth club and exits
with a diamond declarer ruffs and plays a club, neatly trapping West’s trumps.
Declarer preferred to come to hand by ruffing a diamond. A spade to the jack disclosed the 5-0
break, so declarer ruffed a diamond and played on clubs, ensuring she was only one down,-100
which cost only four IMPs.
The big winners on the round were Weinger-Botta, who found a route to 5♦ on the E/W cards
and collected 139 IMPs when it was doubled.
Hayman-Brewiak picked up 52 IMPs for collecting 300 from 4♠ doubled, while Arrigoni-
Olivieri lost the same number by going two down in the same contract.
Willard-Cronier diced with death by doubling 5♦ but declarer found a way to go down and
the 70 IMPs they scored moved them into the all-important 12th place.
A special mention for Golin-Baroni, who were the only pair to reach 5♣ – and with North as
declarer it was unbeatable, so it added 135 to their total.

 Intermediate
Board 96. Dealer East. All Vul.
♠J
♥ 96
♦ Q8543
♣ J 10 9 8 4
♠ K 10 8 7 6 4 N ♠ Q953
♥ KQ87 ♥ A5 3
♦ K2 W E ♦7
♣5 S ♣ KQ762
♠ A2
♥ J 10 4 2
♦ A J 10 9 6
♣ A3
This looks like a regulation 4♠ for E/W and 7 pairs recorded +620, picking up 62 IMPs.
They included Hayman-Brewiak, now up to 10th. Olivieri-Arrigoni were on the wrong end of
that scoreline and dropped to 16th.
Willard-Cronier saved in 5♦, but -500 cost them 34 IMPs and they fell to 14th.
Weinger-Botta handed back most of the points they had gained on the previous deal when they
went on to 5♠, got doubled and saw 118 IMPs vanish.
On Board 97 E/W were dealt ♠Q ♥QJ8 ♦AQ53 ♣AKQJ3 opposite ♠KJ9742 ♥A432 ♦K2 ♣4.
Spades were 3-3, so played by East 6♠ was unbeatable. Two pairs collected 120 IMPs for reach-
ing it but everyone else stopped in game – except for the leaders, Baldysz-Sarniak, who reached
6NT against Huberschwiller-Mourgues. West was declarer and North found a heart lead from
♠A86♥96 ♦J1094 ♣10982 which was worth 138 IMPs and 9th place.
Board 98 was a part score and with two deals to go the situation looked like this:
11 Saada-Nosacki 212
12 Ran-Gan 203
13 Hayman-Brewiak 201
14 Willard-Cronier 172
15 Weinger-Botta 102
♠ 9532
♥ A97542
♦ 92
♣ 10
♠ Q J 10 8 4 N ♠7
♥ Q6 ♥ K83
♦ QJ84 W E ♦ A K 10 7
♣ Q8 S ♣ AK 9 7 5
♠ AK6
♥ J 10
♦ 653
♣ J6432
As you might expect, E/W were usually in 3NT making, worth 63 IMPs. One E/W thought they
had enough for 7NT, which cost them 176 IMPs.

 Intermediate
Hayman-Brewiak had a big result against Huberschwiller-Mourgues, as the latter went down
in 3NT to hand over 84 IMPs.
Willard-Cronier saw Weinger-Botta take 63 IMPs off them for +600, which saw the latter take
over that all-important 12th spot.
This was the finale:
♠—
♥ AKQJ87
♦ Q J 10 5 4 2
♣A
♠ K J 10 9 3 N ♠ Q754
♥ 10 6 ♥ 952
♦9 W E ♦ K6
♣ 98753 S ♣ J642
♠ A862
♥ 43
♦ A873
♣ K Q 10
What a cracking deal to finish with!
Saada-Nosacki saw their opponents bid to 6♦ and they picked up 16 IMPs for -940, not enough.
Ran-Gan only made 920 and lost 26 IMPs so they were out, but Hayman-Brewiak could afford
to lose the same number.
It was all down to the match-up between Willard-Cronier and Weinger-Botta. Could the world
champions bid the grand slam that would score 114 IMPs and allow them to overtake their opponents?
Up flashed the result – 6♦+1.
The rest is silence.
Final Countdown
The last day of any tournament brings mixed emotions – there will be winners and losers.
For reporters the challenge is different. With everyone wanting to see the final bulletin, how
to set about getting the best possible coverage given the constraint of time.
♠ AK97
♥ 876
♦9
♣ KQJ87
♠ Q 10 6 3 N ♠8
♥ 932 ♥ Q 10
♦ K8642 W E ♦ Q J 10 7
♣4 S ♣ A 10 9 5 3 2
♠ J542
♥ AKJ54
♦ A53
♣6

 Intermediate
Diamond Helness Platnick Helgemo
Pass 1♣ Pass 1♥
Pass 1♠ Pass 4♣*
Pass 4♠ All Pass
4♣ Splinter
East led the queen of diamonds and declarer won with dummy’s ace and played a club to the
queen and ace. The return of the ten of diamonds was ruffed and declarer cashed the ace and king
of spades, East discarding a club.
Declarer played a heart to the jack, ruffed a diamond and played the king of clubs. West could
ruff, but the queen of spades was the last defensive trick, +620 and 21 IMPs for NS.
Two went down in 4♠, which cost 113 IMPs, while Zia-Bilde had the pleasure of defending
3♣ doubled, which cost 1100 and 116 IMPs.
♠ K762
♥ 76
♦ 983
♣ K 10 7 4
♠ AJ N ♠ Q9853
♥ A 10 8 4 ♥ Q95
♦ J74 W E ♦ A6 5
♣ Q982 S ♣ A3
♠ 10 4
♥ KJ32
♦ K Q 10 2
♣ J65
Helgemo Berg Helness Hansen
– Pass 1♠ Pass
2♣ Pass 2NT Pass
3NT All Pass
South led the king of diamonds and declarer decided to duck. Perhaps thinking he had struck
gold South continued with the two of diamonds and declarer won with dummy’s jack and played
a heart to the nine and jack. South exited with the ten of diamonds and declarer won, ran the
queen of hearts and played two more rounds of the suit, finessing, as North pitched the four of
clubs and the six of spades and declarer a spade.
Making sure of nine tricks, declarer played the ace of spades and a spade, ending with an over-
trick, +630 and 83 IMPs.
South has to lead a club to be sure of defeating 3NT – the contract failed five times, which
cost 57 IMPs.
As the players moved onto the second session of the final Mesbur-Fitzgibbon continued to
lead, but Vainikonis-Olanski were not far behind and then came Helgemo-Helness and Zia-Bilde.

 Intermediate
♠ A6
♥ K J 10 5 4
♦ J9
♣ 7542
♠ K94 N ♠ 72
♥ 973 ♥ AQ 6
♦ 8752 W E ♦ A6 4 3
♣ J98 S ♣ AK Q 6
♠ Q J 10 8 5 3
♥ 82
♦ K Q 10
♣ 10 3
Townsend Vainikonis Sandqvist Olanski
Pass Pass 1♣ 2♠
Pass Pass Double Pass
2NT Pass 3♣ All Pass
The exact meaning of 2NT is unclear (at least it was to the BBO commentators, who thought it
might be Lebensohl or even natural).
South led the queen of spades and when it held he switched to the king of diamonds.
Declarer won with the ace, and cashed a top club.
At this point declarer can get home by drawing trumps and exiting with a diamond, which looks
reasonable, as North is marked with a doubleton ace of spades and probably has the queen of hearts.
However, declarer rejected this line, and (from memory) cashed another club and ducked a
spade. North won and played a diamond and South overtook it and could play a spade, enabling
North to ruff. One way or another the contract had to go one down, +100 giving N/S 51 IMPs.
Helgemo-Helness and Hurd-Demuy were allowed to make 3NT, which gave them 97 IMPs.
♠ J76
♥ K 10 9 6 5
♦2
♣ QJ64
♠ AQ N ♠ 10 9 2
♥ AQ 8 7 4 ♥3
♦ AQ J 5 4 W E ♦ K873
♣ 10 S ♣ K9832
♠ K8543
♥ J2
♦ 10 9 6
♣ A75
With the exception of Diamond-Platnick, who managed nine tricks in 3NT (it is defeated by a spade
lead) for 92 IMPs, the field were in five or six diamonds, which failed after the lead of the ♦2 or the ♣Q.
At the end of the third session Vainikonis-Olanski had a handy lead of 268 IMPs over Mesbur-
Fitzgibbon,who in turn were 207 IMPs clear of Hurd-Demuy.

 Intermediate
And the Winners Are......
♠4
♥ 10 6 5 3
♦ 863
♣ Q 10 7 4 2
♠ AQ 2 N ♠ KJ9653
♥ A8 2 ♥ KJ4
♦ Q97542 W E ♦ KJ
♣9 S ♣ A8
♠ 10 8 7
♥ Q97
♦ A 10
♣ KJ653
Oursel Diamond Soulet Platnick
– Pass 1♠ Pass
2♦ Pass 2NT Pass
3♠ Pass 4♣* Pass
4♥* Pass 4NT* Pass
5♠* Pass 6♠ All Pass
Only two pairs missed this slam – and one of them was Vainikonis-Olanski, who did it against
Helgemo-Helness, handing them 117 IMPs.
Fitzgibbon and Mesbur - Winners of the Open

 Intermediate
Board 37. Dealer South. N/S Vul.
♠ KQJ3
♥ AJ83
♦—
♣ AKQ73
♠ 10 8 N ♠ 962
♥ Q762 ♥ 94
♦ AK 6 3 W E ♦ 9752
♣ J98 S ♣ 6542
♠ A754
♥ K 10 5
♦ Q J 10 8 4
♣ 10
Di Franco Zimmermann Manno Multon
– – – Pass
1NT* 2♣* Pass 4♣*
All Pass
1NT 10-12
2♣ Majors
4♣ Splinter
4♦ Cue-bid
5♦ Cue-bid
Four pairs missed the slam – and Vainikonis-Olanski were one of them, which cost them 99 IMPs
and the lead.
The big winners were Buras and Narkiewicz, who scored a majestic 2210 for 146 IMPs.
Board 38 Dealer West. E/W Vul.
♠ AQ543
♥ KJ9
♦ 986
♣ J9
♠— N ♠ J 10 8 7 2
♥ Q4 ♥ 62
♦ AK J 5 3 W E ♦ Q 10 7 2
♣ K 10 7 5 4 2 S ♣ A6
♠ K96
♥ A 10 8 7 5 3
♦4
♣ Q83
8 pairs played in 5♦, two of them doubled.
Bahbout-Vandervorst had been improving steadily and they had a magnificent result when they
saved in 5♥, one down, which was worth 109 IMPs. What is more they did it against the leaders,
knocking Mesbur-Fitzgibbon down to third.

 Intermediate
Board 39. Dealer North. None Vul.
♠ AKQ3
♥ Q 10 7 3
♦3
♣ A863
♠ J5 N ♠2
♥ 84 ♥ AK 2
♦ AJ 8 6 4 2 W E ♦ K Q 10 9 5
♣ 10 4 2 S ♣ KQJ7
♠ 10 9 8 7 6 4
♥ J965
♦7
♣ 95
Helgemo-Helness suffered on this deal, defending 5♦ redoubled which could not be defeated,
which cost them 84 IMPs.
Zia-Bilde missed the game – it was against Vainikonis-Olanski who gained 57 IMPs.
♠ K64
♥ KQJ
♦ KQ763
♣ J6
♠ A 10 9 2 N ♠ J873
♥— ♥ A8 5
♦ 52 W E ♦ J 10 9
♣ KQ97543 S ♣ A 10 2
♠ Q5
♥ 10 9 7 6 4 3 2
♦ A84
♣8
This proved to be the decisive deal.
Mesbur-Fitzgibbon collected 82 IMPs when they played in 5♥ down one, while Vainikonis-
Olanski lost 33 IMPs defending 5♣ doubled against Zia-Bilde, which they allowed to make,
despite the lead of the ♦K.
When the last deal hit the table, it proved to be a straight-forward game for N/S and with the
top two both sitting the same way there was no swing.

 Intermediate
Open Final
1 Mesbur-Fitzgibbon 610.0
2 Vainikonis-Olanski 463.8
3 Bahbout-Vandervorst 369.1
4 Multon-Zimmermann 365.9
5 Helgemo-Helness 323.9
6 Palau-Toffier 321.1
7 Bessis-Volcker 253.2
8 Sandqvist-Townsend 208.1
9 Duboin-Madala 202.3
10 Manno-Di Franco 198.4
11 Hurd-Demuy 190.9
12 Ticha-Ritmeijer 147.9
13 Mahmood-Bilde 126.3
14 Diamond-Platnick 118.0
15 D’avossa-Di Bello 71.7
16 Buras-Narkiewicz 6.4
17 Molenaar-Verbeek -13.3
18 Hansen-Berg -17.9
19 Lhuissier-De Tessieres -107.8
20 Solari-Mouttet -154.8
21 Oursel-Soulet -198.4
22 Mauberquez-De-Sainte-M -390.4
The winners picked up €17,500, while their owner collected €117,000.

Ladies Final
1 Labaere-Saporta 296.8
2 Rakhmani-Yakovleva 288.2
3 Baldysz-Sarniak 250.6
4 Golin-Baroni 185.4
5 Liu-Lu 179.7
6 Frey-d’Ovidio 62.2
7 Weinger-Botta 55.0
8 Huberschwiller-Mourgue -6.1
9 Hayman-Brewiak -44.7
10 Lund Madsen-Sjoberg -54.1
11 Dauvergne-Faivre -69.2
12 Rudakova-Ivanova -328.0
Here the rewards were €6,000 and €26,500.

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77 January 2016 Bridge Magazine

 Intermediate
Bridge Over the Rainbow
Alex Adamson and Harry Smith with more stories from Over The Rainbow Club
Air-Conditioning
January dragged on to its end, as only January can. With it went the flu epidemic that had been
sweeping through the Over The Rainbow Bridge Club. As the days slowly lengthened, table num-
bers returned to normal, and the regular partnerships reappeared. Normal hostilities were resumed.
The winter weather presented new opportunities for malevolence from the Wicked Witch of
the West and her coven, opportunities that they seized with delight. Outside, the temperatures
remained low as February progressed. Inside, it was a more complicated picture.
During the first tournament of the month, players were woken up early in the session by the
cry of the Irritable Witch of the South: ‘It’s freezing in here! Someone turn up the heating!’
The tournament director, a well meaning munchkin, came over to the table. ‘Oh dear, I’m sorry
about that,’ she said. ‘It feels okay to me, but we could turn it up a little.’
‘What!’ squawked the Unpleasant Witch of the North. ‘I’m boiling alive over here. If you make
it any hotter I think I shall faint, and I shall hold you responsible!’
The tournament director scratched her head. How could there be any temperature difference
between these two particular seats? She was at a loss as to what to do. For the rest of the night vari-
ous small changes were tried in order to satisfy the conflicting needs of the northern and southern
witches. The table was moved. Doors were opened, closed or left ajar. The windows were brought
into play. Nothing seemed to work. The tournament director left the club that night in a state of
exhaustion.
The whole question of the ambient temperature was a source of delight to the witches. It opened
up countless opportunities for creating aggravation and unpleasantness in the club. Just last year,
the Committee, in a desperate attempt to resolve matters, had put in a full air-conditioning sys-
tem at great expense. The Wicked Witch of the West had taken charge of the project, which had
proved quite disruptive for several weeks. She had worked tirelessly to ensure that it was completed
on time; terrifying the workmen into obedience was all the reward she asked for. This was the first
winter with the new system and all the members of the Committee were desperately hoping it
would bring an end to this source of inter-member conflict. It was a triumph of hope over experi-
ence. They should have known better. Though the situation seemed to have improved this was to
prove a dawn of the false variety: the witches would not let go of such an easy source of pleasure.
The second tournament of the month was worse. For no readily apparent reason the Witches
of the North and South switched to East-West, an almost unprecedented occurrence. Even more
bizarrely, as they marauded rounded the room they seemed to bring the weather with them. Dor-
othy and the Tin Man had been sitting quite comfortably all evening observing the chaos. ‘Mass
hysteria, hallucinations,’ snorted the Tin Man. ‘They make such a fuss that they convince their
opponents they can feel it too. Slightest breath of air and people are going crazy.’
Late in the tournament the Witches swept across to their table. Settling quickly, they all drew
their cards for the first board.

 Intermediate
Dealer South. None Vul.
♠ AQ4
♥ Q 10 2
♦ AKQ4
♣ Q74
♠ 952 N ♠ K 10 7 6
♥ AK J ♥ 98543
♦ 8763 W E ♦ ——
♣ A8 2 S ♣ J653
♠ J83
♥ 76
♦ J 10 9 5 2
♣ K 10 9
Playing their usual five-card majors and strong no-trump, the Irritable Witch opened One Diamond
in second seat. The Tin Man, sitting North, too strong for 1NT, doubled. East, the Unpleasant
Witch, passed. Dorothy decided to stretch a little and bid 1NT since none of her suits were appeal-
ing. The Tin Man ended the auction with a jump to 3NT.
Irritable W Tin Man Unpleasant W Dorothy
— — — Pass
1♦ Double Pass 1NT
Pass 3NT All Pass
The Irritable Witch led the ♥A. The Tin Man tabled dummy commenting on the quality of declar-
er’s diamond stop. As Dorothy considered the hand the Unpleasant Witch pulled a handkerchief
out of her handbag and started mopping her brow. ‘Absolutely stifling in this corner,’ she moaned
to Dorothy. ‘How could you put up with this all night? I suppose him being cold-blooded he
won’t have noticed.’ For the first time, it occurred to Dorothy that she did feel rather hot.
Winning the first trick, the Irritable Witch followed up with the ♥K and then the ♥J. It looked
from the carding as if hearts were 5-3. Dorothy had five diamond tricks, the ace of spades and a
heart on top. She could establish a club trick and the positions of the ♠K and the ♣J clubs would
determine her chances. She decided to drive out the ace of clubs. She led up to the king, losing
to the ace.
The Irritable Witch promptly put the ♠2 on the table – it might persuade Dorothy she had the
king and she didn’t care if she deceived her partner. Indeed, she rather enjoyed doing so!
Dorothy now felt sure about the heart split. She tried to recap the play so far. ‘So airless,’ the
Unpleasant Witch muttered loudly. ‘Hard to think with so little oxygen.’ Yes, Dorothy could feel
her concentration going. West had definitely shown twelve points, and clearly had a balanced
hand, having opened what was at most a four-card suit. If she had the ♠K she would have opened
1NT, so there was no point in taking the finesse, which was certain to lose. Dorothy won the ace
and played off her diamonds.
The Unpleasant Witch had a lot of discards to make from the East hand. She had thrown a
club and a spade easily enough, and on the third round she had bared her ♠K. On the fourth she
pitched a heart. With four cards left this was the position:

 Intermediate
♠ Q4
♥—
♦—
♣ Q7
♠ 95 N ♠K
♥— ♥9
♦— W E ♦—
♣ 82 S ♣ J6
♠J
♥—
♦2
♣ 10 9
Dorothy played her last diamond, West and dummy throwing spades. With no winning option,
the Unpleasant Witch threw her last heart winner, hoping Dorothy would take the club finesse.
However, the position of the jack was irrelevant to her. With the hand an open book, she put the
Unpleasant Witch on lead with the ♠K, forcing her to play a club to give the ninth trick.
The Tin Man was shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Determined not to acknowledge the unac-
countably warm atmosphere, but starting to feel tetchy, he commented ‘Interesting. It was kind
of West to tell you the complete lie of the cards.’
This was the second board of the set.
Dealer West. N/S Vul.
♠ KQJ2
♥ K76
♦ A 10
♣ J842
♠ A6 N ♠ 73
♥5 ♥ AQ J 9 8 3
♦ K98754 W E ♦ 62
♣ A 10 6 3 S ♣ Q95
♠ 10 9 8 5 4
♥ 10 4 2
♦ QJ3
♣ K7
The Irritable Witch as dealer was taking some time to sort her cards, delaying the start of the auc-
tion. ‘So cold!’ she hissed. ‘Feels like the cards have frozen together.’ Dorothy glanced over at her.
She was about to comment on Irritable’s unusual earrings but stopped herself. They looked like,
no they couldn’t really be icicles, could they?
Once again the Irritable Witch opened One Diamond. This time the Tin Man was slightly
too light for 1NT. In any case, he had a decent shape for a takeout double. After One Heart by
the Unpleasant Witch, Dorothy bid One Spade. Always pleased not to have to raise her partner,
the Irritable Witch showed her second suit with a bid of Two Clubs. The Tin Man’s raise to Two
Spades was followed by a slow Pass from East and quicker ones by South and West.

 Intermediate
West North East South ♠ KQJ2
Irritable W Tin Man Unpleasant W Dorothy ♥ K76
1♦ Double 1♥ 1♠ ♦ A 10
♣ J842
2♣ 2♠ All Pass ♠ A6 ♠ 73
N
♥ 5 ♥ AQ J 9 8 3
The Irritable Witch led her heart, East’s jack winning. ♦ K98754 W E ♦ 62
The Unpleasant Witch pondered her next move. If her ♣ A 10 6 3 S ♣ Q95
partner’s heart was a singleton then there was no rush to ♠ 10 9 8 5 4
continue the suit. Ace and another would merely swap ♥ 10 4 2
her sure heart trick for one of her partner’s trumps. If the ♦ QJ3
♣ K7
Irritable Witch and Dorothy both had doubletons then
playing ace and another might promote a trump trick but that seemed very unlikely. A trump
didn’t look as if it would achieve much. A club looked dangerous with the jack in the dummy. A
diamond? Yes, if the Irritable Witch held the king and jack then a diamond through could set up
a trick for her. Indeed a diamond switch might be necessary to prevent Irritable being endplayed
at a later point and forced to lead away from the king. Feeling ready for any post mortem argu-
ment, she switched to the ♦6.
Dorothy breathed a mental sigh of relief. Come to think of it, she could actually see her breath!
She had dodged a bullet. After three rounds of hearts the defence would still have had both black
aces to take. To have the values for her opening bid, the Irritable Witch must have the ace of
clubs. It was clear to Dorothy she would have needed a miracle to avoid a second loser in the suit.
The diamond switch ran round to the ten. The ♠K drove out the ace and the Irritable Witch
played a second diamond. The ♠Q of spades drew the outstanding trumps. Dorothy could see
some light emerging at the end of the tunnel. West’s failure to continue hearts made it certain
that they were splitting 6-1. In that case she might be able to develop a second club trick and dis-
card one of her losing hearts. The first step was to lead a club to the king. West won the ace and
played the ♦K, ruffed in the dummy, with the Unpleasant Witch throwing a heart. Dorothy had
won four of the first seven tricks. She had three trumps to come and needed to find one more
winner. This was the position:
♠J
♥ K7
♦—
♣ J84
♠— N ♠—
♥— ♥ AQ 9 8
♦ 987 W E ♦—
♣ 10 6 3 S ♣ Q9
♠ 10 9 8
♥ 10 4
♦—
♣7
Dorothy felt an icy gust of air round her legs. Feeling suddenly stiff, the Tin Man groaned and
stretched his right leg. ‘Forgot your WD40?’ the Irritable Witch cackled.
This is ridiculous, thought Dorothy. How can I be getting frostbite on the left side of my face
and sunburn on the right? She led a small club from the dummy. The Unpleasant Witch avoided
immediately setting up another trick for declarer by playing the nine. The Irritable Witch could
see that leaving her partner on lead was hopeless: she would either have to set up a club or a heart
trick in the dummy. Overtaking with the ten, she then realised that she was in no better a position.

 Intermediate
A diamond would give a ruff and discard. She tried another club. Dorothy shrugged and called
for the jack – with the nine and ten gone either it would score or she would ruff the queen and
the eight would be the master.
‘Lucky club position,’ snarled the Irritable Witch.
‘Well, I was going to be on a guess at worst. If your partner had two of the three clubs outstand-
ing above the eight then I couldn’t go wrong. If she had none of them then I couldn’t go wrong.
If she had only one of them it would have come down to guessing whether to play the jack or
eight on the third round of the suit,’ she replied. ‘So I was always going to have some play for it.’
‘At least you were after trick two,’ cut in the Tin Man, speaking hurriedly. ‘Strange pair of boards.
You made the first hand because you had the ten and nine of clubs and the second because you
held the eight and seven. We will need to think about amending our methods to take these key
cards into account.’
‘And we’ll have to amend ours too’, screeched the Irritable Witch, ‘the cold seems to have made
my partner’s minute brain seize up’.
The Unpleasant Witch was working on a suitably caustic riposte when the Tin Man jumped to
his feet and strode off, flexing his leg painfully. As he elbowed his way through the crowd of play-
ers haranguing the club president, the Chairman of the Lollipop Guild, his voice could be heard
clearly from across the room. ‘The committee has to do something about this! The atmospheric
conditions are unbearable!’
The Chairman promised to address the matter with the greatest urgency. The angry crowd of
players only let him leave the club once he had phoned all the other committee members, inform-
ing them of an emergency meeting to take place the following day.
(To be continued)
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 Intermediate
LYON - the place to be in August 2017

World Youth Championships
from 15th – 25th August 2017
LYON - FRANCE
Lyon is a place of warmth and

cultural exchange, and cultivates
a tradition of hospitality and
openness.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site

and a leading European tourist
destination, Lyon is also known
for the hosting and organisation
of major events.
In Lyon, the past and the future

meet. Ancient, modern and urban
combine with each other, every
discovery and every encounter
that you experience will be full of
wonder.
Welcome to Lyon where the 5th

World Youth Open Bridge
Championships, which are
organised by the World Bridge
Federation in cooperation with
the French Bridge Federation, will
be held at the Cité Internationale
of Lyon Schedule of play for the 2017
Youth Open Championships
The French Bridge Federation is
Pairs Registration Tues 15th Aug (at 10.00 hrs)
pleased to invite you to come and
participate in the events for Opening Ceremony Tues 15th Aug at 19.30
Juniors, Girls, Youngster
Pairs Championship From Wed 16th to Sat 19th Aug
and kids. (Prize-giving at 19.00)
Teams Championship From Sun 20th to Thurs 24th Aug

(Prize-Giving at 19.30)
Teams BAM From Tues 22nd to Fri 25th Aug
Championship
Prize-giving & Fri 25th Aug at 19.30 hrs.
Closing Ceremony

 Intermediate
Test Your
Defence
with Julian Pottage Solutions on page 95
♠ ♠
1 ♥
5
K74 2 ♥
AQ2
9
♦ K Q 10 6 5 4 ♦ AK874
♣ Q J 10 ♣ A Q 10 9
♠ KQ9 ♠ J 10 9 6 N
N ♥ A5 4 3
♥ J 10 9 6 5 2
♦ A9 3 W E ♦ Q952 W E
♣8 S ♣3 S
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1♥ 2♦ 4♥ 4♠ – – – 1♣*
Double All Pass Pass 1♦ Pass 1♥ *
You lead the jack of hearts. Ruffing this, declarer plays Pass 1♠ * Pass 2♠
ace and another trump to which all follow. How do Pass 3♣ Pass 3NT
you continue? Pass 4♣ Pass 5♣
Pass 6♣ All Pass
1♣ Better minor, 3+ clubs
1♥ Natural, unbalanced hand
1♠ Fourth suit forcing
You lead the jack of spades, won by the ace. Declarer
calls for the ace and then the queen of clubs (you dis-
card a low heart) followed by the nine of hearts. The
ten and king cover this. What do you do?



 Intermediate
The Abbot’s Unlucky Draw

David Bird
T he Abbot’s adventures in the Bermuda Bowl had in no way reduced his unquenchable
thirst for national green points. ‘Goodness me, that’s a tough draw in the first round of
the Cahalan Cup,’ he exclaimed. ‘We’re playing Hoggitt’s team from Southampton.’
‘They’re not the players they were,’ observed Brother Xavier. ‘Old age takes its toll. Just as it
has for our team.’
The Abbot peered over his glasses. ‘Speak for yourself,’ he retorted. ‘It hasn’t diminished the skills of
Meckstroth and Rodwell, I can tell you. They put up a strong fight against us in the Bermuda Bowl.’
A week or so later the Abbot ushered the Hoggitt team into the monastery’s main card room.
‘As you see, I still have quite a tan from India,’ declared the Abbot.
David Hoggitt was aware of the Abbot’s exploits in Chennai but had no intention of indulging
him by bringing up the subject. ‘I always try to keep out of the sun myself,’ he replied.
This was an early board at the Abbot’s table:
Dealer East. Both Vul.
♠ J72
♥ AQJ
♦ 9842
♣ A75
♠ 10 8 4 3 N ♠5
♥ 63 ♥ K874
♦ 763 W E ♦ K Q J 10 5
♣ QJ86 S ♣ K 10 3
♠ AKQ96
♥ 10 9 5 2
♦A
♣ 942
Brother Jeremy The Andy
Xavier Baxter Abbot Hughton
— — 1♦ 1♠
Pass 2♦ Pass 3♠
Pass 4♠ All Pass
The ♦6 was led and Hughton, the youngest member of the Hoggitt team, won with the ace. He
drew trumps in four rounds, throwing a diamond from dummy, and turned his mind to the heart
suit. The king of hearts was likely to be offside and there was a risk of a blockage in the suit. Still,
it seemed that any problems could be surmounted.
Declarer crossed to the ace of hearts and continued with the heart queen. The Abbot won with
the king of hearts, leaving the suit blocked, and returned the king of diamonds. Hughton, who
could not afford to ruff with his last trump while the hearts were blocked, discarded a club on
this trick and another club on the diamond continuation. These cards were still to be played:

 Intermediate
♠─
♥J
♦─
♣ A75
♠─ N ♠─
♥─ ♥─
♦─ W E ♦J
♣ QJ86 S ♣ K 10 3
♠9
♥ 10 9
♦─
♣9
It was the end of the road for the defence. On a club switch, declarer would win with the ace,
unblock the jack of hearts and return to his hand with a club ruff to score the ♥10. When the
Abbot persisted with a fourth round of diamonds, declarer ruffed in his hand and discarded the
blocking jack of hearts from dummy. He then faced the ♥109, claiming the contract.
The Abbot shrugged his shoulders. Heaven knows why Hughton was looking so pleased with
himself. The winning play had been easy enough. It was a pity he hadn’t been sitting South himself.
He could then have delivered an object lesson in how to behave after making a simple contract
with a totally obvious line of play.
At the other table Brother Lucius had just arrived in 3NT:
Dealer South. North-South Vul.
♠6
♥ AK7
♦ K 10 7 5 4 3
♣ 972
♠ AJ 8 3 2 N ♠ K74
♥ 10 8 4 3 ♥ J65
♦ Q6 W E ♦ J92
♣ J8 S ♣ Q 10 6 3
♠ Q 10 9 5
♥ Q92
♦ A8
♣ AK54
David Brother Steve Brother
Hoggitt Paulo Presley Lucius
— — — 1NT
Pass 3NT All Pass
Hoggitt led the ♠3 to East’s king. Brother Lucius covered the ♠7 return with the ♠10 and this
card was allowed to win. He now had eight top tricks and it seemed that West had started with
five spades to his partner’s three. How could he establish a ninth without allowing East on lead
to push a spade through the Q9?
Brother Lucius crossed to dummy with the king of hearts and led the ♦3. If a low spot-card
appeared from East, he could insert the ♦8 and duck the trick into the safe hand. Sensing the
situation, Steve Presley inserted the ♦9. When Brother Lucius won with the ace, Hoggitt realized

 Intermediate
that nothing could be lost by dropping the queen on the trick. It was due to fall under dummy’s
king anyway; by playing it on the first round he might promote partner’s jack into an entry.
Brother Lucius acknowledged this defence with a small nod of the head. If East had ♦J-x remain-
ing, there was no future in developing the diamonds. Perhaps he should try another tack. At Trick
5 Brother Lucius exited with the queen of spades. Hoggitt won with the ace and sat back in his
chair. Cashing the other two spades might put his partner under pressure in the end-game. There
was no future in any other defence, however. With the spade link between the defenders broken,
declarer would simply set up the diamond suit if the spades were not taken. Hoggitt cashed his
last two spade winners and exited with a diamond, won with dummy’s king. These cards remained:
♠─
♥ K7
♦ 10 7
♣9
♠─ N ♠ ─
♥ 10 8 4 ♥─
♦─ W E ♦J
♣ J8 S ♣ Q 10 6 3
♠─
♥ Q9
♦─
♣ AK5
Brother Lucius continued with the queen and king of hearts, squeezing East in the minors. When
he released a second club, declarer scored three club tricks in his hand. The game had been made.
‘No better if I exit with a club instead of a diamond,’ Hoggitt observed. ‘With the diamond
link intact, he plays the king of hearts before the queen.’
On the Abbot’s table, the players had just drawn their cards for a big deal:
♠ 653
♥ QJ874
♦ J4
♣ A82
♠ A8 2 N ♠ K Q J 10 9 7 4
♥9 ♥ K 10 6 5 2
♦ 9832 W E ♦6
♣ 97543 S ♣—
♠—
♥ A3
♦ A K Q 10 7 5
♣ K Q J 10 6
Brother Jeremy The Andy
Xavier Baxter Abbot Hughton
— — — 1♦
Pass 1♥ 4♠ 6♣
6♠ 7♣ All Pass
Brother Xavier led the ace of spades and Jeremy Baxter, whose sports jacket had seen better

 Intermediate
days, laid out the dummy. The Abbot did not like what he saw. The heart finesse would be right
for declarer, if he needed it. Surely North would not have ventured the grand slam unless Brother
Xavier has pushed him into it?
Andy Hughton ruffed in his hand and played the king of trumps, not looking too happy when
the Abbot discarded a spade. After a few moments, he crossed to dummy with the jack of dia-
monds and ran the queen of hearts successfully. The Abbot glared across the table. Would the
Parrot have made such a fatuous and expensive 6♠ bid? Of course he wouldn’t.
Hughton returned to his hand with the ace of diamonds, East showing out. He then contin-
ued to play good diamonds from his hand, discarding hearts from dummy. Brother Xavier had
to ruff the fifth or sixth round of diamonds; otherwise declarer would throw the last two hearts
from dummy and ruff the ace of hearts for a thirteenth trick. When West ruffed the fifth diamond
with the ♣4, Hughton overruffed with the ♣A to avoid blocking the trump suit. He then drew
West’s remaining trumps and scored the thirteenth trick with a good diamond.
‘Did you have to bid Six Spades?’ complained the Abbot.
‘It’s very cheap opposite your hand,’ Brother Xavier retorted. ‘Surely you should have bid Seven
Spades over Seven Clubs. You had 7-5 shape, didn’t you?’
The Abbot returned his cards to the board. Now he’d heard it all. Partner foolishly pushes them
into a grand slam they would never have bid. He then blames you for the outcome!
The Hoggitt team led by 16 IMPs at half-time. This was an early deal in the second half:
Dealer South. N/S Vul.
♠ 10 5 3
♥ AJ2
♦ A92
♣ Q973
♠ AK Q 9 4 N ♠ J762
♥ 10 9 8 ♥ Q753
♦ K74 W E ♦ 10 8 6 5
♣ 52 S ♣4
♠8
♥ K64
♦ QJ3
♣ A K J 10 8 6
David Brother Steve The
Hoggitt Xavier Presley Abbot
1♠ Pass 3♠ 4♣
Pass 5♣ All Pass
East’s pre-emptive raise failed to shut out the opponents and the club game was reached. The
Abbot ruffed the second round of spades and drew trumps in two rounds. What was the best plan
to avoid two further losers in the red suits?
At Trick 5 the Abbot ran the queen of diamonds. If this lost to the king with East, there would
be a good chance that the queen of hearts was onside. The diamond queen won the trick. What
now? It was unlikely that West had begun with a doubleton king; he would probably have cov-
ered the queen in that case.
The Abbot continued with the jack of diamonds, covered by the king and ace. He then ruffed
dummy’s last spade and exited with a third round of diamonds. As he had hoped, it was East who

 Intermediate
held the ♦10 and had to win this trick. The Abbot then faced his cards, claiming the contract.
East would have to lead into dummy’s heart tenace or concede a ruff-and-discard.
‘It’s no good if I switch to a heart at Trick 2,’ Hoggitt remarked. ‘He wins with the king and
can still arrive at the same end position.’
The Abbot nodded. ‘Looks like you needed to lead the ♥10 at Trick 1,’ he said. ‘Then you can
lead another heart when you win the first spade.’
‘Can’t you still make it?’ Hoggitt replied. ‘You win with the ace, eliminate spades and exit with
the jack of hearts. Steve has to win and lead away from the ♦10. You don’t lose a diamond trick.’
The Abbot was unimpressed by Hoggitt’s tone. If a player made a habit of undermining his
opponents’ analysis, surely should he not look for a more polite way of doing it?
Near the end of the match, the Abbot was tested once again:
♠ A65
♥ K 10 8 6 3
♦ 76
♣ Q 10 2
♠ 10 9 8 4 N ♠ J72
♥─ ♥ QJ9
♦ AQ 5 4 W E ♦ K 10 9 2
♣ J8743 S ♣ K96
♠ KQ3
♥ A7542
♦ J83
♣ A5
David Brother Steve The
Hoggitt Xavier Presley Abbot
— — — 1♥
Pass 4♥ All Pass
The Abbot won the spade lead in his hand and played the ace of trumps, West discarding a
club. With three certain losers in the red suits, he now had to avoid the loss of a club trick. The
best chance seemed to be to endplay East on the third round of trumps. The diamond suit would
have to be eliminated first. If the clubs lay well, with East holding the king and West the jack,
neither defender would be able to play a club when they won a diamond trick.
One problem remained, even with such a favourable club lie. If East was able to win the lead
twice in diamonds, he would be able to return the queen of trumps and then cash the trump jack
before diamonds had been eliminated. What could be done?
The Abbot decided to lead towards the jack of diamonds. In that way he could restrict East to
one diamond entry if he held only one of the three top diamond honours. He crossed to the ace
of spades and led a diamond towards his hand. East rose with the diamond king and returned
the queen of trumps to dummy’s king.
When a second round of diamonds was led from dummy, East could not win the trick. He tried
his luck with the ten but the Abbot covered with the jack. Hoggitt won the trick and returned
a third round of spades, the Abbot winning and ruffing his remaining diamond. He then exited
with a third round of trumps. Presley had no good return when he won with the jack. A diamond
would give a ruff-and-discard and a club would be run to dummy’s queen. The game was made.
‘Interesting avoidance play in diamonds,’ observed the Abbot, looking expectantly across the

 Intermediate
table. ‘I needed East to hold only one high diamond.’
‘Yes, it was fortunate for us,’ replied Brother Xavier. ‘The clubs lay well too.’
‘You may be forgetting the 3-0 trump break,’ observed the Abbot. ‘There was nothing wrong
with the contract.’
‘I was wondering if you do better to play on diamonds before playing any trumps,’ said Brother
Xavier. ‘That way you might make it when East holds two high diamonds.’
Now the Abbot had heard everything. Not only was his partner allergic to uttering the tradi-
tional ‘Well played, partner’, he also favoured commending double-dummy plays once the lie of
the cards were known. Play on diamonds when there might well be an adverse spade ruff threat-
ened? The man was mad.
A good number of IMPs had been exchanged in the second half and the final comparison
revealed that the Hoggitt team still had 9 IMPs of their half-time lead intact.
The Abbot managed a fairly gruff ‘Good luck in the next round’, bade the visitors goodbye and
strode up the stone staircase to his cell. Absolutely hopeless! One moment he was beating Meck-
stroth and Rodwell in the Bermuda Bowl. Only a week or two later, he was losing to a bunch of
local players well past their prime. His team-mates were no older than he was. How had he man-
aged to preserve his bridge powers - in fact enhanced them in a big way - while Lucius, Paulo and
Xavier were all on a downward path? The Lord moved in mysterious ways. Yes. indeed!

BUMBLEPUPPY DAYS
by Julian Laderman
WINNER OF THE2015 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD FROM THE
AMERICAN BRIDGE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION
The origins of the game of bridge have been shrouded in mystery...

but no longer. Tracing the development of the game and the
fascinating characters who played it from whist through to auction
bridge and eventually contract, the author reveals the missing link, and
demonstrates how the world’s most popular card game came into being.
“This is the most interesting book that I have read in a long time. I
thoroughly recommend this book to all readers, not merely those who
are interested in the history of the game.” — Richard Fleet, Bridge
Magazine

DISCUSS
DISCUSSTODAY’S
TODAY’SBRIDGE
BRIDGEISSUES
ISSUESON

 Intermediate
Some Enchanted Evening

Tickets Available Now
When: Friday 6th May 2016, 7pm
Where: Glazier’s Hall,

9 Montague Close, London Bridge,
SE1 9DD
Tickets: £100 per person, or £400 to

play with one of our professionals (drawn at random),
including:
David Price, Colin Simpson, John Holland,
Gunnar Hallberg, Nicola Smith, Heather Dhondy,
Brian and Nevena Senior, Robert Sheehan,
Tom Townsend and many more.
An evening filled with bridge, plenty of

booze, delicious canapés, and of course,
lots of opportuntities for fundraising -
including an auction!
Tickets now available, please email

briony.brock@smsr.org.uk to secure your place
With thanks to Bernard Teltscher for donating the drinks and to

the Worshipful Glaziers’ Company for providing the premiseT

 Intermediate
Solution to Non-Prize Problem

Dealer: West ; Both Vulnerable
♠Q
♥ 52
♦ A K 10 8 6 3
♣ J 10 8 5
♠ K762 N ♠ J83
♥ KJ9 ♥ 43
♦ 74 W E ♦ QJ92
♣ A9 7 2 S ♣ KQ43
♠ A 10 9 5 4
♥ A Q 10 8 7 6
♦5
♣6
1♦* 2♦* Pass 2♥
Pass 3♦ Double 3♠
Double 4♥ Double All Pass
1♦ Precision, may be short
2♦ Natural
The deal is another from the year 2000 Cap Gemini Invitation in the Netherlands. The declarer
was Huub Bertens. He realised that as East had shown diamonds with his first double the
heart honours were likely to be wrong. His best chance was to reduce his trumps.
Bertens ruffed the second club, crossed to dummy with a diamond and ruffed another club.
He then played ace of spades, ruffed a spade, cashed the top diamond throwing a spade,
ruffed the last club (all following) and ruffed another spade with dummy’s last trump. With
dummy down to four diamonds he led a diamond and when East covered ditched his last
spade. West threw a spade leaving himself with ♥KJ9 but when South ruffed the next trick
low West had to over-ruff and be endplayed at trick 12.
Note that although the second club had given South a chance to set up the club trick he real-
ised he did not need it.

Master Solvers
VIDEO OF THE MONTH 3
Problems from the World Bridge

Championships, Chennai 2015
It has become the norm at all the major Championships for a Video team to be on hand.
They have an open brief to present the championships to the global audience watching from afar
and with so much taking place, there is no shortage of material.
They capture the highlights of every championship, including the opening and closing ceremonies.
In Chennai, the team produced more than 40 videos covering a wide range of topics.
Apart from the videos which report on all the important issues (and there were many of those in
Chennai) the production team keep an eye open for instructive deals during the Championships.
They then persuade one of the players involved, or someone close to the action, to present the deal
and explain what happened.
In Chennai many of these deals were presented as part of an ongoing series - Master Solvers.
Master Solver with Mark Horton Master Solver With David Bakhshi
running time: 3 minutes running time: 3 minutes
Master Solver With David Gold Master Solver with Simon Cope
running time: 2 minutes running time: 2 minutes
94 January 2016 Bridge Magazine

 Intermediate
Solutions to “Test Your Defence”
with Julian Pottage See page 84
♠ ♠
1 ♥
5
K74 2 ♥
AQ2
9
♦ K Q 10 6 5 4 ♦ AK874
♣ Q J 10 ♣ A Q 10 9
♠ KQ9 N ♠ 10 3 ♠ J 10 9 6 N ♠ 83
♥ J 10 9 6 5 2 ♥ AQ 8 3 ♥ A5 4 3 ♥ 10 8 6 2
♦ A9 3 W E ♦ 82 ♦ Q952 W E ♦ 10 6 3
♣ 8 S ♣ K7642 ♣ 3 S ♣ J854
♠ AJ87642 ♠ K754
♥ — ♥ KQJ7
♦ J7 ♦ J
♣ A953 ♣ K762
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1♥ 2♦ 4♥ 4♠ – – – 1♣*
Double All Pass Pass 1♦ Pass 1♥ *
You lead the jack of hearts. Ruffing this, declarer plays Pass 1♠* Pass 2♠
ace and another trump to which all follow. How do Pass 3♣ Pass 3NT
you continue? Pass 4♣ Pass 5♣
Three defensive tricks are obvious – two trumps and Pass 6♣ All Pass
the ♦A. The setting trick needs to come from clubs. 1♣ Better minor, 3+ clubs
All will be well if partner holds the ♣A. The ♣K with 1♥ Natural, unbalanced hand
1♠ Fourth suit forcing
the ♣9 will probably do instead because you can hold
up the ♦A, which should leave declarer with a slow You lead the jack of spades, won by the ace. Declarer
club loser. calls for the ace and then the king of clubs (you dis-
card a low heart) followed by the nine of hearts. The
The problematic situation is when partner has the
ten and king cover this. What do you do?
♣K but not the ♣9. If you defend passively, declarer
can simply knock out your remaining trump, cross to This bidding strongly indicates a three-suited hand on
dummy with a diamond and pick up the clubs with- your right. You need to hope this is 4-4-1-4 rather than
out loss. 4-4-0-5 because the position appears hopeless if East
has only three trumps. Even if declarer unexpectedly
You need to attack the opposing communications. If
lacks the ♥Q, there will be twelve tricks: three spades,
you give the entry to dummy while you still have a
a heart, two diamonds, five clubs and two ruffs.
trump to stop declarer from finessing in clubs ad infin-
itum, your partner can score the ♣K at the end. You Placing partner with four trumps improves the posi-
need to switch to a low diamond. Yes, this could let tion considerably. Indeed, if these include the ♣J and
the contract through if declarer is 7-0-1-5. Of course, the ♣8, declarer cannot ruff anything in either hand
7-0-2-4 is more likely, all the more so since with a without losing a trump. In this case, even if the ♥10
2-4-3-4 shape partner would probably have shown a was East’s highest heart, declarer has only eleven easy
sound raise to 3♥. tricks: three spades, two hearts, two diamonds and
four clubs.
What danger must you consider? When declarer draws
trumps and cashes the major-suit tops, you will need to
keep a spade and partner a heart. This will leave neither
of you able to protect diamonds. To stop the impend-
ing double squeeze you must attack diamonds. Just
in case the ♦J is bare, take the ♥A and lead the ♦Q.

 Intermediate
PARTNERSHIP PROFILE
In this issue, the Editor starts his coverage of the ACBL’s 88th Fall Nationals in Denver.
This month we take a look at the final of the Baze Senior Knockout Teams between Rose Meltzer
(Steve Garner, Dan Morse, John Sutherlin, John Mohan and Ron Smith) and Gaylor Kasle (Larry
Kozlove, Mike Passell, Neil Chambers, John Schermer and Marc Jacobus).
The Hands
(This month all the deals were played at IMPs.)
Hand 1. Dealer South. Both Vul.
♠2 N ♠ J 10 7 5 4
♥ AK 7 4 ♥ Q J 10 9
♦ AK Q 9 8 5 W E ♦ 642
♣ 53 S ♣A
West East
Kozlove Kasle
1♦ 1♠
2♥ 4♣*
4♦ 4♥
4NT* 5♦*
6♥ Pass
4♣ Splinter
4NT RKCB
5♦ 1 key card
The key to the auction was East’s decision to show his heart support with a splinter bid of 4♣,
although there are those who frown upon this action when holding a singleton ace.
On aces.bridgeblogging.com Bobby Wolff writes that splinters would probably be his choice
as the greatest single bidding invention in the last 50+ years (along with negative doubles and
other gimmicks which save bidding room) and, if utilized properly (with the proper experience
of doing so), improve the judgment involved by leaps and bounds.
North led the queen of clubs from ♠AQ9 ♥85 ♦J107 ♣QJ1062 and declarer won perforce
with dummy’s ace, drew trumps and cashed the ace of diamonds, claiming when both defenders
followed, +1430.
While this board was being played the commentators spent a little time discussing the merits of
0314 vs1430 as responses to Roman Keycard Blackwood. System’s expert Al Hollander pointed
out that Rodwell acolytes use 0314 but Kickback where the ask is the trump suit +1. For a detailed
explanation go to: http://fourseasonsbridge.com/harold/BASK_RCCB.pdf
West East
Meltzer Mohan
1♦ 1♠
2♥ 3♥
4♦ 4♥
Pass

 Intermediate
Without the knowledge that East held a control in clubs it would involve a degree of risk to bid
4♠ over 4♥. Against that, East had not jumped directly to 4♥ and there was an inference that his
hand had some potential (the principle of fast arrival).
The play was identical, +680.
Recommended auction: I cannot fault the auction of Kozlove-Kasle. In the other room if West
had bid 4♠ over 4♥ East would have cue-bid 5♣ and the slam would have been reached.
Marks: 6♥/6♦10, 4♥/5♦/3NT 5.
Running score: Meltzer 5 (0) Kasle 10 (13)
Hand 2. Dealer East. All Vul.
♠ KQJ7 N ♠—
♥8 ♥ KJ6542
♦ K 10 W E ♦ AJ 8 7 3
♣ AQ J 8 6 3 S ♣ K5
South overcalls 1♠
West East
Kozlove Kasle
– 1♥ (1♠)
2♣ 2♦
3NT Pass
North, just short of a classical Yarborough, led the three of spades from ♠10943 ♥93 ♦6542
♣1074 and declarer was allowed to win with the queen. He cashed the king of diamonds and ran
the ten to South’s queen. On a club return declarer took his diamond tricks, discarding the king
and seven of spades and a heart and then ran the clubs.
In the two-card ending South, down to the major-suit aces, pitched the wrong one, +690.
West East
Meltzer Mohan
– 1♥ (1♠)
2♣ 2♦
3NT 4♥
Pass
I think East was wrong to go back to hearts.

If West was in any doubt about the final contract she could have bid 2♠ over 2♦ and then bid
3NT on the next round.
However, the play’s the thing and when South led the ace of spades from his ♠A8652 ♥AQ107
♦Q9 ♣92 declarer was in with a shout. He ruffed, but then tried a low heart. South went in with
the ten and switched to a club. Declarer won with the king and tried the king of hearts, but South
took the ace and waited for two more trump tricks, +100.
One winning line is for declarer to cash four minor-suit winners and then play off the spades.
Another is to play three rounds of diamonds.
Taking the heart suit in isolation, the best line for three tricks is to play low to the jack (67.82%)
while if declarer needs four tricks then low to the king is the move (19.37%).
Recommended auction: Once again Kozlove and Kasle were right on the money.
Marks: 3NT 10, 5♣ 8, 5♦ 6 4♥ 5.

 Intermediate
After a set that featured nine flat boards, Kasle led 27-13.
Hand 3. Dealer West. None Vul.
♠A N ♠ Q J 10 9 6 5
♥2 ♥ A Q 10
♦ AKQ10973 W E ♦2
♣ A6 5 4 S ♣ Q83
West East
Smith Garner
2♣* 2♦*
3♦ 3♠
4♦ 4♥
4♠ 5♠
6♦ Pass
2♦ Waiting
Al Hollander pointed out that after 3♦ it is possible to use 3♥ as a waiting bid, with 3NT show-
ing 5+♥ and 3♠ 5+♠.
South led the ♣9 from ♠82 ♥K7543 ♦J854 ♣92 and North won with the king and returned
the ten, declarer winning with the ace and cashing the ace and king of diamonds. When North
pitched a heart declarer continued with the queen of diamonds, cashed the ace of spades and
exited with a diamond. South won, and down to ♠8 ♥K7543 exited with a heart, immediately
surrendering an eleventh trick.
Had he exited with the eight of spades declarer would have ruffed and would then need to play
a heart to the ace and advance the queen to escape for one down.
West East
Kozlove Kasle
1♦ 1♠
3♣ 3♠
4♦ 4♥
4♠ Pass
Once West had opened 1♦ a slam was not in the picture.

South led the three of hearts and declarer won with the queen, ruffed the ten of hearts and
played two top diamonds. North ruffed and declarer overruffed and played the ten of spades. West
took the king of spades, but apart from the king of clubs declarer had the rest.
Recommended auction: For the third deal in a row, Kozlove-Kasle produced a sound auction. I
don’t think the West hand is worth 2♣ unless you are playing Benjamin, when the auction might
go 2♣-2♦-3♦-3♠-4♣-4♥-5♦.
Marks: 5♦/4♠/3NT 10, 6♦ 4.
Kasle took the second set 35-14 to establish a lead of 35 IMPs.

 Intermediate
Hand 4. Dealer West. Both Vul.
♠ KJ9 N ♠ A8 5
♥ Q3 ♥ AK 6 5
♦ J9 W E ♦ A7
♣ QJ6532 S ♣ A 10 8 7
West East
Sutherlin Morse
Pass 2NT
4NT 5♣
6♣ Pass
2NT 19-20
South led the jack of hearts from ♠1076 ♥J10942 ♦863 ♣K9 and declarer won with dummy’s
queen and played a club to the seven, South winning with the king and fatally switching to the
six of spades. When North covered the nine with the queen declarer could claim, +1370.
West East
Chambers Schermer
Pass (2♦*) Double
3♣ 3♦*
3♠ 3NT
Pass
2♦ Weak two in diamonds
By bidding 3♦ before 3NT East was clearly expressing doubt and there is a good case for West
to bid 4♣.
South led the two of diamonds and declarer ducked, won the next diamond, crossed to dummy
with a heart and ran the queen of clubs, two down, -200.
Recommended auction: Given a free run E/W might bid 1♣-2♣*-3NT, when South would be
doing well to find the diamond lead.
Were North to bid 2♦ over 2♣ East could bid 2♥ and then bid 3♦* over West’s 2♠. The full auc-
tion might go: 1♣-2♣*-(2♦)-2♥-2♠-3♦*-4♣ when East must consider the merits of bidding 6♣ .
Once North has opened 2♦ it should be possible to avoid 3NT, but it is not easy to reach 6♣.
One further point if you get to 6♣ after North has bid diamonds.
Once the king of clubs proves to be with South declarer might do the right thing in spades.
Marks: 6♣ 10, 5♣ 8, 3NT 5.
Hand 5. Dealer West. None Vul.
♠ AQ107632 N ♠5
♥ 83 ♥ AK Q J 7 2
♦ K7 W E ♦ J54
♣ Q9 S ♣ 632
West East
Passell Jacobus
1♠ 2♥
2♠ 3♥
4♥ Pass

 Intermediate
The old adage that one should not put a seven-card suit down in dummy had to go by the way-
side on this deal.
South led the seven of clubs from ♠J98 ♥54 ♦A1082 ♣K1075 and when declarer put up
dummy’s queen North won with the ace and returned the four to South’s ten. When a third club
appeared declarer ruffed, drew trumps and played a spade to the queen, North winning with the
king and returning a diamond for one down.
Declarer could have got home by playing North for a doubleton king of spades and South the
ace of diamonds, but if South finds the brilliant switch to a low diamond at trick three, declarer
has no winning line. For example, if declarer gets the diamonds right by putting up dummy’s
king and then exits with a diamond the defenders win and play a trump.
West East
Smith Garner
1♠ 3♥*
3♠* 4♥
Pass
3♥ Natural, invitational
3♠ Forcing
South led the five of clubs and North won with the jack, cashed the ace and switched to a trump.
Declarer won, played a spade to the ace and ruffed a spade. When the king appeared he ruffed a
club and played the queen of spades, ruffed by the ten and overuffed, declarer drawing trumps
and playing a diamond, claiming when South took the ace.
One way to defeat 4♥ is to switch to a trump at trick two.
Another is for North to switch to a diamond at trick three, South withholding the ace.
Recommended auction: In Acol the sequence 1♠-2♥-2♠-3♥ is described by Eric Crowhurst as
constructive but not forcing. 4♥ is a poor contract, but the defenders have to be careful.
Marks: 3♥10, 3♠ 8,4♥ 7, 4♠ 3.
Hand 6. Dealer North. Both Vul.
♠ AK Q 6 5 N ♠ 10
♥ 10 9 7 4 ♥ AK Q 8 3 2
♦ A7 W E ♦ K52
♣ Q3 S ♣ 754
West East
Passell Jacobus
– 1♥
2NT* 3♦*
3♥* 4♦* (Double)
Redouble* 4♠
5♦ 6♥
Pass
The BBO commentators suggested this is what the bids meant:
2NT Heart support
3♦ A singleton somewhere
3♥ Where?
4♦ Spades
Rdbl First round control

 Intermediate
However, I’m not so certain, as in this scenario East would have no reason to bid 4♠.
Whatever you make of it the case for a club lead seems clear, but with ♠J7432 ♥6 ♦QJ1094
♣K8 South looked no further than the queen of diamonds and declarer could get rid of a couple
of clubs on the spades, +1430.
West East
Smith Garner
– 1♥
2NT* 3♦*
3♥* 4♦*
4NT* 5♠*
6♥ Pass
2NT Game-forcing four-card raise
3♦ Extra values with some splinter
3♥ Where
4♦ Spades
4NT RKCB
5♠ 2 keys + ♥Q
Where East’s ‘extra values’ were must remain a mystery.
However, when South fished out the queen of diamonds it was a push.
Recommended auction: 1♥-2NT*-3♥-4♦*-4♥ is a good start, East’s 3♥ simply keeping the ball
in play. If West now bids 4♠ East can bid 5♦, clearly denying a club control.
Marks: 5♥ 10, 6♥ 5.
Those two big swings had put Meltzer right back in the match. The set score was 37-3 which
meant Kasle’s lead was down to1 IMP.
Hand 7. Dealer South. E/W Vul.
♠— N ♠ K Q 10 4 3 2
♥ K87654 ♥ AQ 2
♦ A7 6 2 W E ♦—
♣ AK 2 S ♣ Q 10 9 8
South opens 1♦
West East
Schermer Chambers
– – (1♦)
2♥* 3♦*
4♣ 6♥
Pass
2♥ was described as intermediate (I used to say a hand that would have opened 1♥ and rebid 2♥).
North led the six of spades from ♠J96 ♥J1093 ♦J853 ♣63 and declarer put in dummy’s ten.
After ruffing South’s ace declarer played a heart to the ace disclosing the 4-0 break, cashed the
king of spades pitching a diamond, ruffed a spade, cashed two top hearts ending in dummy and
played winning spades, claiming +1430.

 Intermediate
West East
Smith Garner
– – (1♦*)
1♥ 2♠
3♦* 4♥
6♥ Pass
1♦ 2+♦
Although 2♠ was not alerted it seems clear that it was a fit jump.
Here North led the six of clubs and when dummy’s eight held declarer overtook it with the
ace, crossed to the queen of hearts and played the king of spades, covered by the ace and ruffed.
Declarer cashed king of clubs, ruffed a diamond, pitched a diamond on the queen of spades,
ruffed a spade, crossed to the ace of hearts, pitched a diamond on the ten of spades and claimed.
Recommended auction: Once South has opened the bidding 6♥ is very good.
Both auctions are excellent.
Marks: 6♥ 10, 4♥/3NT 7.
Hand 8. Dealer East. None Vul.
♠ KJ N ♠ 542
♥ A J 10 7 5 ♥ KQ942
♦ A7 4 3 W E ♦Q
♣ J3 S ♣ A K 10 4
South overcalls 1♠.
West East
Morse Sutherlin
– 1♥ (1♠)
2♠* 4♥
Pass
East had plenty of alternatives to 4♥. It was suggested that splintering with 4♦ might have got
West interested in higher things.
South’s overcall was on ♠AQ963 ♥8 ♦KJ109 ♣762 so there was no stopping twelve tricks.
West East
Passell Jacobus
– 1♥ (1♠)
2NT* 3♦*
3♥* 4♣*
4♦* 4♥
Pass
2NT Heart raise
3♦ Maximum with a splinter
3♥ Where
4♣ Diamonds
4♦ Last Train
West knew about the singleton diamond but was unwilling to go beyond game. Had he bid 4♠
over 4♥ I think East might have tried 6♥.
Recommended auction: Passell-Jacobus were on the right lines, but West might have bid 4♠ over 4♥.

 Intermediate
The Last Train convention was devised and cleverly named by Eric Rodwell’s regular partner Jeff
Meckstroth, inspired by The Last Train to Clarksville, a popular song by the Monkees. Usually
Last Train is used at the four-level, e.g. 1♥-2NT- 4♣-4♦. But there are more situations as Eric
Rodwell explains in his Bridge Topics series at newinbridge.com
Marks: 6♥ 10, 4♥/3NT 5.
As a bonus, here is another deal from the last session that illustrates that no contract is totally
hopeless:
Dealer East. All Vul
♠ A5
♥ KQ3
♦ AK83
♣ 9765
♠ KQJ8 N ♠ 10 7 3
♥ 10 7 2 ♥A
♦ Q65 W E ♦ J 10 9 7 4
♣ 10 4 3 S ♣ AK J 8
♠ 9642
♥ J98654
♦2
♣ Q2
In the Open Room a transfer sequence saw North play in 3♥.
East started with three rounds of clubs and declarer ruffed in dummy, crossed to hand with a
spade and played a heart. East won and played a fourth club but declarer ruffed with the jack of
hearts, drew trumps and emerged with eight tricks, -100.
In the Closed Room:
Smith Passell Garner Jacobus
— — 1♦ Pass
1♠ Dble Rdbl 3♥
Pass 4♥ All Pass
West led the king of spades and declarer won with dummy’s ace, cashed the top diamonds pitch-
ing a club and exited with a spade. East put up the ten, but West overtook it and switched to the
two of hearts. East took the ace and, desperate to get West in to play another trump, returned
the eight of clubs.
Oops.
Even though Kasle gained 12 IMPs on this deal, and won the bidding battle on our eight fea-
tured deals, Meltzer did just enough, taking the last set 35-29 to win 99-94.
You can play through the deals mentioned in this article.
Just follow the links:
Hands 1 & 2: http://tinyurl.com/jprrpfr
Hand 3: http://tinyurl.com/hh6gckd
Hands 4, 5 & 6: http://tinyurl.com/h5gwn26
Hands 7 & 8: http://tinyurl.com/jnphpxo

 Intermediate
MARKS & COMMENTS

Set 299 conducted by Alan Mould
To those of you for whom it is – I wish you a Happy THE BIDS & MARKS
New Year and all the best for 2016. The New Year Bid Marks No. of Votes
sees big changes in this feature with the first outing for 1. Pass 10 12
our bright, new, shiny, fresh out of the cellophane, five- 3NT 8 3
Four Spades 8 3
card major, strong NT, two over one system. This was Three Spades 7 2
first suggested in the October editorial and has been Four Clubs 2 0
adopted for the start of this year. In practice it was not 2. Four Spades 10 12
Three Hearts 8 1
clear which system would be in operation for this set so I 3NT 8 2
had to try and pick problems where the basic system did Three Spades 7 5
2NT 4 0
not matter – you can judge how well I have done that. Pass 3 0
With our new system comes plenty of new questions to Four Clubs 2 0
be answered and answers to be questioned. Will Mike Three Diamonds 1 0
3. Four Diamonds 10 8
Lawrence live longer as he is not driven to apoplexy by Double 9 4
Acol auctions (I hope so)? Will Iain Sime be less sarcas- Four Spades 8 4
4NT 7 2
tic about our methods (I hope not)? Will Eric Kokish 5NT 7 1
be as insightful and full in his answers from now on 3NT 6 1
(surely yes)? I will miss Eric Greco’s fine understanding Four Clubs 4 0
Five Clubs 3 0
of a system he has never played but look forward to his Five Diamonds 3 0
analysis of a system he is much more familiar with. Six Clubs 2 0
This month problem 1 is from the recent world Six Diamonds 2 0
4. Four Clubs 10 11
championships in Chennai and was sent to me by Four Diamonds 9 3
David Bird; problem 2 was sent to me by Iain Sime 3NT 8 5
Four Hearts 7 1
and comes from a Scottish event; problem 3 my team- Five Diamonds 4 0
mate Hugh McGann held in our Gold Cup quarter Six Diamonds 3 0
final match (we lost by 3 imps so don’t ask!); problem Four Spades 2 0
4NT 1 0
4 was sent in by reader Andrew Kind and comes from 5. Four Diamonds 10 10
a local Pairs event; problem 5 was given to me by my 3NT 9 4
English Premier League partner Ollie Burgess and Four Clubs 9 2
Four Hearts 9 4
comes from a Lancashire event; problem 6 came up in Five Clubs 3 0
a practice match with the aforesaid Ollie; problem 7 4NT 1 0
6. Pass 10 13
came from Manchester player Ed Levy and came from Four Spades 8 6
another practice match in which he was involved and Five Diamonds 7 1
finally problem 8 was sent in by reader Stuart Nelson Double 4 0
4NT 3 0
and comes from a local Pairs event. Six Diamonds 2 0
The panel is 20 strong this month so time to get Five Spades 1 0
on with it. 7. Five Spades 10 8
Six Diamonds 9 5
5NT 9 1
PROBLEM 1 Four Spades 8 2
Five Clubs 8 1
Five Diamonds 6 2
IMPs. Dealer North. All Vul. Six Hearts 6 1
4NT 2 0
♠ K762 Seven Diamonds 2 0
♥ 74 Five Hearts 1 0
♦ Q 10 9 8. Pass
Double
10
8
13
5
♣ A 10 5 3 Three Diamonds 7 1
2NT 6 1
West North East South Three Hearts 5 0
– 3♣ Double Pass Three Clubs 5 0
? 3NT 1 0

 Intermediate
Bid Marks No. of Votes contract more seriously.
Pass 10 12 Despite those worries another three panelists bid
3NT 8 3 Four Spades:
Four Spades 8 3 Leufkens: Four Spades. Tough one. I don’t ever pass
Three Spades 7 2 with these hands, and certainly not at IMP’s. It’s
Four Clubs 2 0 between Three Spades, 3NT and Four Spades. If my
This hand comes from the late stages of the world cham- clubs would be KJ10x I would have bid 3NT, but with
pionships in Chennai. Times change and so do the the ace to play in spades is much better, if partner has
values for a vulnerable Three Club opening bid and four spades. And chances for Four Spades are good
hence the respect it is given. When I was a lad everyone after info double. Nine HCP with diamond inter-
would have KQJxxxx minimum for a vulnerable three mediates is just enough for Four Spades in my book.
bid, making passing on this hand rather unattractive. Barry introduces us to a bit of science I am not sure
Not so now making passing rather more attractive. Of that I have ever heard of before:
course there are other options. When David Bird sent Rigal: Four Spades. Great problem. As one who
this hand to me he commented that “the options are plays Three Diamonds as an artificial negative over
Pass, Three Spades, 3NT and Four Spades and all four Three Clubs–Double, I guess I’d bid Three Spades
options were chosen around the various tables.” And constructive, but I can’t do that here. My choice is
so it is here as well. Let’s start with the positive bids Four Spades/3NT/Pass, since Three Spades is just
from the lowest and going upward: too feeble, though I guess it could be right. I’m
Green: Three Spades. I’d probably pass this at going with Four Spades but I’m not happy about it.
matchpoints but at teams that’s too much for me. Teramoto: Four Spades. This hand is between Three
Am I worth game (Four Spades / 3NT)? Not really Spades and Four Spades. I like to bid game when
but bidding only Three Spades could make it diffi- vulnerable at IMPs.
cult for partner to raise with the right hand. Against Don’t we all Tadashi!
that if partner is minimum then we could be a The rest of the panel (a majority of 12 out of 20)
long way off game. Close but I’m going to take the see what they can get right where they are. They range
low road on this one as after the pre-empt I’m not from the sanguine to the generally happy to the “I don’t
inclined to push too hard for game. know whether to bid Three Spades, 3NT or Four
Warning: Spoiler alert. Spades so I will Pass” to the flippant:
Carruthers: Three Spades. And hope the defence Lawrence: Pass. Game isn’t any lock and setting
does not do as well as did Tobi Sokolow and Jan- them a trick seems likely. Down two or three is pos-
ice Seamon-Molson in the Venice Cup in Chennai. sible if declarer catches badly in dummy.
Not quite enough for a game bid. More Spoiler alerts:
Everyone else who bids thinks they have to bid game Matheson: Pass. Today pre-empts are more frequent
and it is only a matter of which one. Three panellists and less pure. On this hand from Chennai declarer
look no further than Hamman’s First Law and they had KJ98xxx of clubs, and partner had singleton
are led by… who else but - Q. A lot hinged on the club guess.
Wolff: 3NT. I expect that ace of clubs to be my all A full analysis from Marc:
purpose protector, including not worrying about Smith: Pass. The alternatives are Three Spades, Four
partner having only three spades. A middle of the Spades and 3NT. With no long suit to cash, if we
road action, not as aggressive as Pass nor of course can make 3NT then the penalty from Three Clubs-
wimpy as Three Spades. doubled should also be substantial. Give partner
Kokish: 3NT. Worth Four Spades on values, but the perfect minimum-ish hand, say ♠AQxx ♥Axxx
it’s too easy for Four Spades to be the wrong con- ♦KJxx ♣x, and even then Four Spades is only mod-
tract, so it’s close IMO between 3NT and a penalty erate, with trumps not unlikely to break 4-1 and
pass. Close enough that it’s difficult to say anything no cheap club ruffs available in dummy. Unless
significant about either choice other than passing declarer turns up with a 1-4-1-7 shape, we will
would normally beat all the pairs who choose the still beat Three Clubs-doubled. A more likely sce-
wrong level in spades, whatever that level might be. nario is that game on our combined 22-24 count
Sime: 3NT. Pass would be too dangerous oppo- with only a 4-4 fit and suits breaking poorly will
site some shapely hands we double with. There is be going down and the penalty from Three Clubs-
no guarantee that partner has four spades. Even if doubled could be 500 or 800 if we lead diamonds
so, bad breaks are likely, and would affect the suit early enough.

 Intermediate
Greco: Pass. Since I can’t decide whether to bid ♦Axx ♣Q. Both 3NT and Four Spades have no play
Three Spades, 3NT or Four Spades I will pass and on the lie (even with spades 3-2) while Three Clubs
hope for the best! doubled went for between 200 and 800 depending
Robson: Pass. If I bid, do I bid Three Spades, Four on the defence and declarer’s play. Note dear read-
Spades or 3NT? If I could always guess correctly I’d ers that you cannot hedge your bets by bidding Four
probably bid. But when there’s about a 500 penalty Clubs on this hand and no panelist did so. This shows
likely, let’s go for that. two places to play so if you bid this over Four Hearts
Silver: Pass. Do I try for 10 tricks in spades? 9 tricks from partner and Four Spades from you partner with
in NTs? Or only 9 tricks in spades? I don’t have a say 3-5-4-1 will bid Five Diamonds – not what you
clue (something my bridge partners over the years want to hear!
have agreed with) (Rats – he got there before me )
so not knowing what to do I decide to compromise PROBLEM 2
and try for only 5, 6 or 7 tricks in clubs.
Cannell: Pass. The scattered balanced assets sway IMPs. Dealer North. All Vul.
me towards defending. No guarantee of game our
way. Also, I see no clear direction forward after my
♠ K J 10 7 5 3
partner’s takeout double. For once I will not listen
♥ 872
to Edgar Kaplan’s advice about taking out partner’s
♦ K 10 5
takeout doubles. ♣5
Bowyer: Pass. What are the choices? 3NT? Four West North East South
Spades? These are overbids. Three Spades? Neither – 1♥* 1NT Pass
fish, fowl nor good red herring (a Medieval English 2♥* Pass 2♠ Pass
phrase which refers to not fish (food for the monk), not ?
flesh (food for the people generally), nor yet red her- 1♥ N/S are playing 4-card majors and 15-17 1NT
opening
ring (food for paupers) and thus suitable to no class of 2♥ Transfer
people – ie good for nothing). Let’s go for the action Bid Marks No. of Votes
with the strongest possibility of a good upside. Yes, Four Spades 10 12
I fully realise -670 is a bad downside. Three Hearts 8 1
Bird: Pass. Since I cannot underwrite 3NT or Four 3NT 8 2
Spades, it seems best to pass for penalties. If part- Three Spades 7 5
ner does have sufficient top cards for an East-West 2NT 4 0
game to be made, our razor-sharp defence should Pass 3 0
yield a worthwhile recompense. Four Clubs 2 0
Brock: Pass. People seem to be passing these bids Three Diamonds 1 0
against me much more often these days, and it I was sent this hand and said “Four Spades, what’s
seems to be working for them, so it’s time for me the problem?” Yes there may be heart ruffs off it but
to give it a go. what can you do? – surely you have to bid game. But
Well Sally maybe they have seen what you pre-empt then I thought it might make a decent problem and it
on before! duly does as we actually got four different possibilities
Apteker: Pass. A choice between this and 3NT. In from the panel. I also invited the panel to comment
favour of 3NT is that it is not clear if the ♣10 will if they would have preferred a different initial action.
be a trick in defence but it will certainly act as a Not surprisingly those who are bidding game in spades
second stopper in NT. We are not certain of mak- want to do so immediately via a Four Heart transfer
ing 3NT though and given that it is equal VUL and (not so readers in our shiny new system with four-level
teams, I will take the money, expecting us to defeat major suit transfers bidding Two Hearts followed by
this 1 or 2 tricks and on a good day by 3 tricks. Four Spades is a mild slam try). OK first up for the
Cope: Pass. Since there is no guarantee that we can 10 marks who agrees with the conductor:
make Four Spades (we may be lacking on values or Silver: Four Spades. I know, I know, the villains are
spades), and there is no clear route to 3NT (well going to get heart ruffs versus a spade contract, but
you could just bid it!), at teams we can take our plus I am not “clever” enough to try 3NT or to pass Two
and move on to the next board. Spades, so I’ll just bid what is in front of my face,
And right Tim is. You do collect your plus and move and hope to survive to cash the 500 game bonus.
on to the next board. Partner held ♠A10xx ♥QJxxx Yep that is my view Joey.

 Intermediate
Cope: Four Spades. We have probably got the right never has the perfect hand, though, so let’s just set-
cards for game. There are obvious potential flaws tle for what’s in front of our face. Surely no panelist
(such as a heart ruff or partner having wasted values will contemplate bidding only an invitational Three
in clubs) but to make an invitational bid would be Spades on this, will they? The biggest danger seems
just buck-passing – there are some minimums that to be that we belong in 3NT when partner shows
partner might have where we can make slam, and up with ♠AQx ♥KQxx ♦Qx ♣KJ10x and the oppo-
some maximums where game will not make. Quite nents can score two heart ruffs against a spade con-
simply, we are vulnerable, it’s teams, so we bid game. tract. If that’s the case, then it’s too tough for me.
Quite! Bird: Four Spades. Since only a beginner would stop
Bowyer: Four Spades. Sorry, don’t get it. This is short of game or look for a slam, there is much to
what I would do 20 times out of 20 at the table. be said for bidding Four Spades.
No doubt 3NT is the winning action or the hand Bring on the five beginners!
would not have been sent in... Cannell: Three Spades. Natural invitation show-
Also my view and yes you are spot on! ing six spades. This seems normal enough to me.
Brock: Four Spades. How can we know whether The Two Heart bid is patently clear in my opinion.
or not the hands fit? Leufkens: Three Spades. Nice problem. Looked
Carruthers: Four Spades. I’d have preferred Four pretty obvious at first site (Four Spades), but it
Hearts of Four Spades last time, whichever was seems that this is not good if N has either ♥ or ♠A
appropriate. after a heart lead. So 3NT? Can be very bad if part-
John has only one four-level way to bid spades by ner has only one club stopper. Three Diamonds?
the look of things whereas it looks like Ben has two. He Partner can’t judge if he doesn’t know my sixth spade.
makes a good point about playing it himself: So in the end a humble Three Spades. Doesn’t solve
Green: Four Spades. Clear to bid game. I would everything, but at least involve partner.
have bid Four Spades directly as I want to play it But does it though Enri? How is partner supposed
from my side in case there is a quick heart ruff to know that ♠Axx ♥Ax ♦AQxxx ♣xxx makes Four
(which may be difficult to find from say AQxxx). Spades almost cold (and that isn’t a 1NT overcall!)
Some vague suggestions as to alternatives… whereas ♠Qxx ♥AKJx ♦xxx ♣KQJx make it almost
Wolff: Four Spades. Sure 3NT could out score Four no play given the opening bid.
Spades but what if partner instead has the right heart Barry is one of only two panelists to mention the
holding, especially with the added advantage of the possibility that partner might be less than classical for
opponents playing four-card majors, not suggest- a 1NT overcall – something that the need to get into
ing imminent heart shortage from South. To only the auction forces on us all from time to time:
raise to Three Spades does not pass the value test. Rigal: Three Spades. Invitational – partner knows
Greco: Four Spades. It is a toss up between NT the vulnerability and form of scoring. Jumping to
and spades as they maybe getting ruffs to beat us. game in spades looks quite sensible but the fact that
I don’t understand why I didn’t use Texas the first there may be heart ruffs looming (and that partner
time unless we don’t play it. may be a little off-shape for the overcall) means I
Matheson: Four Spades. I know there is some risk can settle for the low road and trust partner to come
of heart ruffs, but there are dangers not playing this through – for the first time?
hand in spades. Three Spades for me is invitational Tadashi and Alon make almost identical comments:
and I am not stopping out of game. Teramoto: Three Spades. Invitational with six cards
Lawrence: Four Spades. Would have bid Four in spades. I am afraid of heart ruffs.
Hearts, Texas, earlier. Apteker: Three Spades. The three small hearts sway
Marc and David are friends and are frequently me from bidding Four Spades.
on the same page in these problems and so it is here, Two panellists are sufficiently concerned about this
though Marc (unsurprisingly) is more sanguine about that they are persuaded to bid 3NT, the sixth spade
an action that no one else mentions: and the singleton be hanged:
Smith: Four Spades. This looks like the normal Sime: 3NT. Offer the choice as they cannot score
action, although I do not think it is far from an ruffs against No-trump. The sixth spade settles the
auto-splinter of Four Clubs. Give partner a good argument between partial and game.
diamond suit and the right controls, something like Hmm… I wonder if Iain is influenced by knowing
♠Qxx ♥AQ ♦AQxxx ♣Axx and slam could easily the hand . Eric K is the other panelist who mentions
be excellent. Hamman’s Second Rule is that partner partner’s potential shape:

 Intermediate
Kokish: 3NT. I think the alternative is to transfer at PROBLEM 3
the four-level if that’s our only game-only sequence
(unless followed up by KC or void-showing). The IMPs. Dealer East. None Vul.
main reason to start with a two-level transfer is
to offer 3NT as an alternative, fearing heart ruffs. ♠ K2
Occasionally, too, East might have a singleton spade ♥ A9 8 6
– perhaps more than occasionally for some! ♦ K985
Andrew is on his own with an interesting effort: ♣ A6 3
Robson: Three Hearts. I think this shows this sort West North East South
of heart holding, worried about a ruff if we play in – – 1♣ Pass
spades not no-trumps. 1♥ 1♠ 2♦* 3♠
That is actually a rather sensible idea I think. What ?
else might Three Hearts show in this sequence? I have 2♦ Natural and reversing values. Forcing one
round but not FG
thus upgraded it a bit in the marking.
As several panelists picked Four Spades was not the Bid Marks No. of Votes
right answer this time since partner held ♠Q ♥J9xx Four Diamonds 10 8
♦AQx ♣AKJxx – OK hardly classical but it seems Double 9 4
Four Spades 8 4
the best of a bad job. Four Spades has obvious flaws 4NT 7 2
whereas 3NT makes on any rational line of play. I 5NT 7 1
still bid Four Spades . 3NT 6 1
Four Clubs 4 0
Five Clubs 3 0
Five Diamonds 3 0
Six Clubs 2 0
ACBL Encyclopedia of Six Diamonds 2 0
Bridge This problem produced six different bids from the panel
and this is partially a function of methods, or what
Official ACBL Encyclopedia of Bridge – methods are assumed. It has been an established prin-
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Edited by Brent Manley, 600+ pages essentially supporting partner’s suits is forcing. So after
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OUT NOW all forcing and Two Spades is usually a weak hand
RRP £49.95 SUBSCRIBERS’ £45 + post free that wants to play in one of partner’s suits at the three
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covering bridge terms,
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conventions, sys-
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Kokish: Four Diamonds. Clearly FG, as Three
personalities. Diamonds over Two Diamonds would have been,
at least for most of the panel (I no longer claim to
• Contains a CD-ROM
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know how the magazine treats anything). If 3NT
extra biographies that
was the last making game, please send my mail to the
didn't make the printed Tijuana Jail (OK this one was well beyond me! Refer-
edition ence to Eric and Google revealed that this is a line from
a 1950s song by The Kingston Trio – see for example
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUZDBQ2zrU0.

 Intermediate
That’s two things you have learnt this month!). This opposite good 1-3-4-5, 1-2-4-6 etc.
is a potentially huge hand opposite any sensible OK if we either don’t believe Four Diamonds is
reverse and the main issue will often be whether forcing or worried partner might not think it is what
to play in diamonds or clubs, neither of which we do we try? Four go for our flexible friend:
can do. There may be enough tricks in 6NT, but Brock: Double. Not quite sure whether any bid
we’re not at that decision point yet. of four of a minor would be forcing by me in this
Marc is big on analysis this month and gives us competitive scenario, so I’ll make sure we don’t have
another full one: an accident by doubling for take-out.
Smith: Four Diamonds. Assuming that we are all More on that later as well…
agreed that Four Diamonds is forcing, it seems like Robson: Double. Cheapest call to learn more. May
the obvious bid. If partner can cue-bid in spades I’ll well be headed for Six Diamonds, although the king
bid slam next. If he cue-bids with Four Hearts, I’ll of spades looks under the gun.
encourage him again with Five Clubs. Of course, Sime: Double. Extra values take out. Whatever
we’ll miss slam when he has ♠Qx ♥Kx ♦AQJx happens next should give us a clue as to our best
♣KQJxx, but the primary objective is to stop in contract.
game when a spade through my king nets the oppo- Really? A pound to a penny partner bids Four Clubs
nents two quick tricks. No-trumps from my side is and how much further forward are we now?
still no good opposite ♠xx ♥Kx ♦AQJx ♣KQJxx, Another spoiler alert:
but add the ♥Q to partner’s hand.... ah just remem- Bowyer: Double. Well, Six Clubs collects the coco-
bered Hamman’s Rule again! nuts here but I’m not sure it’s the right bid. Hard
Leufkens: Four Diamonds. This should be forcing. to see diamonds being the right strain so I’d dou-
Four Spades as support without spade cue is too ble at this point.
difficult. ♠x ♥xx ♦AQxx ♣KQxxxx can be enough Another four try the cue-bid and hope the weather
for slam so obviously essential to show enthusiasm. keeps fine:
Carruthers: Four Diamonds. Setting trumps. It’s Teramoto: Four Spades. Trying for slam with a fit.
too late to play this from my side to protect the king Bobby is in bullish mood:
of spades. But maybe pard has the ace or queen. Wolff: Four Spades. And let partner decide. Yes,
More on that later… my cue-bids are usually, certainly including this
Bird: Four Diamonds. It’s very tempting to make hand, not always with controls, but rather on val-
some learnedly obscure bid but, all in all, I think ues, especially when the bidding gets crowded. I
it best to agree a trump suit. Anyone who fears am not going to play NT and everything points to
that his partner might pass Four Diamonds should partner’s chosen minor, so let him go from there.
ensure that he is being paid a substantial sum for Besides I think partner has a fair to good chance
his services. to have the ace of spades. SO THERE!
More on that later too… Whilst everyone else who bids Four Spades thinks it
I also wondered if any panellists would have bid is a slam try John believes it is just a choice of games
One Diamond originally. Suits “up the line” was com- cue-bid. I wouldn’t wheel that one out without prior
pletely normal in the UK when I was learning (partly agreement!
a function of four card majors) but has gone very much Cannell: Four Spades. I will try a pick-a-game cue-
out of fashion (partly a result of five card majors). Ben bid as my values are pulling their weight. If partner
makes precisely this point: holds a true jump-shift hand I expect a 5NT = pick-
Green: Four Diamonds. I don’t think that Four a-slam return advance. I actually prefer a One Dia-
Diamonds should be competitive here I think it mond response with these values as my first effort.
should be forcing, I’m happy to play in slam if Rigal: Four Spades. Slam try for diamonds. Very
partner has a spade control. If Four Diamonds is tempting to use keycard but the hand has too many
not forcing then I would bid Four Spades. Playing slow losers. (Could we blame partner for bidding
Acol I would have responded One Diamond but this way with ♠Q ♥KQx ♦AQJx ♣Kxxxx or ♠x
not playing five card majors. ♥QJx ♦AQJx ♣KQJxx?). Over Four Spades I think
Alon does similarly: 4NT might not be best played as keycard but in an
Apteker: Four Diamonds. Should be forcing. I unfamiliar partnership that’s what I’d expect him
would have bid One Diamond on the first round to mean by it. Will accept a Five Diamond sign-off
with GF values. and raise Five Clubs to 5NT pick a slam.
Matheson: Four Diamonds. Fair chances of slam Funny you should mention the ‘Ol Black Barry:

 Intermediate
Greco: 4NT. I can’t imagine stopping short of slam. the ace and a club ruff will do it and maybe on the ♠2
Even opposite as little as ♠x ♥Qx ♦AQJx ♣KQJxxx, lead that might JUST happen. Six Clubs and 6NT are
slam is still good and there are just not enough both cold by playing the overcaller for the ♣Q. At the
points out there for partner to have two low spades table Hugh McGann bid his forcing Four Diamonds
unless possibly they have ♠xx ♥Kx ♦AQJx ♣KQJxx and is still waiting to hear partner’s next bid… That
(these days many would open that 1NT). I just am not was 6 IMPs out against Five Clubs +1 at the other table.
one hundred percent sure Four Diamonds is forc- Did I mention we lost this match by three? If this hand
ing so I won’t risk it (now there is an honest man!). does nothing else discuss this with your partner! Since
Lawrence: 4NT. Frustrating. Don’t know how far the panel view was to invite slam I have slightly down-
the footnotes go. If Four Diamonds was natural graded the slam forces and in particular the 3NT bid.
and forcing, I would bid that, but while it might
be forcing, I don’t want to count on it. We’ve lost PROBLEM 4
a lot of bidding room here. I considered various
hands. I expect East does not have three hearts, Pairs. Dealer North. E/W Vul
(no support double) and that hints that East could ♠—
be 2-2-4-5 but if so, why not open 1NT. I’m set-
tling for 4NT, KC for diamonds. I’m assuming we
♥ AJ
don’t have two spade losers. Will reach whatever
♦ A K 10 9 6 4 2
with Six Diamonds being my default expectation.
♣ A8 5 3
I don’t have the tools to keep clubs in the game at West North East South
this point. – 2♥* 2♠ Pass
Whereas Joey does keep both suits in the picture 3♦ Pass 3♠ Pass
with the experts favourite new toy: ?
Silver: 5NT. I could perpetrate the ubiquitous dou- 2♥ Natural and weak
ble, but I don’t see how that will help. I could of Bid Marks No. of Votes
course bid Four Clubs or Four Diamonds, but since Four Clubs 10 11
I want to bid a minor-suit slam, it could well lead to Four Diamonds 9 3
a wrong-sided slam. So giving into self-indulgence 3NT 8 5
I get us to slam anyway, giving partner a choice of Four Hearts 7 1
where to play this hand, six on a minor or 6NT. Five Diamonds 4 0
Hmmm.. I am fractionally worried that partner Six Diamonds 3 0
might not think hearts is one of the options. After all Four Spades 2 0
how can you get hearts involved otherwise? Might 4NT 1 0
not partner bid Six Hearts on say ♠x ♥KQ ♦AQJx Reader Andrew Kind sent this problem in asking what
♣Kxxxxx. To be fair 6NT is on the clubs then so per- should be bid over Two Spades as he wasn’t sure Three
haps who cares! Diamonds was forcing. I knew the panel was sure Three
On his own and completely out of kilter with the pan- Diamonds was forcing but still thought it was hardly
el’s view is Tim who shuts up shop in 3NT: a panacea so I moved the auction on one round to
Cope: 3NT. Unfortunately partner is playing both see what the panel thought of it after partner’s Three
minors so my ♠K will be wasted for a minor-suit Spade bid. The scoring method complicates this hand
slam and will be unlikely to make unless we can find further as we cannot afford to play in Five Diamonds
partner with a singleton spade so will take the cer- when 3NT is very likely to be cold. This consideration
tain plus. I would have preferred to have responded means a quarter of the panel go for that – something I
One Diamond rather than One Heart (why not am sure they might not do at imps (though Sally and
bid up the line with game values) – we might have Alon seem quite content with their choice):
then heard a Three Spade splinter over One Spade Brock: 3NT. Don’t like it a lot but it doesn’t seem
which would have made our life a lot easier. right to do too much bidding with a misfit.
OK but it is hard to see that five of a minor won’t Apteker: 3NT. While we may have slam on in a
make. It might be very unfortunate if partner has say minor, 3NT may well be our last making spot par-
♠QJ ♥A ♦AQJx ♣Qxxxxx when 5m is very good and ticularly given partner’s spades.
3NT needing stiff king of clubs more or less. Partner Most vociferous is Tadashi:
held ♠Q ♥K ♦AQJx ♣KJxxxxx. Theoretically Six Dia- Teramoto: 3NT. This is PAIRS. 3NT is more
monds can be beaten since clubs are 3-0 so a spade to important than making a slam try.

 Intermediate
Robson: 3NT. If in doubt partner can always to diamonds or spades, so what else is left?
remove. Sime: Four Clubs. It is too early to give up on
Matheson: 3NT. Possibly Five Diamonds is a better partner supporting diamonds. Partner will realise
contract, and even Six Diamonds is not impossi- that I am searching for a diamond preference, or
ble. However, it is Pairs and I cannot risk bypassing self-sufficient spades, so won’t raise clubs without
3NT. At teams I would investigate other contracts- something special.
maybe partner has clubs. Really? My experience of difficult hands is that part-
Which brings us neatly to the choice of just over ner always bids something unhelpful 
half the panel – introducing the weak four-card suit. Carruthers: Four Clubs. I don’t know what else
I wonder if I set ♠Ax ♥xx ♦AK10xxxx ♣Ax how to do for now. The more times partner bids spades,
many would bid Four Clubs arguing it was a cue- the worse my hand gets.
bid for spades?? Just a thought! Anyway here’s what How many actually bid Four Clubs because they
they have to say: were unsure that Four Diamonds was forcing. Hon-
Cannell: Four Clubs. I think I hold too much for a est man Eric again:
staid 3NT after partner’s Three Spade call (is that a Greco: Four Clubs. While this has to be forcing I
shock to us? What was he supposed to do?). There are am less clear if Four Diamonds is forcing so I will
too many hands that will allow our side to make safety play it with Four Clubs. 3NT could well be
six-of-a-minor. Let’s see how partner reacts to this right but I have such a strong hand here.
forcing Four Club bid. Which brings us to the three panellists who do bid
Paul gives us a good summary: Four Diamonds – all of course certain it is forcing. It
Bowyer: Four Clubs. Lovely problem (not). Is Four probably is by Greenwood’s Rule – if you don’t know
Diamonds forcing now? Possibly not. 3NT could whether or not a bid is forcing assume it is on the
look very stupid facing a singleton diamond so I am grounds that fewer bad things can happen that way.
going to opt for Four Clubs. If partner bids Four Bird: Four Diamonds. Again Four Diamonds is
Spades he can see the dummy. forcing in polite society; with a moderate hand I
Like Paul, Mike and Tim are prepared to give up would pass Three Spades. At the moment I don’t
if partner bids his suit yet again: know which trump suit will be best. Nor do I know
Lawrence: Four Clubs. Given Three Diamonds was how useful partner’s hand will be in a diamond
forcing, so to must Four Clubs be forcing. Will pass contract.
Four Spades. Not sure what I’m hoping for here. Yet again Marc lays out the issues well:
Something other than Four Spades maybe? Smith: Four Diamonds. Yes, this is forcing, so I
Cope: Four Clubs. We might still get some delayed don’t have to guess the final contract on this round
diamond support which will give the hand a ros- and thus I think a jump to Five Diamonds is prema-
ier hue. If partner repeats spades for a third time, ture. Indeed, if all partner can do is bid Four Spades
I will call it a day. I’ll let him have it – after all, where would you want
Joey however is having none of this spade nonsense: to play opposite ♠AK109xxx ♥Kx ♦–♣Kxxx? (Get-
Silver: Four Clubs. I think my hand is too good to ting to Six Spades or Six Diamonds, and guessing
give up on slam by signing off in 3NT, despite my which suit will play for one loser, is surely just too
dirth of spades. So I force for now with Four Clubs tough.) If he has any doubt, he has Four Hearts
hoping my OX can do something more intelligent available as a ‘choice of games’ cue-bid. Introduc-
that just bid Four Spades (over which I will only ing clubs at this stage seems likely to simply con-
bid Five Diamonds – anything else we are in slam). fuse the main issue, which is whether we should
Green: Four Clubs. Partner could have five clubs play in spades or diamonds.
on this auction so I don’t feel I can bypass them Leufkens: Four Diamonds. Partner has a lot of
and if the diamonds don’t run I think the chances spades and hearts (South didn’t support green ver-
of me making 3NT are small. I’m aiming for five sus red) (rather to my surprise Enri is the only player
or six of a minor. to mention this. OK the opponents have not got many
Kokish: Four Clubs. No one knows enough yet to values–but hey when does that matter? – but have not
make an informed decision about strain or level, supported hearts. This suggests partner has some which
and this is the easiest way to advance the auction (a) greatly reduces the chance of a minor-suit fit and
flexibly. There goes that F word again. (b) adds weight to the 3NT crowd). 3NT is possible,
Rigal: Four Clubs. I think this is natural – I don’t but Four Spades or Five Diamonds can be better
know where we belong and am not going to commit so no unilateral action now.

 Intermediate
For the third problem running we have a lone voice Diamonds agree hearts and therefore promise three of
and this time it is the lone Wolff: them? After all partner is highly unlikely to have six
Wolff: Four Hearts And convert partner’s hoped for of them (no Three Heart bid) so this seems a trifle rash
Four Spades to Five Diamonds if only to allow part- to me. But heck what do I know?
ner to raise to Six Diamonds with ♠AJ10xxx ♥xx Brock: Four Diamonds. I can hardly be agreeing
♦xx ♣KQJ. Yes, the clubs are especially chosen, but spades, so this must be encouraging with hearts. I’d
the rest of the hand was about as weak as he can be, prefer a third heart but two honours seems enough
and likely he would sadly not bid six on this collec- (Does it? There is a big difference between A10xxx
tion, but to not do something very positive with this opposite QJx and opposite QJ – particularly if you
collection, would consider a half filled glass, not only are forced to ruff a diamond). I’m sure if we are bid-
half empty but also impossible to deal with. ding a slam East can offer clubs as an alternative if
OK seems sensible, but won’t partner assume that his hearts aren’t that hot.
spades are agreed until you bid Five Diamonds when The rest of the Four Diamond bidders argue that it is
hopefully it becomes clear. If partner has a better hand either a choice of games (really?) or an amorphous cue-
(say ♠AKQxxx ♥xxx ♦x ♣KQx might not partner get bid to be decided later. I really cannot see this – Four
in your way and start cueing or even Blackwooding Diamonds agrees hearts in my view (and if partner
for spades? Andrew King kindly sent me some analysis bids a slam in hearts are you happy…) unless you are
from a double dummy analyser which announced that going to unilaterally bid Five Clubs over Four Hearts
diamonds makes on average 11.8 tricks, NTs 10.9 and Green: Four Diamonds. Choice of games for me.
spades 9.1. This time partner held ♠AK10xxx ♥98xx I’m happy to play in Five Clubs or Four Hearts or
♦- ♣Kxx. I don’t know the other hands but I am told higher. I’m not bidding 3NT with only one stop-
that 3NT made 10 tricks, Five Diamonds just made per when partner has shown weakness, the clubs
and Four Spades went one off which looks about right. may not be running and I know I’m getting a dia-
So the mantra that all good hands in Pairs are played mond lead.
in 3NT holds true yet again. Teramoto: Four Diamonds. Something like a cue-
bid. Stiff ace is not enough for 3NT after he bids
PROBLEM 5 hearts and spades.
Bird: Four Diamonds. I can hardly turn down the
IMPs. Dealer West. E/W Vul. opportunity to answer Four Diamonds three times
♠ J62 in a row (careful students of David’s bids will already
♥ QJ have realised this). It’s unusual to cue-bid when no
♦A suit has been agreed, but somehow it seems to be
♣ AK J 8 7 5 2 the right bid.
Well if you say so David.
Smith: Four Diamonds. My third consecutive Four
1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass
Diamond bid. Partner’s Three Spades suggests spade
3♣ Pass 3♠ Pass
values and nothing in diamonds, so 3NT will need
?
partner to hold the ♣Q and an ace (and even then
Bid Marks No. of Votes will go down if his club is singleton) (Well stiff Q will
Four Diamonds 10 10 put it on a 3-2 club break). More likely, we belong
3NT 9 4 in one of the rounded suits, so this ‘choice of games
Four Clubs 9 2 cue-bid’ asks partner to judge which.
Four Hearts 9 4 Carruthers: Four Diamonds. Four Clubs sounds
Five Clubs 3 0 like desperation. I’ll bid Five Clubs over 4M.
4NT 1 0 OK at least a man who is prepared to commit to
Bidding after 1m, 1x, 3m never seems to get any eas- clubs.
ier! What should we do here and what feature should Greco: Four Diamonds. Why did partner not start
we show? Do we bid 3NT as we have the missing stop with Three Diamonds? Are they 6-5, 5-4 or even
and a good suit? But this is rather committal and stiff just 4-4 and being descriptive. Whatever the rea-
ace is not the most flexible of holdings! Do we support son I have a great hand and feel like I should start
hearts with our QJ stiff? Do we just rebid our suit? with an obvious cue, although it may not be clear
Rather to my surprise exactly half the panel go for Four for what.
Diamonds. Yes we have a good hand but doesn’t Four Robson: Four Diamonds. Showing a hand that can’t

 Intermediate
bid 3NT with good cards and a diamond control. safer than 3NT. We shall see. The ball is now in
Cope: Four Diamonds. A single diamond stop with partner’s court.
no length means that 3NT will only likely make We are full of honest men this month and Barry
if the clubs run. If the clubs run, then we should is another:
also be OK in Five Clubs, and maybe Six Clubs Rigal: Four Hearts. Nice problem! Four Hearts.
is possible which a shape-showing Four Diamond Really not sure what to do. QJ is about as good as
bid will help us achieve. three trumps, and I hate to bid 3NT to find ♠KQxx
So Four Diamonds shows this does it? Hmm a Red ♥K10xxx ♦Jxx ♣x opposite on a diamond lead
Queen’s bid methinks. (True – but then you are making absolutely nothing
Bowyer: Four Diamonds. In solitary pomp I dare opposite that hand). Not sure what Four Diamonds
say (the usual standard of predictions!) but this may here should mean! But maybe I should bid it with
get partner to bid Four Hearts or Five Clubs or oth- the caption ‘obvious’.
erwise clarify his hand. Yep, 3NT could be right if Wolff: Four Hearts – True I would usually have
the clubs run; how many will quote the great Mr. three decent hearts for this kind of response, but
Hamman? the QJ is not chopped liver and the rest of my hand
Amazingly no one at all! However four panellists is certainly worthy of a possible slam, not necessar-
go there: ily hearts rather than clubs, TBD.
Apteker: 3NT. Most likely game and I have dia- Good luck in getting back to clubs.
monds stopped. Alone amongst the panel our Scots bid the clubs
Eric expertly sums up the issues: again. Is this necessarily forcing? It certainly didn’t used
Kokish: 3NT. Impossible to know whether East is to be in the old days. Probably on practical grounds it
angling for 3NT or heart support: there’s a huge dif- should be though. I think both John and Iain assume
ference for our potential between: ♠Q10xx ♥Axxx it is, but I am unsure.
♦xxx ♣Qx, and ♠A109x ♥AK109x ♦xxx ♣x, for Matheson: Four Clubs. If clubs don’t run 3NT is
example. The one thing Three Spades denies is a not likely to make, but Five Clubs may be able to
slam try in clubs (he’d bid a forcing Four Clubs). afford a club loser.
Some would bid 3NT with the first example and Sime: Four Clubs. Show the extra length while
some would bid Three Hearts with the second, so keeping a heart contract in play. We can still play
this is a bit of a random decision for West. in hearts via Four Clubs, but it will be difficult to
Sometime somebody will find some system to sort get out of hearts if I bid them now. If partner has
this all out. Where are you when we need you Eric? five moderate hearts, we do not want to be in hearts.
Leufkens: 3NT. No jokes. Partner has got a spade
stopper and hearts, I’ve got diamond a stopper.
Why can’t partner have ♠Qxx ♥Axxx ♦xxx ♣xxx?
Because he would pass Three Clubs in sleep wouldn’t
he! But I take your point. It is really the same as Eric’s.
Is partner just showing his stops or has he got a real CARD TABLES
two suiter – there is a huge difference.
Silver: 3NT. Unless partner bids again I think I FOR SALE
have too many soft values in the majors to look Refurbished old tables standard size
for 11 or 12 tricks in clubs, so with my diamond with new green baize top
stopper I will try for what hopefully will be nine
easy tricks in NTs. £29 each
Hopefully being the operative word. Will deliver within reasonable distance
Another four panellists bid a different game – Four
Hearts. DANNY ROTH
Lawrence: Four Hearts. Better to bid Four Hearts 47 Bearing Way, CHIGWELL,
ESSEX IG7 4NB
and let partner decide what to do than bid Four
Diamonds and wonder what to do if he bids Four 020 8501 1643 tel/fax dannyroth@btinternet.com
Hearts.
That seems a good argument not to bid Four Dia-
monds to me 
Cannell: Four Hearts. This game feels quite a bit

 Intermediate
This all seems very close to me so everyone gets plenty in tempo – does that help?). First pass must be forc-
of marks. Partner held ♠Axx ♥A1098x ♦xxx ♣xx. ing and hopefully partner can work out what I have
3NT is where you want to be – clubs or hearts com- got. What I cannot have is a balanced minimum
ing in will see you home. Four Hearts is very messy hand (I would double with that) or a hand with a
to play on a diamond lead. This time nothing mat- very likely source of tricks (I could bid 4NT with
tered as game was impossible on the lie–♣Qxx off- that) – that pretty much leaves a hand like this –
side and ♥Kxxx offside. It was just a matter of how good distribution and uncertainty.
many undertricks. Also seems fair enough.
Kokish: Pass. Not Four Spades on four; not a regres-
PROBLEM 6 sive double with so much shape; not Five Diamonds
with playability in three strains; not 4NT with a
IMPs. Dealer West.. E/W Vul. topless trick source and a void. Fortunately, by pass-
♠ AJ 6 3 ing we get a further opinion from East, whose 3NT
♥— covered a lot of ground. That does not address the
♦ Q J 10 5 4 2 important question: “Will I sit for Four Hearts dou-
♣ KJ6 bled?” but I’m sure you’ll test that in a later instal-
ment of “Survivor – Bridge Magazine Edition”.
And that wins the comment of the month.
1♦ 3♥ 3NT 4♥
Green: Pass. Happy to make a forcing pass, letting
?
partner know that I am thinking about another con-
Bid Marks No. of Votes tract but am not able to commit to 4NT/5 minor.
Pass 10 13 For me double would be regressive. I could shoot
Four Spades 8 6 out 4NT but partner could be sitting there with a
Five Diamonds 7 1 boat load of hearts.
Double 4 0 I agree with Tim – you just haven’t got the hand
4NT 3 0 for 4NT. Give me ♦KQJxxx and ♣Jxx and I would
Six Diamonds 2 0 be much more tempted.
Five Spades 1 0
Smith: Pass. We are surely in a forcing pass auc-
OK questions. First question: “Is Pass forcing?” Surely tion, so I want to encourage partner to play rather
yes since we have an opening bid facing a game bid – than defend (so no double). He can almost cer-
albeit under strain – plus the opposition are assumed tainly work out that I have very short hearts, so if
to be saving. It does not make sense that we would he doubles I’ll respect that decision. My pass also
pass out Four Hearts. Second question: “Should we suggests a reasonable opening bid, as I would also
therefore pass (encouraging)?” Yes say two thirds of the double here with a poor offensive hand.
panel. Third question: “Should we bid Four Spades?”. Cannell: Pass. Once partner bids a vulnerable game
Yes say a third of the panel. OK we only have four of we are in a forcing sequence. Seems clear to make a
them but it is possible that partner actually does have forcing Pass, and await partner’s outlook on the situ-
four – for example partner would clearly bid 3NT on ation. If partner doubles Four Hearts – we defend.
say ♠Kxxx ♥AQx ♦Kxx ♣xxx partially because it is Carruthers: Pass. Encouraging, I hope. If there’s
likely to be the correct contract and partially to dou- not too much wastage in hearts, we could have a
ble would be to endplay us into bidding at the four- diamond slam. If there is, he can double.
level if we didn’t have four spades. Let’s have the pas- Marc, Drew and John will respect partner’s double
sers arguments first: of Four Hearts; Iain and Sally will pull it. Doesn’t
Bird: Pass. This is clearly a forcing pass after our that show a slam try? Do we really have that?
side has bid a vulnerable game. If I doubled instead, Sime: Pass. The sixth diamond suggests 4NT would
this would tell partner that my hand was unsuitable make, the void suggests we may make something
for any flight of fancy that he had in mind. Bidding higher. Let’s see if partner wants to defend- not that
Five Diamonds would be poor, as I see it, since we I will let him, but it would dampen my ambition.
know little about partner’s hand. Brock: Pass. I’m not going to pass if partner dou-
That all seems fair enough bles but I’m afraid if I bid Four Spades now it may
Cope: Pass. One of those hands where one would sound like a five-card suit.
like to have been at the table when South bid Four I am not so sure of that – but maybe you think my
Hearts to get a bit of table feel (Four Hearts was bid arguments above are drivel 

 Intermediate
Greco: Pass. I don’t love this but I certainly have no So Enri like Sally thinks Four Spades shows five
idea what else I would bid so I will make a forcing and is not prepared to stand a double.
pass and hope partner does the right thing. This time it does not matter whether you pass or
A triumph of hope over experience perhaps? bid as partner is NOT doubling Four Hearts. Part-
Matheson: Pass. Surely forcing. Partner may want ner held ♠KQx ♥Qxx ♦Axx ♣Axx. If you pass part-
to tickle this, and he can judge it much better than ner will presumably bid Five Diamonds or maybe Six
I can. Diamonds and if you bid immediately partner might
Robson: Pass. Forcing. Saying “ want to bid”. just punt it. At the table seven made when the pre-
Lawrence: Pass. Clearly forcing. emptor had ♦Kx.
On to the non-passers. Most of these bid because
they are not prepared to defend no matter what and PROBLEM 7
are worried about what I said above – if they pass and
pull they have shown a slam try. IMPs. Dealer West. All Vul.
Apteker: Four Spades. Unwilling to play in Four ♠—
Hearts Doubled and not enough to pass and pull ♥ Q6
the double. ♦ A K Q J 10 8 5
Teramoto: Four Spades. We want to play game at ♣ AK 5 2
this vulnerability. Partner may have spades after the
Three Hearts overcall, because he may have bid 3NT
1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass
with spades and a heart stopper.
3♣* Pass 3♠ Pass
I am sure someone said that!
4♦ Pass 4♥ Pass
Wolff: Four Spades. Just ahead of Five Diamonds
?
to show more flexibility in naming trump. When 3♣ Natural and FG
the level reaches this high in so few bids, partner
should allow for less than perfect description. At Bid Marks No. of Votes
least bidding spades adds different final strains to Five Spades 10 8
the equation. Six Diamonds 9 5
5NT 9 1
Silver: Four Spades. From where I am sitting if Four Spades 8 2
our side is entitled to a big score it may well be on Five Clubs 8 1
offence not defence, so by bidding Four Spades Five Diamonds 6 2
now I show partner that my hand is very much Six Hearts 6 1
offensive in nature, not defensive. Hopefully my 4NT 2 0
careful analysis of the situation will not get us into Seven Diamonds 2 0
too much trouble. Five Hearts 1 0
Rigal: Four Spades. Why not? Don’t want to defend This is a real brute of a problem and the panel reflects
and bidding what I have will let partner make the this, coming up with no less than seven different bids.
last mistake. Yes I might bid Five Diamonds myself Apart from having a great hand ourselves which we
but I think I can trust partner to play me for short still haven’t fully described there is the vexed ques-
hearts thus long diamonds. If he bids Five Clubs tion of what partner’s bidding shows. Is partner’s
I’ll still be thinking when you come back with the Four Hearts actually a cue-bid for diamonds (since
next set. he didn’t bid Three Hearts the round before it can-
Indeed! Is Five Clubs some sort of cue or natural not be a place to play) or is Four Hearts actually
on say ♠xx ♥KJx ♦x ♣AQxxxxx? attempting to show something like 5-6 shape. Fairly
Bowyer: Four Spades. If I double here partner is obviously this affects our bid and the panel are split.
(almost) sure to pass and I think we have a good This hand also illustrates how times change. This
chance of a vulnerable game. Let’s try Four Spades would have been a Two Club opening when I was
and see where that leads. a schoolboy but now it is not for most of the panel.
And a fourth lone effort in this set: Only a couple comment they would have opened it
Leufkens: Five Diamonds. I thought of passing, Two Clubs whereas more comment that they are very
but that means passing partner’s double also. Oth- happy with our sequence to date (obviously happier
erwise I indicate an even stronger hand. So direct than I am!). With the equal lowest plurality of the
action. Four Spades promises either more length set (eight votes) the 10 marks go to the Five Spade
or more strength (I assume the first), so no option.

 Intermediate
bidders, though even they cannot decide whether it stratosphere. I don’t really know where we are going
is just a splinter, a void or Exclusion so that sounds but maybe partner does!
like an accident waiting to happen! Good luck in getting there then!
Robson: Five Spades. The interesting bid is Three Cope: Five Spades. A three-loser hand, that maybe
Spades. Is it genuinely trying to play in spades (ie we could have opened Two Clubs. It is going to
5-6)? Or would you bid Three Hearts with that? be difficult for partner to realise that ♠xxx ♥AKJx
Or is it some sort of fourth suit forcing? I’d go for ♦xxx ♣xxx (yes but that ain’t a Three Spade bid – it
the latter. My general rule for unchartered waters is a clear Three Diamond bid) is good enough for a
is, “I’m not 6-5, I’m the other meaning”. grand slam, but since we are not stopping short of
That sounds like a good rule and I will file that one Six Diamonds once partner has bid Four Hearts
for future use! (a) you don’t often bid up 6-5s and (b) (which should be a cue rather than natural as they
when partner has bid two other suits you don’t usu- could have bid Three Hearts over Three Clubs with
ally want to play in the five-card suit. a long suit).
Brock: Five Spades. Show the void and leave it to Five panellists simply give up and make an unam-
partner. He can bid 5NT if he’s not sure and then biguous, practical Landy slam try:
I’ll bid the grand. Greco: Six Diamonds. Partner loves to torture us in
When not even Eric is certain of what the bidding this set. Why did they bid Three Spades again and
means in an uncontested sequence we know we are not Three Hearts? Are they 6-5, 5-4, 4-4? Now they
in trouble! are rebidding Four Hearts are they cue-bidding? Or
Kokish: Five Spades. East’s Three Spades did not are they confirming 6-5? I could bid Five Spades
show the ace and neither did Four Hearts, though if I knew that was exclusion or 4NT if I knew that
it’s likely he has that ace when I am so likely to be was RKC for what so I will settle for Six Diamonds
short. As I’m committing to at least Six Diamonds knowing we likely will make seven. I would have
with Five Spades, I expect him to cooperate with a opened Two Clubs to avoid this nonsense.
grand slam try via 5NT or Six Clubs when we can Two Clubs, Two Hearts,, Three Diamonds, Three
make seven. Suffice to say that poor East might just Spades, Four Diamonds, Four Hearts. Would that
be very long in the majors with good but unspectac- have helped at all?
ular suits (with 6+♥, however, Three Hearts would Smith: Six Diamonds. Once partner did not rebid
have been better than Three Spades if not willing Three Hearts (and I haven’t bid Four Hearts over
to bid 3NT), and that my bidding might not suit Three Spades), hearts are no longer a viable trump
him well. suit, so partner’s Four Hearts here is a cue-bid agree-
Leufkens: Five Spades. Previous actions great. Four ing diamonds. I could cue-bid Four Spades now
Hearts should be cue for diamonds (no Three Hearts (and no doubt some will) but we need partner to
in previous round). Five Spades should be exclusion. produce the right three key cards to make the grand
Sime: Five Spades. Exclusion RKC for hearts. What- good (♥AK, ♣Q for example). It just seems all too
ever partner intended with Three Spades, Four likely that Four Spades will get us to a grand need-
Hearts was a proposal to play opposite a worse suit ing a 3-3 club break to deal with my fourth card
than Qx. Grand is therefore in the picture. in that suit (♠Axx ♥Axxxx ♦xx ♣Qxx) or with no
Green: Five Spades. What is going on here? Part- play at all (♠AKx ♥Axxxx ♦xx ♣xxx) (I don’t go to
ner couldn’t bid a forcing Three Hearts and now Kokish lengths here but are not both of those hands
they are bidding Four Hearts? For me this sounds normal Three Diamond bids over Three Clubs?). For
like a cue-bid for diamonds. Perhaps I should bid the record, I prefer Two Clubs on the second round
5NT but doesn’t that sound like pick a slam? (I am – Three Clubs means that we do not find out much
certain it is pick a slam) I would not open this hand at all about partner’s hand.
One Diamond, Two Clubs seems normal for me, OK I have seen some heavy One Diamond, 1M,
how can partner expect to judge me holding 9.5 Two Club rebids but I think that one wins the prize!
tricks for him? Bird: Six Diamonds. Leaping to a slam very rarely
Rigal: Five Spades. NOTE. Three Spades over Three scores well on this panel, even when it is the emi-
Hearts denies good hearts; he would bid Three nently sensible thing to do. I will accept my 8 points
Hearts with that hand. Three Hearts is typically and wait to discover what clever but pointless bid I
weak length (♠Jxxx ♥Kxxxx ♦x ♣Qxx – though was supposed to make. (I am taking partner’s Four
EOK would bid Three Diamonds with that hand!). Hearts as a cue-bid, since he did not bid Three
Five Spades spade shortage and headed for the Hearts at his previous turn.)

 Intermediate
Three panellists keep the ball rolling with some cue-
bids – two try Four Spades and one Five Clubs:
Teramoto: Four Spades. Four spades is a cue-bid
and continues the slam try. This hand can go to
Six Diamonds after the Four Heart cue-bid. So we
YOUNG CHELSEA may a grand so we should continue the cue-bidding.
Lawrence: Four Spades. Not a good hand for our
BRIDGE CLUB methods. Perhaps Two Clubs would be better. I
am prepared for almost any intervention from the
One of the World’s Great Bridge Clubs opponents.
Duplicate every weekday evening Alon produces a detailed and interesting answer for
his choice and explains why he thinks it is better than
Four Spades or Five Spades:
Tel: 020 7373 1665 Apteker: Five Clubs. I take Four Hearts as a cue-
www.ycbc.co.uk bid agreeing diamonds. We’re clearly in grand slam
territory but I don’t think Five Spades Exclusion
will do the trick as the spade ace may be a valuable
card. Bidding Four Spades won’t really as partner
will probably just bid Five Diamonds. If partner
signs off in Five Diamonds indicating no spade
control, I will bid Five Spades as a grand slam try.
I have given you 9 and the rules of the competition Partner will know that AK of heart is a very good
prevent me giving you 10 so no more whinging please! holding and may bid the grand slam if he has some-
Wolff: Six Diamonds. And let partner make the thing else eg ♥J or ♣Q. Unfortunately if partner
mistake of either bidding a down grand, or not bids Six Diamonds over Five Clubs I will know he
bidding a makeable one. I cannot really imagine a has second round spade control but won’t know
different offering now, although who could possi- if he has ♥AK. If partner bids Five Hearts, I will
bly predict partner’s location of honours. Do not know to bid the grand slam as must have spade ace
be afraid to fail. and heart king. If he bids Five Spades I can make
I will bet my mortgage that partner is never bid- a further grand try of Six Clubs and he will know
ding Seven Diamonds! to go with club queen (which may not be enough
Carruthers: Six Diamonds. No major-suit bid is but will give me play). Bidding Five Clubs seems
appropriate and any club bid sounds like a choice. the best shot to get to Seven Diamonds.
I’ll never be certain about five, six or seven, so I’ll Completely at the other end of the spectrum from the
guess the middle road. rest of the panel who are bidding slams and/or trying
Just as someone will always double in a competitive for grands Paul and John bid a gentle Five Diamonds:
auction so someone will always bid 5NT in a slam Bowyer: Five Diamonds. Would have preferred
auction. This month the baton passes to Joey: to be playing Acol twos in diamonds. Not within
Silver: 5NT. Exclusion RKCB anyone? (yep) But the frame of reference, though. OK, what is my
since we don’t play that convention (oh yes we do! man showing? With good hearts why not bid Three
Well now we do ) I’ll try a little Josephine expect- Hearts? With good spades, why not 3NT? I’m not
ing partner to accept my grand slam invitation in convinced that partner is showing anything much
clubs, NOT hearts (of course all roads lead to an at all so I retreat to Five Diamonds.
eventual diamond contract). Matheson: Five Diamonds. Four Hearts is a sug-
OK I am completely lost here! Why on earth should gestion to play there. I agree with opening One
partner think clubs are the agreed suit (even assuming Diamond, but I can accept Two Clubs.
it is Josephine and I think it is pick a slam personally) Whereas Drew is the only panellist who intends to
when partner has never supported clubs? And if part- play in anything other than diamonds and leaps to
ner thinks it is how will that help since he has at most slam in hearts:
the queen? Or are you saying that with ♥AK partner Cannell: Six Hearts. Unfortunately a 5NT bid would
must respond Seven Clubs to allow you to place the be pick-a-slam nowadays – not Josephine (G.S.F.).
contract Joey? All too damned clever for me! That is what I would like to use, but not in the arse-
nal here. If we play Six Diamonds we may end with

 Intermediate
a club loser and a heart loser as opponents will strand Some North Americans would bid at IMPs:
the dummy in some scenarios. Therefore, I will try Greco: Pass. At IMPs I would double, at Pairs I
to garner the slam bonus in hearts. I hope there is would take a very low road and pass heeding the
one heart loser only. Mea Culpa if a grand slam is warning of my three low hearts. Hopefully LHO
missed. I agree with all the previous bids. Though, it will come to the rescue and raise with three hearts
is close to a Two Club opener in the first place. This allowing me to balance (with something).
auction makes it easier on a natural route however. Silver: Pass. Making a takeout double with this
Clearly Drew thinks partner is something like 5-6 sort of hand might work for others, but it NEVER
and with good hearts. I don’t fancy this if forced to works for me, so drawing on my experience, and
ruff a spade at trick 1… comforted by the form of scoring where the plus
Partner held ♠AQxx ♥AJxxxx ♦x ♣xx so Three score is queen (after all this is the mother country)
Hearts was probably better on the previous round. I I pass with the comforting thought that all it can
am listening to anyone who can find a rational route cost is one board (I do admit however at IMPs I
to the cold 6NT from partner’s hand. would have said “screw it” and chosen action over
inaction) (now that really surprises me!).
PROBLEM 8 Bowyer: Pass. Ghastly problem but our best score
(least bad score) may come via a modest pass. What
Pairs. Dealer North. All Vul. game might we make? 3NT by partner? How might
♠ J 10 that be arranged?
♥ 762 Well partner would have to bid it! One way to get
♦ AK Q 5 to it is what Ben suggests:
♣ AK J 7 Green: Pass. I can’t double with two spades and I
can’t bid NT with xxx in hearts, I could shoot the
moon and ask partner for a stopper via Three Hearts
– Pass Pass 2♥
but that seems a lot of bidding. I’m happy to pass
?
2♥ Natural and weak
and see what happens. Third in hand South could
have a decent hand so simply blasting game (via
Bid Marks No. of Votes
Three Hearts) could really backfire.
Pass 10 13 Lawrence: Pass. I’ve seen this before, haven’t I? (only
Double 8 5 if you were playing in a local duplicate so probably
Three Diamonds 7 1
2NT 6 1 not!) Doubling and pulling Two Spades to Three
Three Hearts 5 0 Clubs was chosen by a few when I saw this hand
Three Clubs 5 0 (or its twin) used in another poll. What happens
3NT 1 0 if I double and they bid Three Hearts and partner
Another pig of a problem with nothing but flawed bids Three Spades? My choice is Pass. If partner has
answers and everything with horrible downsides. Two short hearts, he may be able to dredge up a bid, cov-
thirds of the panel are grateful this is Pairs and so a plus ered a little by his passed hand status. If he passes,
score of any sort may be OK. Hence they pass despite it wouldn’t surprise me if our limit was six tricks in
the 18 HCP. None is more vociferous than Marc: 1NT. More interesting is what to do if I pass and
Smith: Pass. Yes, I have 18 Miltons, but so what. North raises to Three Hearts, passed back to me.
Indeed, make the ♠J the ♠K and we still have an Teramoto: Pass. Double is dangerous with only two
obvious pass. What, realistically, are the alternatives? cards in spades and no good rebid. We can defend
2NT with no heart stopper? A three-level overcall Two Hearts and hope to get +200. +200 is very
in a four-card suit? Or, even worse IMHO, a take- good at Pairs unless we have game on.
out double without support for the one suit partner Indeed!
will expect us to hold? Sime: Pass. No sensible bid here, but I can trade
Bird: Pass. What alternatives does the setter have on the pairs factor and (assuming partner doesn’t
in mind? An unsound double or Three Diamond re-open) out-defend the field. Maybe we will enjoy
overcall might turn out luckily, but defending at an early advantage, as the Multi brigade may ben-
100 a time seems a better prospect. I may change efit from a spade lead by East.
my mind eventually but at the moment it looks Leufkens: Pass. Double makes it uncontrollable, even
like a damp squib of a problem. after (Two Hearts) Double (Pass) Two Spades (Pass)
?? Any overcall makes it worse. So pass and hope .

 Intermediate
Robson: Pass. All Vulnerable at Pairs suits my Cannell: 2NT. Stoppers – we don’t need no stinkin’
inaction. stoppers! (Oh yes you do!) Gulp!
Cope: Pass. Only because all other bids look worse And we finish with a remarkable bid from Eric
and this hand has defensive overtones unless part- who cannot bring himself to pass and will not break
ner can protect. his principles around takeout doubles:
Matheson: Pass. I hate off-shape takeout doubles. Kokish: Three Diamonds. Doubling just postpones
Five of the panel cannot bring themselves to pass the problem unless East can bid no-trump naturally
and go for the very spade light Double. More honesty: (Lebensohl gets in the way of that sometimes). This
Brock: Double. And pray. smells like a hand from a World Championship in
Rigal: Double. No idea what to do but hoping to the fifties where the Italians doubled and did just
hear something other than Two Spades. Yes I now, fine. Second choice is a hopeful pass, but only if a
I know, but once in a while a guy’s gotta get lucky. subsequent double suggests this type of hand.
Do you feel lucky, punk? OK I hate to tell you people but the doublers win
Wolff: Double. But under an assumed name. Nei- again! Partner held ♠K9xxx ♥Kx ♦xxx ♣Qxx so
ther the alternative Pass nor natural NT bid just whilst he will bid spades he will not bid game. The
cannot happen in a civilized society, although others Two Heart bidder was ♠xxx ♥AQJxxx ♦xxx ♣x so
would include Double in that description. I intend you have to defend spades very well to stop it mak-
to bid a minor suit slam over partner’s presumed ing 10 tricks (lead your singleton, partner switches
2NT for the minors (WHAT!!). Yes it’s true, if a to the ♥10 and you have to underlead your hearts to
friend gives me a bagful of horse manure for my put partner in with the ♥9 for your club ruff. Mean-
birthday, I would immediately go outside to look while Two Hearts makes the obvious seven tricks for
for the Shetland pony. +100 to East-West. Will the passers hear Two Spades
Carruthers: Double. DO NOT show this to my from partner? If so what then? 3NT will go off on any
partner Joey Silver. lead except a heart.
It’s OK – he said it would bid at IMPs. This was a curate’s egg of a month. Only two prob-
Apteker: Double. While pass may be best, we may lems did not have overall majorities (problems 3 and
not get this off more than one off and no other 7) but on the other hand all problems apart from prob-
action suits. If partner bids spades, I hope we can lem 6 had at least four answers and the panel pro-
survive on strength. Bidding has the added advan- duced a remarkable 36 bids including the 10 solitary
tage that North may bid Three Hearts. efforts mentioned above. Perhaps because of this it was
And partner is then even more likely to bid Three a low-scoring month with pride of place being shared
Spades – oh goody! by Marc Smith and David Bird on 78. A remarkable
And yet another two solo efforts, making a record feature of this is that they agreed on all eight problems
10 in total! – the first time I have ever seen that in this feature.
The bronze goes to Ben Green one point behind on 77.
David Bird Marc Smith

 Intermediate
SET 298 – THE PANEL’S BIDS & MARKS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total
David Bird England Pass 4♠ 4♦ 4♦ 4♦ Pass 6♦ Pass 78
Marc Smith England Pass 4♠ 4♦ 4♦ 4♦ Pass 6♦ Pass 78
Ben Green England 3♠ 4♠ 4♦ 4♣ 4♦ Pass 5♠ Pass 77
Tim Cope South Africa Pass 4♠ 3NT 4♣ 4♦ Pass 5♠ Pass 76
Eric Greco USA Pass 4♠ 4NT 4♣ 4♦ Pass 6♦ Pass 76
Sally Brock England Pass 4♠ Double 3NT 4♦ Pass 5♠ Double 75
Andrew Robson England Pass 3♥ Double 3NT 4♦ Pass 5♠ Pass 75
John Carruthers Canada 3♠ 4♠ 4♦ 4♣ 4♦ Pass 6♦ Double 74
Mike Lawrence USA Pass 4♠ 4NT 4♣ 4♥ Pass 4♠ Pass 74
Paul Bowyer England Pass 4♠ Double 4♣ 4♦ 4♠ 5♦ Pass 73
John Matheson Scotland Pass 4♠ 4♦ 3NT 4♣ Pass 5♦ Pass 73
Joey Silver Canada Pass 4♠ 5NT 4♣ 3NT 4♠ 5NT Pass 73
Iain Sime Scotland 3NT 3NT Double 4♣ 4♣ Pass 5♠ Pass 73
Eric Kokish Canada 3NT 3NT 4♦ 4♣ 3NT Pass 5♠ 3♦ 72
Enri Leufkens Netherlands 4♠ 3♠ 4♦ 4♦ 3NT 5♦ 5♠ Pass 70
Alon Apteker South Africa Pass 3♠ 4♦ 3NT 3NT 4♠ 5♣ Double 68
Barry Rigal USA 4♠ 3♠ 4♠ 4♣ 4♥ 4♠ 5♠ Double 68
Tadashi Teramoto Japan 4♠ 3♠ 4♠ 3NT 4♦ 4♠ 4♠ Pass 67
Bobby Wolff USA 3NT 4♠ 4♠ 4♥ 4♥ 4♠ 6♦ Double 67
Drew Cannell Canada Pass 3♠ 4♠ 4♣ 4♥ Pass 6♥ 2NT 66

Planning the Play of a Bridge Hand
Teacher’s Manual for Part II
An Honors Book
by Jonathan Shute
Looking for a better approach to teaching declarer play?
A presentation-ready Teacher’s Manual for the second half of the
ABTA award-winning book, Planning the Play of a Bridge Hand, by
Barbara Seagram and David Bird. This completes the conversion
into classroom format begun in Jonathan Shute’s Planning the Play
of a Bridge Hand, Teacher’s Manual for Part I.
The course is aimed at players with some experience, up to and

including intermediates who want to solidify their basic declarer
play and add to their thinking and technique repertoire.

DISCUSS
DISCUSSTODAY’S
TODAY’SBRIDGE
BRIDGEISSUES
ISSUESON


Bidding Competition – Set 300
Open to all – Free Entry
See following pages for system and method of entry
PROBLEM 1 PROBLEM 5
IMPs. Dealer East. E/W Vul. IMPs. Dealer North. E/W Vul.
♠ K J 10 4 2 ♠ KQ942
♥ A9 8 3 2 ♥ A J 10 8 4
♦— ♦ Q5
♣ A7 4 ♣A
West North East South West North East South
– 1♦ 3♣* – 1NT* Pass 2NT*
? Double Pass Pass 3♣*
3 ♣ Natural and weak ?
1NT 15-17
PROBLEM 2 2NT Strong both minors or weak one minor
3} Weak with clubs
IMPs. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
PROBLEM 6
♠ AQ 9 8 3 IMPs. Dealer South. None Vul
♥ Q9
♦- ♠ A K 10
♣ AK Q 9 5 3 ♥—
West North East South ♦ K 10 5
1♣ 2♦* Double 3♦ ♣ KQ97542
? West North East South
2♦ Natural and intermediate – – – Pass
1♣ 2♥* Pass 3♥*
PROBLEM 3 Double Pass 3♠ Pass
IMPs. Dealer West. All Vul. ?
2♥ Weak 3♥ Pre-emptive
♠ AK Q J 4
♥ J762 PROBLEM 7
♦ 32 IMPs. Dealer West. E/W Vul.
♣ 93 ♠ J9
West North East South ♥ A K Q 10 7 2
1♠ 2♣ 2♦* 4♣* ♦ AJ 9 8 4
Pass Pass Double Pass ♣—
?
2♦ Natural, F1, but not FG in competition
West
1♥
North
Pass
East
1♠
South
Pass
4♣ Pre-emptive
2♦ Pass 3♣* Pass
PROBLEM 4 3♦ Pass 3♠ Pass
4♣ Pass 4♠ Pass
IMPs. Dealer South. E/W Vul.
?
♠ Q62 PROBLEM 8
♥ J87
♦ KQJ93 Pairs. Dealer East. All Vul.
♣ 10 4 ♠ 10 9 4 2
West North East South ♥2
– – – 1♣ ♦ Q742
Pass 3♣* Double Pass ♣ KQ98
3♦ Pass 4♠ Pass West North East South
? – – 1♣* Double
3 ♣ Natural and pre-emptive ?


How to enter
Send your chosen bid in each of the eight sequences opposite, preferably by email, to John Car-
ruthers at: marksandcomments@sympatico.ca. Alternatively, you can enter by post, to: John
Carruthers, 1322 Patricia Blvd., Kingsville ON N9Y 2R4, Canada. Entries must be received by
the 31st January. Include your name, address and telephone number. Please quote the month,
competition and value of your prize when ordering Master Point Press books.
Grand Prix
PRIZES In addition there is an annual Grand Prix with
1st £50 Master Point Press books Master Point Press prizes of £100, £50 and £35.
2nd £25 Master Point Press books Only scores of 50 and over will count and the
3rd £15 Master Point Press books maximum score is 400. Each contestant’s Grand
4th £10 Master Point Press books Prix total is their five best scores over the year
(January – December).
Bridge Magazine Bidding System

Basic Method Weak 2♦, 2♥ and 2♠ (5 – 9, six-card suit). In
response 2NT is a relay asking for a high-card
Natural feature if not minimum with 3NT showing a
Five-card majors good suit, non-minimum. 3♣ asks for a sin-
gleton with 3NT showing a singleton ♣. 4♣
Minors are three cards in length minimum. is RKCB
Always open 1♣ with 3-3 or 4-4, so 1♦ is 3
cards only if precisely 4-4-3-2 shape Three-level openings are natural and pre-emp-
tive. Over 3♦/♥/♠, 4♣ is RKCB and over 3♣,
15-17 no-trump in all positions and 4♦ is RKCB.
vulnerabilities
3NT opening is Acol gambling – solid suit and
Two over one is game forcing in all uncontested at most a queen outside.
auctions
Four-level opening are natural.
A 1NT is up to a non-game force but it is not-
forcing. However the only hands that pass are No-trump bidding:
weak no-trump types. After 1NT 15 – 17, 2♣ = Stayman, 2♦/2♥ =
Jumps at the two-level are weak (eg, 1♦ – 2♠) transfers, 2♠ = ♣s with 2NT/3♣ denying/show-
and at the three-level are invitational (eg 1♥ ing a fit, 2NT = ♦s with 3♣/♦ denying/showing
– 3♣) a fit. After this new suits are splinters. 3♣ is 5
card Stayman, 3♦ is 5-5 ms FG, 3♥/♠ 1-3-(4-
1M – 3M is a limit raise 5) / 3-1-(4-5) and FG. 4♣ is 5-5 majors, game
Inverted minors are played. 1m – 2m is F2NT only, 4♦/♥ = ♥/♠s (then 4NT = RKCB and
and 1m – 3m is pre-emptive. Over 1m – 2m, new suits are Exclusion).
2NT is a WNT and is non-forcing, 3m is unbal- 1NT rebid = 12 - 14 with 2♣ a puppet to 2♦
anced and non-forcing. All other bids are at least to play in 2♦ or make an invitational bid, 2♦ is
quasi-natural and FG game forcing checkback, new suits at the 3 level
are 5-5 FG and higher bids are auto-splinters.


Jump 2NT rebid = 18 – 19 with natural Jumps when a bid of the suit one level lower is
continuations. forcing are splinters, as are four-level responses
in a lower-ranking suit to 1♥/1♠. Jumps when
After 2 over 1, 2NT is 12-14 balanced or 18-19 the previous level is forcing are splinters.
balanced and 3NT is 15-17 range with a reason
not to have opened 1NT 4th suit = game-forcing.
3NT rebid after a one-level response shows a When responder’s suit is raised a return to open-
good suit and a good hand. er’s suit is forcing.
After 2NT, 20-22, 3♣ = Stayman, 3♦/3♥ = Slam bidding:
transfers, 3♠ = slam try with both minors. Four
Roman Key Card Blackwood (1 or 4, 0 or 3, 2,
level bids are as after 1NT opening.
2 + trump Q).
Kokish is played after 2♣ opening (2♣-2♦-2♥-
Exclusion Blackwood only in clear circum-
2♠-2NT is 25+ balanced FG, and 2♣-2♦-2NT
stances including a jump to the five-level in a
is 23-24 balanced NF)
new suit and after 1NT – 4♦/♥. Responses are
Initial response: 0, 1, 2.
Jump shifts are weak at the two-level and invita- Cue-bids are Italian style, that is the lowest con-
tional at the three-level. Bidding and rebidding trol is shown regardless of whether it is first or
a suit is invitational, bidding and jump rebid- second round or a positive or negative control
ding a suit is FG (eg 1♦, 2♥ is weak, 1♦, 1♥, and skipping a suit denies a control in that suit.
2♣ 2♥ is invitational; 1♦, 1♥, 2♣, 3♥ is FG). Exception: a negative control in partner’s suit is
not shown immediately.
2NT after 1♣/1♦ is natural and invitational
without 4M. The default for 5NT is “pick a slam”.
2NT after 1♥/1♠ = game-forcing with 4+ card Competition:
support. Continuations in new suits are splin-
Responsive and competitive doubles through
ters, 3♥/♠ extras with no singleton, 3NT =
3♠ – after that, doubles are value-showing, not
18-19 balanced, 4 new suits are 5-5 good suits,
penalties.
4♥/♠ minimum balanced.
Continuations: Negative doubles through 3♠ – after that, dou-
bles are value showing, not penalties.
1x – 1M – 2M promises four-card support or
three-card support and an unbalanced hand. After a 1M opening bid and an overcall, 2NT =
Balanced hands with three-card support rebid four-card limit raise or better and a cue-bid is
1NT a three-card limit raise or better, raises are pre-
emptive, change of suit forcing one round but
Reverses are forcing for one round after a one- not FG. New suits at the three-level are FG.
level response. The lower of 2NT and 4th suit
encompasses all weak hands, responder’s rebid After a 1m opening and an overcall, 2NT is nat-
of own suit is F1 but not necessarily strong, all ural and invitational and the cue-bid is a limit
other bids are FG. raise or better, raise are pre-emptive, change of
suit F1 but not FG, new suit at the three-level
All high reverses are game-forcing. is FG.


Fit-jumps after opponents overcall or take-out Defences:
double.
Against all pre-empts, take-out doubles with
Fit jumps after our overcalls. Jump cue-bid is a Lebensohl responses - same structure as above.
mixed raise (about 6-9 with four-card support)
2NT is rarely natural in competition (except as
Double jumps are splinters. defined above). Possibilities include Lebensohl
or scramble if game is not viable.
Lebensohl applies after interference over our
1NT. An immediate 3NT shows a stopper but Over 2M, 4♣/♦ are Leaping Michaels (5,5 in
not 4oM, 2NT then 3NT shows a stopper and ♣/♦ and oM, FG). Over Natural weak 2♦, 4♣ =
4oM, 2NT then cue-bid shows no stopper but Leaping Michaels (5, 5 in ♣ & a M with 4♦ to
4oM immediate cue-bid shows no stopper and ask for M). Over 3♣, 4♣ = Ms and 4♦ = ♦&M
no 4oM. In summary 3NT at any time shows with 4♥/♠ as P/C. Over 3♦, 4♣ = Nat and
a stopper and cue-bid at any time denies one, a 4♦ = Ms. Over 3♥, 4♣/♦ = Nat, 4♥ = ♠&m,
jump to 3♠ (eg 1NT – 2♥ – 3♠ is FG). 4NT = ms. Over 3♠, 4♠/♦/♥ = nat, 4♠/4NT
= two-suiter
2NT is rarely natural in competition (except as
defined above). Possibilities include Lebensohl Over their 1NT, Dble = pens, 2♣ = majors, 2♦
or scramble if game is not viable. = 1 major, 2♥/♠ = 5♥/♠ & 4+m 2NT = minors
or game-forcing 2-suiter.
Overcalls:
Over a strong 1♣, natural, double = majors,
After a 1M overcall, 2NT = four-card limit raise
1NT = minors, pass then bid is strong.
or better and a cue-bid is a three-card limit raise
or better, raises are pre-emptive, change of suit
forcing one round. Fit jumps, jump cue is a
mixed raise (about 6-9 and four trumps)
After a minor suit overcall, 2NT is natural and
invitational and the cue-bid is a limit raise or
better, raises are pre-emptive. Fit jumps, jump
cue is a mixed raise (about 6-9 and four trumps)
Weak jump overcalls, intermediate in 4th.
Michaels cue-bids. 1m -2m = Ms, 1M – 2M
= oM and m with 2NT asking for the m, inv+
and 3m P/C
Send stamped addressed envelope to Chess & Bridge Ltd for WBF style Convention Card. You will be
able to find a link to the new Convention Card on our web site.


WEST Bid these hands with those on the following
Hands for the page with your favourite partner; then turn to
January 2016 Partnership Profile Partnership Bidding inside to see how your score
compares to that of the experts
Hand 1. Dealer South. Both Vul. Hand 5. Dealer West. None Vul.
♠ 2 ♠ A Q 10 7 6 3 2
♥ AK74 ♥ 83
♦ AKQ985 ♦ K7
♣ 53 ♣ Q9
Hand 2. Dealer East. All Vul. Hand 6. Dealer North. Both Vul.
♠ KQJ7 ♠ AKQ65
♥ 8 ♥ 10 9 7 4
♦ K 10 ♦ A7
♣ AQJ863 ♣ Q3
Hand 3. Dealer West. None Vul. ♠ —
♥ K87654
♠ A ♦ A762
♥ 2 ♣ AK2
♦ A K Q 10 9 7 3
♣ A654 South opens 1♦
Hand 4. Dealer West. Both Vul. Hand 8. Dealer East. None Vul.
♠ KJ9 ♠ KJ
♥ Q3 ♥ A J 10 7 5
♦ J9 ♦ A743
♣ QJ6532 ♣ J3
BIDDING COMPETITION Why not enter a bridge hand or bidding problem of your
own for use in BRIDGE Magazine?
SET 300
♠
(for the January Competition) ♥
My answers are (the Adjudicator)
♦
1. ♣
♠ ♠
2. ♥ ♥
3. ♦ ♦
♣ ♣
4. ♠
5.
♥
♦
6. ♣
7. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
8.
Total marks:
Email to marksandcomments@sympatico.ca
or post to: Bidding Competition (292), Name: (please print)
John Carruthers, 1322 Patricia Blvd. Address:
Kingsville ON N9Y 2R4, Canada Telephone: ___________________________________
Entries must be received by

31st January 2016.


EAST Bid these hands with those on the previous
Hands for the page with your favourite partner; then turn to
January 2016 Partnership Profile Partnership Bidding inside to see how your score
compares to that of the experts
Hand 1. Dealer South. Both Vul. Hand 5. Dealer West. None Vul.
♠ J 10 7 5 4 ♠ 5
♥ Q J 10 9 ♥ AKQJ72
♦ 642 ♦ J54
♣ A ♣ 632
Hand 2. Dealer East. All Vul. Hand 6. Dealer North. Both Vul.
♠ — ♠ 10
♥ KJ6542 ♥ AKQ832
♦ AJ873 ♦ K52
♣ K5 ♣ 754
Hand 3. Dealer West. None Vul. ♠ K Q 10 4 3 2
♥ AQ2
♠ Q J 10 9 6 5 ♦ —
♥ A Q 10 ♣ Q 10 9 8
♦ 2
♣ Q83 South opens 1♦
Hand 4. Dealer West. Both Vul. Hand 8. Dealer East. None Vul.
♠ A85 ♠ 542
♥ AK65 ♥ KQ942
♦ A7 ♦ Q
♣ A 10 8 7 ♣ A K 10 4
BIDDING COMPETITION
Set 298 Top Scores 66 Nigel Osmer, Mike Perkins, Tony Poole, 1 Mike Perkins 383
Ray Stubbs 2 Graham Johnson 378
Prize winners should quote the month,
competition and value of their prize when 65 Peter Barker, Pyers Pennant, Olga 3 Peter Hawkes 377
placing an order for Master Point Press Shadyro 4 Mike Ralph 376
books. Prize winners can refer to the list of 5 Kresten Kristensen 374
MPP titles on the inside back cover of the Grand Prix Standings 6 Norman Massey 373
current issue of Bridge Magazine. after Set 298 7 Stuart Nelson 372
Dudley Leigh scored 76 this month to take Congratulations Mike Perkins, winner 8 Harald Bletz 371
first place, good for ₤50 worth of Master of this year’s Grand Prix title and ₤100 9 Bill Gordon 366
Point Press books from Chess and Bridge. worth of Master Point Press books from
Norman Massey and George Willett
10= Phil Callow 365
Chess and Bridge. In second place is 10= Michael Kaye 365
tied on 73, with the coin toss awarding Graham Johnson who wins ₤50 worth,
George ₤25 worth and Norman ₤15 and in third is Peter Hawkes who wins 12= David Barnes 364
worth. Tied on 71 were Nigel Guthrie, ₤35 worth. 12= Nigel Guthrie 364
Axel Johannsson, Kresten Kristensen 12= Andrew King 364
Note that these standings are subject to
and Derek Markham. The randon draw 12= Dudley Leigh 364
any corrections received for this month.
awarded ₤10 worth to Kresten.
Thanks to all who participated in this 16= Axel Johannsson 363
Other Good Scores: Grand Prix, many of you entering every 16= Frank Turton 363
70 Harald Bletz, Mike Ralph month. We hope to see you all in the 18 Derek Markham 362
69 David Barnes, Nick Simms next one too 19= Chris Bickerdike 361
68 Neil Macdonald, Frank Turton If your own records do not agree with 19= Tony Poole 361
67 Jeff Callaghan, Tugrul Kaban these standings, please email so we can 19= Olga Shadyro 361
check..

MasterPoint Press October 2014_Layout 1 08/10/2014 15:56 Page 1
BOOKS FROM MASTER POINT PRESS

Master Point Press are the world’s leading bridge book publisher and winner of many bridge publishing awards. A list of Masterpoint
titles can be found below - for full details on each of these titles please visit www.bridgeshop.com. Recent releases are highlighted in
bold. Please note, winners of the Bidding Competition do not get the 10% Subscriber discount when redeeming their prize
VOUCHERS and a deduction will also be made to cover the cost of postage. For further details please call 020 7288 1305
Deadly Endplay (fiction) Allen, Ken £12.95 Complete Book Takeout Doubles (2nd ed.) Lawrence, Mike £15.95
Shades of Grey (fiction) Allen, Ken £11.95 Falsecards (New Edition) Lawrence, Mike £14.95
I Love This Game Auken, Sabine £12.50 Encyclopedia of Card Play Techniques Levé, Guy £21.95
25 Bridge Myths Exposed Bird, David £10.50 Bridge Squeezes Complete Love, Clyde. E £14.95
Bridge Endplays for Everyone Bird, David £12.95 Bridge, Probability and Information MacKinnon, Robert F. £12.95
Bridge Squeezes for Everyone Bird, David £11.95 Win the Bermuda Bowl with Me Meckstroth & Smith £11.50
Clever Plays in the Trump Suit Bird, David £12.95 The Setting Trick McCance, Ian £11.95
Defensive Signaling at Bridge Bird, David £11.95 Competitive Bidding in the 21st Century Miles, Marshall £11.50
Off-Road Declarer Play Bird, David £11.95 Inferences at Bridge Miles, Marshall £11.50
Somehow We Landed in 6NT Bird, David £12.95 It's Your Call Miles, Marshall £12.95
Winning Notrump Leads Bird & Anthias £10.95 Modern Constructive Bidding Miles, Marshall £11.95
Winning Suit Contract Leads Bird & Anthias £10.95 My System: The Unbalanced Diamond Miles, Marshall £11.95
Leading Questions in Bridge Brock, Sally £11.95 Bridge in the Menagerie Mollo, Victor £13.95
Bridge at the Edge Brogeland, Boye & Bird, David £13.95 Card Play Technique Mollo & Gardener £14.95
Bridge Crosswords Chen, Jeff £7.95 Diamonds are the Hog’s Best Friend Mollo, Victor £13.95
Following the Law Cohen, Larry £9.95 Swings and Arrows Mollo, Victor £13.95
Larry Cohen's Bidding Challenge Cohen, Larry £9.95 The Hog Takes to Precision Mollo, Victor £11.95
To Bid or Not To Bid Cohen, Larry £11.50 Kickback: Slam Bidding at Bridge Munger, Robert £7.95
Death in Duplicate Coplea, Carole £13.95 First Book of Play Problems O’Connor, Patrick £10.95
Standard Bidding with SAYC Downey, Ned & Ellen Pomer £11.95 Second Book of Play Problems O’Connor, Patrick £10.95
Bridge with Bells and Whistles Dufresne, MA & Ellingsen, M £11.95 Bridge Behind Bars (fiction) Pottage & Smith £12.95
A Modern Approach to Two-Over-One Eichenbaum, Ken £8.95 Clues from the Bidding Pottage, Julian £10.95
Winners, Losers and Cover Cards Eichenbaum, Ken £8.95 Defend These Hands with Me Pottage, Julian £11.50
Can You Win The USBC Team Trials Felmy, Matthias £13.95 Play or Defend? Pottage, Julian £8.95
I Shot My Bridge Partner (fiction) Granovetter, Matthew £9.50 Defend or Declare? Pottage, Julian £11.95
Murder at the Bridge Table (fiction) Granovetter, Matthew £9.50 Deadly Hold-Up Priebe, Jim £11.95
Bridge Conventions in Depth Granovetter & Granovetter £13.95 Double Elimination: A Bridge Mystery Priebe, Jim £11.95
Bridge Master Vs Bridge Amateur Horton, Mark £11.95 Matchpoint Defense Priebe, Jim £11.95
Misplay These Hands with Me Horton, Mark £11.95 Takeout Double: A Bridge Mystery Priebe, Jim £11.50
The Hands of Time Horton, Mark £10.50 Thinking on Defense Priebe, Jim £9.95
The Mysterious Multi Horton, Mark £12.95 Positive Declarer Play in Bridge Reese & Pottage £10.50
Duplicate Bridge at Home Horton & Gittelman £12.95 Positive Defense in Bridge Reese & Pottage £10.50
The Bridge Magicians Horton & Kielbasinski £11.50 The Extra Edge in Play Reese & Pottage £10.95
For Love or Money Horton & Senior £12.95 Modified Italian Canapé System Rexford, Ken £8.95
The Rabbi’s Rules Horton, Mark £12.95 New Frontiers for Strong Forcing Openings Rexford, Ken £8.95
Building a Bidding System Hughes, Roy £11.50 Overcalling Opponent's 1NT Rexford, Ken £6.95
Canada’s Bridge Warriors Hughes, Roy £15.95 Really Unusual Notrump (R.U.N.T.) Rexford, Ken £7.95
Card by Card Hughes, Roy £11.50 Variable Key Card Blackwood Rexford, Ken £8.95
Fantunes Revealed Jacobs, Bill £9.95 Breaking the Bridge Rules Rigal, Barry £12.95
One Trick at a TIme Jackson, Jim £11.95 Rodwell Files: Secrets of a champion Rodwell, Eric £17.95
Polish Club International Jassem,Krzysztof £10.95 How Good is Your Bridge Roth, Danny £11.95
Patrick Jourdain’s Problem Corner Jourdain, Patrick £12.95 Bridge on a Shoestring Schoenborn, Michael £13.95
Advanced Bridge Defense Kantar, Eddie £13.95 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know Seagram & Smith £10.50
Classic Kantar Kantar, Eddie £9.50 25 More Conventions You Should Know Seagram & Bird £10.50
Defensive Tips for Bad Card Holders Kantar, Eddie £14.95 25 Ways to Be a Better Defender Seagram & Bird £10.50
Kantar on Kontract Kantar, Eddie £10.50 25 Ways to Compete in the Bidding Seagram & Smith £10.50
Modern Bridge Defense Kantar, Eddie £13.95 25 Ways to Take More Tricks as Declarer Seagram & Bird £10.50
Roman Keycard Blackwood - 5th ed. Kantar, Eddie £13.95 Declarer Play at Bridge: A Quizbook Seagram & Bird £9.95
Topics in Declarer Play Kantar, Eddie £13.95 Defensive Play Quizbook: A Quizbook Seagram & Bird £9.95
Improve Your Bidding Judgment Kimelman, Neil £12.95 Planning the Play of a Bridge Hand Seagram & Bird £12.95
The Thin Line Kimelman, Neil £12.95 Pocket Guide to Defensive Play Seagram & Bird £6.95
365 Winning Bridge Tips Kleinman, Danny £13.95 Scotland’s Senior Moment Smith & Adamson £13.95
Human Bridge Errors Kleinman & Straguzzi £10.50 Becoming a Bridge Expert Stewart, Frank £13.95
A Bridge to Inspired Declarer Play Laderman, Julian £12.95 Frank Stewart's Bridge Club Stewart, Frank £10.50
A Bridge to Simple Squeezes Laderman, Julian £11.95 How to Play Bridge with your Spouse Tevkolsky, Roselyn £9.95
Bumblepuppy Days Laderman, Julian £14.95 Bridge at the Breakfast Table Thurston, Paul £1.50
Still Not Finding Squeezes? Laderman, Julian £7.95 25 Steps to Learning 2/1 Thurston, Paul £10.50
25 Conventions for ACOL Players Landry & Horton £11.95 North of the Master Solvers’ Club Vine, Frank £11.95
Complete Book on Overcalls (2nd ed.) Lawrence, Mike £13.95 Bridge at the Enigma Club Winkler, Peter £11.95
Complete Book on Passed Hand Bidding Lawrence, Mike £13.95 The Lone Wolff Wollf, Bobby £15.95
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20 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

21 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

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23 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

25 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

26 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

27 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

Book Reviews Bob Baker

28 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

MASTER POINT PRESSthe bridge publisher

Each problem is presented in two-hand format on a righthand page,

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29 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

30 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

That looks like a Drury auction to me.

31 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

32 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

33 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

34 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

35 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

36 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

37 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

38 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

39 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

40 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

41 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

Here’s my best guess as to the meaning of the Polish pair’s auction.

42 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

43 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

45 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine

Clearly, the Wigoders dine on red meat!

46 January 2016 BRIDGE Magazine