2016-03 Bridge Mag Mar 2016 PDF


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 March 2016 BRIDGE Magazine


This Sporting Life
BRIDGE
The ACBL has announced that Boye Brogeland
has been named the recipient of the 2016 Sidney
H. Lazard Jr. Sportsmanship Award. The honour
recognizes high level players who strive to win
with class and dignity. “The bridge community
owes Boye a huge debt for his historic efforts
MAGAZINE to eliminate cheating from high-level bridge,”
says Award Selection Committee Chair Steve
Weinstein. “His devotion to cleaning up our game made him a
clear-cut choice for this year’s Lazard award.”
Lavazza 2016
There will significant changes in the Lavazza team this year
44 BAKER STREET
LONDON W1U 7RT The Brazilian player Diego Brenner has been offered (and of course
Tel: 020-7486 8222 accepted) a contract and he will be the new partner of Norberto
Fax: 020-7486 3355 Bocchi. Agustin Madala-Alesandro Bianchedi will remain in the
email: info@bridgeshop.com line up, as will Giorgio Duboin and Dennis Bilde.
http://www.bridgeshop.com
Editor: The Italian team has also appointed Maurizio di Sacco as coach
Mark Horton and team manager.
Assistant Editor: When they lost in the semifinals at the Winter Games in Monaco, a for-
Christina Lund Madsen mer by-line writer for The Sun enquired, ‘Will it be di Sack for di Sacco?’
Advertising:
Matthew Read Plus ça change
Photographer:
Ron Tacchi Writing on his website, Richard Branson produced his ‘Grand-
Proofreaders: parent Bucket List’.
Danny Roth Here is one of the items on that list to which I have made one
Monika Kummel subtle amendment:
Herman De Wael
Typesetter: I think bridge may just be the best game in the world. It combines the
Ron Tacchi greatest aspects of many different sports – tactics, planning, bravery
BRIDGE Magazine is published
monthly.
and risk-taking – plus you can have a stimulating conversation while
Online Subscriptions: you play! It’s great bonding time for family members; and it makes
1 year: £19.95 perfect sense for bridge to be taught to young people, as the game is a
Individual Issue:
£2.00
great fit for mobile and remote learning.
Distributors
CHESS & BRIDGE LTD. The alteration?
44 Baker Street
London W1U 7RT U.K.
I have substituted the word bridge in favour of chess.
Views expressed in this publication are not
necessarily those of the Editor. Editorial
contributions will be published at the
Editor’s discretion and may be shortened The Big Bridge Quiz
if space is limited.
No parts of this publication may be
reproduced without the prior express
Sally Brock’s daughter Briony works as a fundraiser for Stoke
permission of the publishers. All rights
reserved. 2016
Mandeville Spinal Research, a charity that undertakes research
into improving the quality of life after a spinal cord injury. The
charity is organising The Big Bridge Quiz, which went on sale on
February 15th (closing date April 30th).


For a fee of £10, purchasers are eligible for the £1000 first prize (with runners-up prizes of online
subscriptions to Bridge Magazine). Donate £10 at: justgiving.com/bigbridgequiz and the charity
will arrange for the quiz to be sent to you. Alternatively, email Briony at: briony.brock@smsr.org.uk
Pour encoragez les autres
A free year’s subscription to Bridge Magazine has been made available by our publishers to all
bridge players under the age of 25. Interested Juniors should go to: http://bridgemagazine.co.uk/
free-one-year-subscription-for-u25s/
Opportunity Knocks
The Junior Award Scheme is an important and exciting initiative from English Bridge Education
& Development. It is an award scheme that offers graded attainment levels and aims to give young
people positive reinforcement, confidence and a sense of achievement through monitoring and
encouraging the student’s progress along their bridge learning journey. We hope they will enjoy
working to complete each level.
There are six levels for the student to achieve - covering all standards from starting to play minibridge
through to competing at high levels – with certificates of achievement awarded for each level attained.
For more information visit the EBED website(http://www.ebedcio.org.uk/junior-award-scheme).
To take part in the scheme you should contact EBED to receive the assessment cards, and the
teaching material can be downloaded from the EBED website.
Marathon Men (and Women)
Members of Stamford Bridge Club will be taking part in a bridge marathon on 18th-19th March
to raise money for Sport Relief, and everyone is welcome to join them.
There are those who still doubt whether bridge is a ‘sport’, but there will be no questioning the
skill, and mental and physical stamina, on display in this endurance event. Competing in this
‘mind sport marathon’ will be a fitting way to support the sport-oriented charity. Funds raised
through Sport Relief support education and health projects in the UK and overseas, including
projects for dementia sufferers which is apt given the link between playing bridge and alleviating
the impact of cognitive decline.
Players can take part in any number of three-hour sessions, and some will attempt to play for the
whole 24 hours! To support the players, volunteers from SBC will provide much-needed refresh-
ments to sustain those playing through the night. Anyone interested in taking part, should contact
Marcus Witt for more information on 01780 767384 or marcusstamfordwitt@gmail.com. Dona-
tions to Sport Relief for their efforts can be made via the BBC website.
In This Issue
I 5 Problem Corner — Ron Tacchi & Patrick Jourdain. GI 68 This Month’s Video Page
I 6 A Little Madiera m’dear — The Editor reports on I 69 Test Your Defence — Julian Pottage
the marvellous November festival in Madeira I 71 The Abbot’s new Partner — David Bird
I 44 Leading Questions — Sally Brock hosts another GI 77 Leading Answers
lead quiz
I 85 Solution to Non-Prize Problem
I 45 Gold Cup — The Editor reports the final and
semi-finals of the Gold Cup I 87 Solution to Test Your Defence
GI 61 The Rainbow Bridge Club — Alex Adamson & I 89 Partnership Profile — Mark Horton
Harry Smith I 98 Marks & Comments — Alan Mould

 Intermediate
Ron Tacchi and Solution to Prize Problem 312
Patrick Jourdain’s Dig Deep
Problem ♠ 87
♥ KQJ74
♦ K65 W
N
E
♠ A 10 9 4
♥ A 10 3
♦ A8 2
Corner ♣ AQ 8 S ♣ K73
After an uncontested auction you arrive in 6♥ and
sponsored by North leads the jack of diamonds. What is your plan?
THE ORION PUBLISHING GROUP The unfortunate duplicate distribution seems to con-
Master Bridge Series demn your slam to failure, but you must try and find
a way to avoid two losers. You principal hope is to
develope an extra spade trick to discard your poten-
tial diamond loser.
Non-Prize Problem See Page 85 Your best hope is to find North with two of the three
South reaches Four Spades after the unopposed spades honours and only three cards in the suit.
auction: To this end, win the first trick with the king of
1♠-2♥-2♠-3♣-3♥-3♠-4♠-Pass diamonds in hand, draw three rounds of trumps
Dealer East. E/W Vul. finishing in hand and lead a spade and duck it into
♠ J9 South’s hand. Win the return and play ace of spades
♥ A K 10 9 8 2 and ruff a spade. If all has gone well on the previ-
♦ 6 ous two tricks North will have played spade honours
♣ A J 10 9 and now you draw the trump if they proved to be be
4-1 and cross to the king of clubs and cash your now
♠ A K 10 5 3 2 good ten of spades discarding your losing diamond.
♥ J5 There is an interesting case if North should play one
♦ Q5 of his honours on the first round of spades. You will
♣ Q64 win with the ace and when you lead a small spade
West cashes the ace of diamonds and switches to the towards your hand South plays an honour. Do you
king of clubs. Dummy wins and runs the jack of now play North for a trebleton and two spade hon-
spades. This loses to West who continues with a low ours or do you take a ruffing finesse against the third
diamond. How should South continue? honour being in South’s hand? It will depend on your
estimation of North’s ability and guile.
Congratulations Look for Patrick Jourdain’s Problem Corner,

Prize Problem 311. available from Chess & Bridge.
Unfortunately I have been travelling to such exotic
places as Moscow and my return has been interrupted
and extended. Since I failed to take Mrs T’s hat with
me I am unable to select a winner. I am practically cer- Prize Problem 313
tain it was Mrs Trellis from North Wales but to ensure Up to Par
complete integrity I am postponing the announcement ♠ A K J 10 7 5 2 N ♠ Q96
of the winner for one month, humble apologies. ♥ 10 9 8 ♥ K7
♦ A7 2 W E ♦ 10 9 8 5 4
♣— S ♣ K75
This problem is based on a simultaneous hand from
early January. South opened the bidding with 1♣
Email your answers to BMProb@vaupillon.com or send and West concluded the auction with a bid of 4♠.
on a postcard to The Editor, Bridge Magazine, 44 Baker North failed to find the winning lead when he placed
Street, London, W1U 7RT. Entries must be received before the queen of clubs on the green baize. Declarer failed
29th February. The first correct solution out of the hat will the test. Could you have taken the best chances and
receive £15 of BRIDGE Magazine book vouchers. brought home the contract?

 Intermediate
A Little Madeira m’dear?
The Editor and Ron Tacchi were in Madeira to report on the phenomenal Festival that takes
place every November.
T he ultra modern Vidamar Resorts Madeira is the magnificent setting for the island’s annual
Festival. Generous sponsorship from the Madeira Bridge Association, the Regional Author-
ity of Madeira, the Regional Education authority of Madeira, New in Bridge, Vidamar
Resorts and Inter Tours enable the organisers, led by Miguel Teixeira, Carlos Luíz and José
Júlio Curado, to stage a fantastic event, which even includes a Daily Bulletin.
Those arriving a few days early can contest some pre-tournament side events and thereafter the
Festival starts with a welcoming cocktail and a light-hearted warm up pairs.
The editor prepares to sit opposite Tacchi
Missguess this Hand with Me

Terence Reese always that there was always some clue as to the best line on a particular deal, no
matter how small.
What do you make of this one from the opening event.
With only the opponents vulnerable I pick up a modest, but shapely hand:
♠ 10
♥ K96543
♦ A9 7 6 2
♣2
Partner opens 1NT which we play as 15-17 and East overcalls 2♠, which West alerts. Upon enquiry
this is explained as constructive (with a non-constructive hand East would bid 2♦ – MultiLandy).

 Intermediate
Resisting the temptation to make what in England is known as a Landy game try (you bid a game
and then try to make it) I bid 3♦, which we play as a transfer to hearts with at least invitational
values. When partner bids 3NT I would like to bid 4♦ as a retransfer, but we have not discussed
it so I settle for 4♥.
This has been our brief, but instructive auction:
West North East South
Tacchi Horton
– 1NT 2♠* 3♦*
Pass 3NT Pass 4♥
All Pass
West leads the eight of spades and I get the following dummy:
♠ QJ32
♥ A8
♦ Q 10
♣ AKJ84
♠ 10
♥ K96543
♦ A9762
♣2
When I play low from dummy East wins with the king and unexpectedly returns the king of dia-
monds. That’s a pleasant surprise, and after winning in hand I can see a route to ten tricks by
taking a ruffing spade finesse.
I cash the king of hearts and cross to dummy with a heart, but East, having followed with the
ten on the first round, discards a spade. That’s a blow, but I am still in the game.
I play the queen of spades, covered and ruffed, and take the club finesse. When East produces
the queen, I have to go one down.
This was the full deal:
♠ QJ32
♥ A8
♦ Q 10
♣ AKJ84
♠ 87 N ♠ AK 9 6 5 4
♥ QJ72 ♥ 10
♦ J843 W E ♦ K5
♣ 763 S ♣ Q 10 9 5
♠ 10
♥ K96543
♦ A9762
♣2
Post mortem
Once East has switched to a diamond declarer can get home by playing to ruff a diamond in
dummy, one losing diamond going on an established spade, the other on the king of clubs.
This works because trumps are 4-1and you might ask why declarer should assume that to be
the case?
Well, by bidding 2♠ rather than 2♦ East perhaps suggested that she was more likely to be

 Intermediate
6-1-2-4 than 6-2-3-3.
However, declarer had missed the fact after winning the ace of diamonds it is safe to cross to
dummy with a heart, cash the queen of diamonds, play the queen of spades, ruffing East’s king,
play three rounds of clubs, ruffing and then ruff a diamond.
If East is 6-2-3-3 she can overruff, but then has no good move.
A Cunning Plan
On this deal from the warm-up pairs, declarer found a clever way to bring home a tough contract:
Board 16. Dealer West. E/W Vul.
♠ J7
♥ 54
♦ AQ982
♣ 10 5 4 3
♠ Q 10 9 N ♠ A6 5 4 3
♥3 ♥ J9862
♦ KJ643 W E ♦ 10
♣ Q976 S ♣ J2
♠ K82
♥ A K Q 10 7
♦ 75
♣ AK8
Larssen Thiele Larssen Verdegaal
Pass Pass Pass 1♥
Pass 1NT Pass 3NT
All Pass
East led a spade and West won with the queen and returned a spade. When East ducked declarer
won in hand with the king and cashed the ace and king of hearts. When West discarded a dia-
mond prospects appeared poor, but Mark Thiele found an answer.
He exited with a spade.
East could win and cash two more tricks in the suit, West discarding a club and a diamond.
These cards remained:
♠—
♥—
♦ AQ9
♣ 10 5 4
♠— N ♠—
♥— ♥ J98
♦ KJ6 W E ♦ 10
♣ Q97 S ♣ J2
♠—
♥ Q 10
♦ 75
♣ AK

 Intermediate
When East exited with the jack of clubs declarer won, cashed the remaining top club and placed
the queen of hearts on the table. West, down to ♦KJ6 ♣Q was forced to admit defeat.
That gave N/S a well deserved 68% on the deal.
Here is how Ron viewed the opening event:
As I need to sit and watch the boards in order to make a report, this year I decided if I could
find someone masochistic enough to play with me I would have first-hand experience from which
to report. The Editor (unwisely) succumbed to my blandishments and agreed to play with me.
We started well enough but at midnight my brain turned into a pumpkin, and unfortunately
I was still on French time. The upshot was that my partner’s continued brilliancies were brought
down to nearly naught by my erratic behaviour but in spite of my poor play we still managed to
finish in the upper quartile.
An early deal brought us a good result:
Board 21. Dealer North. N/S Vul.
♠ J8
♥ AK8752
♦—
♣ K Q 10 7 5
♠ 965 N ♠ KQ4
♥ J64 ♥ 93
♦ Q5 W E ♦ A J 10 9 7 4 2
♣ J9432 S ♣8
♠ A 10 7 3 2
♥ Q 10
♦ K863
♣ A6
Tacchi Horton
– 1♥ 2♦ 2♠
Pass 3♣ Pass 3NT
Pass 4♣ Pass 6♥
All Pass
After partner’s excellent evaluation of the two hands, East aided declarer’s cause when she led the
ace of diamonds. Declarer merely had to draw trumps and discard his losing spade on the king
of diamonds. All that remained was to take four club tricks, the safety play being to cash the ace
and then lead towards hand and insert the ten. If East can take this trick then the rest of the clubs
are good and if East shows out you have four tricks and your contract. It seems nine pairs reached
the contract and only two other pairs succeeded, so we scored 97% on the board. For the six who
failed they all received the lead of a high spade honour or the diamond ace and one wonders if
they relied (unnecessarily) on cashing clubs from the top. Declarer should always succeed even
on a trump lead if East has three or four spades to one or more of the top honours.

 Intermediate
Board 3. Dealer South. E/W Vul.
♠ K83
♥ A62
♦ QJ5
♣ K642
♠ A9 4 N ♠ Q J 10 6 5
♥Q ♥ J983
♦ AK 8 7 4 2 W E ♦—
♣ A5 3 S ♣ J 10 9 7
♠ 72
♥ K 10 7 5 4
♦ 10 9 6 3
♣ Q8
Tacchi Horton
– – – 2♥
Double 3♥ 3♠ Pass
4♦ Pass 4♠ All Pass
The opening lead was a small heart to the ace and the suit was continued and ruffed in dummy.
Declarer now led a small diamond off table and ruffed it in hand. He followed up with a spade
finesse which lost to North’s king. North made a valiant effort to get his name into the bulletin
(not too difficult when you are one of the Editors) by attempting a Merrimac Coup and leading
the king of clubs to thwart declarer utilising the long diamonds. Whilst the manoeuvre did achieve
the stated aim it was too late as in theory declarer now had ten tricks available on a crossruff
(three heart ruffs in dummy, three minor-suit top honours and four trumps in hand) but at the
final hurdle he had six cards in dummy, five of which would give him the contract and one would
lead to defeat – you are probably ahead of me here and have guessed which option declarer took.
To guarantee defeat of the contract South must lead a club at trick one; perhaps David Bird’s
simulator might arrive at this answer but I suspect not many human players would find such a
diabolical lead. Even cashing the king of hearts and then switching to a club is not sufficient. (On
reflection I can’t believe I led a heart rather than the queen of clubs. Editor)
Ron was soon back at the table, this time as a 100% reporter:
Last year for the first session of the Open Pairs I sat and watched Hans Metselaar and Allie
Hoenstok from The Netherlands, so, keen as ever to start a tradition, I ensconced myself behind
them. I was slightly late arriving and they had scored close to 75% on the first two boards they
played – 19 & 20. On the first they played in 3♦ doubled only failing by two non-vulnerable
tricks as an excellent save against the vulnerable game. On the next deal they extracted the max-
imum when a defender decided to duck a finesse into his hand and was never allowed to make
his king. However, as usual, the commentator’s curse took immediate effect and they suffered a
string of poor results. Here is a prime example:

 Intermediate
Board 2. Dealer East. N/S Vul.
♠ A9752
♥ 9865
♦2
♣ J86
♠ KJ43 N ♠ Q8
♥ Q4 ♥ A K 10 2
♦ 10 8 6 4 W E ♦ AK J 7
♣ Q 10 9 S ♣ AK 5
♠ 10 6
♥ J73
♦ Q953
♣ 7432
On this deal the opposition bid gaily to 6NT and with North on lead he unerringly selected the
ace of spades, the only card to give declarer a genuine play for the contract.
She won the spade continuation in dummy, cashed the diamond ace and returned to hand with
a heart to lead a diamond towards the tenace. When North showed out she rose with the king,
cashed the ace and king of clubs and came to hand with the queen.
After cashing the king and jack of spades (discarding two diamonds from dummy) she now
had a complete count on the hand as South had pitched the last club. Strictly speaking, the odds
now favoured the heart finesse against the jack as North has four to South’s three. The four of
hearts now hit the green baize and after what seemed an eternity she spurned the finesse to land
her contract.
If she had taken the finesse and it had failed the contract would have been down two, whilst if
she played for the drop and she was wrong she would only fail by one trick.
Perhaps the favourable lead persuaded to take the option where even failure would give her
close to the same score as all other pairs that attempted the slam.
Seven of the 28 declarers in 6NT were successful but the other six were all sitting East and
received the helpful lead of a small diamond.
The following deal was also a poor result:
♠ AK8
♥ QJ532
♦ 10
♣ A874
♠ 10 9 2 N ♠ 654
♥ K 10 9 6 4 ♥ 87
♦ 42 W E ♦ QJ9763
♣ J62 S ♣ 10 3
♠ QJ73
♥A
♦ AK85
♣ KQ95

 Intermediate
West North East South ♠ AK8
Hoenstok Metselaar ♥ QJ532
♦ 10
– – – 1♣* ♣ A874
Pass 1♥ Pass 2♠ ♠ 10 9 2 ♠ 654
Pass 3♣ Pass 3♥*
N
♥ K 10 9 6 4 ♥ 87
Pass 4♣ Pass 4♦* ♦ 42 W E ♦ QJ9763
Pass 4♠* Pass 5♦* ♣ J62 S ♣ 10 3
Pass 5♠* Pass 7♣ ♠ QJ73
♥ A
All Pass ♦ AK85
3♥ Cue-bid ♣ KQ95
4♦ Cue-bid
4♠ Cue-bid
5♦ Cue-bid
5♠ Cue-bid
The opening lead was the four of hearts which ran round to declarer’s ace. He cashed the ace of
diamonds and immediately ruffed one in dummy, whereupon he cashed the ace of trumps and
returned to hand with a trump to his queen. He then tried to ruff another diamond but unfor-
tunately West was now out of diamonds and still had the jack of trumps to take the setting trick.
Unlucky to find the diamonds 6-2.
The question is can declarer find a winning line? There appear to be possibilities, ruffing two
diamonds in dummy or ruffing two hearts in hand and in both cases there is the question of tim-
ing of the ruffs and the drawing of trumps.
Whichever suit is tackled, if there is no doubleton then the contract is simple. assuming the
trumps are 3-2.
A priori the chance of a 6-2 split is half that of a 5-2 division. Thus it would seem playing on
diamonds is twice as unlikely to founder on the rocks of distribution. The next question is how
can one minimise the effect of a bad split? In the line adopted by declarer, had he not cashed the
ace of trumps then all would have been well. To my mind, not cashing the ace works when West
has the doubleton diamond and three trumps (and also some cases where he has a doubleton
trump) and cashing the ace works when East has the doubleton diamond and two trumps. The
theory of vacant places states that the three trumps are more likely to be with the short diamonds
and so not cashing the ace appears to be a slightly superior line.
I upped and left after half the boards and Hans and Allie recovered slightly to be above 50%
at the end of the session. I have offered to accept money and not watch them again.
The Gathering Storm

The Gathering Storm was the first volume in Sir Winston Churchill’s history of the Second World
War. It was used as the title of a BBC–HBO co-produced television biographical film about Win-
ston Churchill in the years just prior to World War II. The title of the film is that of the first
volume of Churchill’s largely autobiographical six-volume history of the war, which covered the
period from 1919 to 3 September 1939, the day he became First Lord of the Admiralty.
Winston was greatly revered in Madeira – when he arrived in Funchal aboard the liner, the
Durban Castle on the 2nd of January 1950, a surprise welcome was awaiting him and his family.
The English residents had heard about his arrival and along with the locals crowded around the
harbour shouting: ‘the man who saved the world!’
He came to the island to recuperate from the fatigue and possible ill-health that he had started
to suffer from.

 Intermediate
On leaving England, he wrote to his beloved friend Lord Camrose (the man who gave his
name to the trophy which is contested by the home nations of the UK and Ireland in what is the
world’s most-played International Bridge Series) saying: ‘a fortnight`s sunshine is in our hopes, and
some weeks or months, or other things, in our minds.’
The competitors in the Festival are pretty much assured of glorious sunshine, and the only storm
clouds in sight were at the bridge table.
In Tuesday’s opening session I watched a few deals involving one of the favourites, Jan Jansma
& Jan van Cleeff.
Board 8. Dealer West. None Vul.
♠ 7653
♥ J643
♦—
♣ K 10 9 6 4
♠ J 10 N ♠ Q942
♥ K 10 9 ♥7
♦ Q9764 W E ♦ K 10 8 5 3
♣ 852 S ♣ AQ J
♠ AK8
♥ AQ852
♦ AJ2
♣ 73
Open Room
Terraneo Jansma Terraneo van Cleeff
Pass Pass 1♠* 2♥
Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥
1♠ Possible canapé
Going on to 4♥ is a matter for the individual conscience. You have a good hand, but partner’s
raise is known to be on the weak side (with any kind of good raise he can bid 2♠).
(In the warm-up pairs Tacchi picked up ♠2 ♥A8732 ♦Q3 ♣AK985. After two passes his RHO
opened 1♠ and he overcalled 2♥. When I raised him to 3♥ he went on to game and the next
player, with ♠6 ♥KJ54 ♦AJ954 ♣643, was not slow to double.)
On a good day East would have started with a doubleton king of hearts, but here declarer was
doomed from the start, and a slightly less than accurate line led to two down and a poor score,
only 25.3-128.7.
The Terraneos went on to score 66.17% to top the leader board.
On the next two deals, my men faced Romania’s all-time Master point winner, Dan Zara and
Valentina Petrova.
On 9 Jansma opened 2NT on ♠Q10 ♥AQJ4 ♦AJ65 ♣AK4 and was left to play there facing
♠7653 ♥762 ♦74 ♣J1076.
Zara had passed with ♠AKJ842 ♥K963 ♦Q10 ♣Q and happily cashed the first six spades.
Declarer pitched two diamonds, a heart and a club, but when East continued with the ten of dia-
monds West withheld the king, so declarer ‘escaped’ for two down, -100 and 83.1-70.9.

 Intermediate
Board 10. Dealer East. All Vul.
♠ QJ
♥ Q76
♦ 10 5 3 2
♣ J 10 8 4
♠ K954 N ♠ 632
♥ A 10 8 ♥ J952
♦8 W E ♦ AQ 9 7 4
♣ KQ973 S ♣A
♠ A 10 8 7
♥ K43
♦ KJ6
♣ 652
Open Room
Petrova Jansma Zara van Cleeff
– – 1♦ Pass
2♣ Pass 2NT Pass
3NT All Pass
East was somewhat under strength for his rebid.

South led the seven of spades and North won with the queen and returned the jack, South
overtaking and continuing with the eight. Declarer won with dummy’s king, played a club to the
ace and a heart to the ten and queen.
Back came the two of diamonds and declarer went up with the ace and advanced the jack of
hearts, covered by the king and ace. Declarer cashed two clubs and then overtook the eight of
hearts to escape for one down, -100 and 76/78.
If South refuses to cover the jack of hearts declarer plays a heart to the ace, cashes two clubs
and exits with a spade, scoring the ♦Q at the end.
Valentina and Dan scored 57.74%, good for 15th place.
On Board 24 South, looking at ♠98 ♥Q ♦KJ876 ♣AQJ72, saw his partner open 1♠. He
responded 2♦ and when his partner rebid 2♥ he marked time with 2NT. He then had to make
a decision when his partner jumped to 4NT.
One might bid 6♣, but a recent study by David Bird in his excellent Winning Duplicate Tac-
tics suggests that in this type of situation you should play in no-trumps.
I was expecting 6NT, but eventually South elected to pass.
Partner’s hand was ♠AKQ105 ♥A1094 ♦A10 ♣106 and it was impossible to take less than 13
tricks, N/S scoring 62.8-91.2. It was a good score for Esmeraldo-Martins.
On Board 26 E/W held ♠AJ92 ♥64 ♦Q64 ♣A1087 opposite ♠KQ ♥AKQ832 ♦KJ3 ♣62 and
bid 1♥-1♠-4♥. I fear I would have gone on to the excellent but doomed slam–the hearts were
4-1. Stopping short gave Denmark’s Sonja Bech & Mette Sand a healthy 58-96 on their way to
59.86% and 9th place.

 Intermediate
Board 28. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
♠ KJ95
♥ A8
♦ KJ3
♣ 10 7 6 5
♠ A 10 N ♠ Q84
♥ 96 ♥ 10 7 5 4 3
♦ 64 W E ♦ Q 10 9 5 2
♣ AK Q 9 4 3 2 S ♣—
♠ 7632
♥ KQJ2
♦ A87
♣ J8
Open Room
Musaoglu Jansma Elbe van Cleeff
1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass
3NT* Pass Pass Double
Pass Pass 4♦ Pass
4♥ Double All Pass
3NT Gambling
With a suit that was far from solid West’s gamble was due to fail, but South twisted the knife with
his well-timed double, which asked for a heart lead.
Declarer could not avoid the loss of a spade, four hearts and two diamonds, -800 and 148.5-
5.5 for N/S.
Musaoglu & Elbe had a good day, their 61.34% leaving them in 5th place.
My featured pair might not be aware of these wise words from Winston Churchill: ‘Success
consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.’ but they had managed to score
60.77% against some solid opposition to finish the day in 6th place.
Action Man
During the Festival, I took the opportunity to have a chat with Yves Aubry, the President of the
European Bridge League.
On the surface, it might appear that the role of President is a glamorous one, but the reality is
somewhat different.
As soon as the World Championships in Chennai were over, Yves had to visit Budapest to
approve some of the arrangements for the 2016 European Team Championships, go on to Monaco
to finalise details for the 1st European Winter Games staged in the Principality in February this
year, dash to Cyprus for the 8th Small Federations Games, and finally travel to Maderia.
When I asked Yves about the reason for his visit he explained that Maderia is hoping to host
the 2020 European Team Championships and he was meeting leading figures to discuss the idea.
Staging a major championship is expensive, but by comparison to the European Open Cham-
pionships, the Team Championships cost significantly less, bringing them within reach of every
Federation and this is in no small measure due to financial changes that have been made during
Yves’ term of office.

 Intermediate
When you consider the turmoil of the last few months following the startling revelations made
on various websites, the progress made by the EBL in bringing matters to a conclusion is impressive.
Yves told me that he has asked the EBL Investigating Committee to complete its work on the
four current cases before the end of 2015.
Its recommendations will then be passed to the EBL Disciplinary Committee who will consider
and act on them before the end of February 2016. This will allow adequate time to complete any
appeals process before the European Teams Championships are staged in Budapest in June 2016.
Aside from this, the EBL has commenced a complete review of all possible areas connected to
the complete eradication of cheating.
This will include a review of the Disciplinary Code, where sanctions for specific infractions will
be outlined; a review of all technological assistance to be used for monitoring the game and the
participation in a co-operative worldwide protocol to identify and monitor any possible cheat-
ing practices.
Yves confirmed that the EBL is already working closely with the ACBL towards that end.
In session 2 of the Open Pairs Ron decided to watch a few hands involving Miguel Teixeira, Chair-
man of the tournament. Eiriksson and Ingimarsson from Iceland were the first pair to arrive.
♠ K Q 10 6
♥ 9742
♦ 9765
♣2
♠ A4 N ♠ 8753
♥ A J 10 8 3 ♥ K5
♦ A J 10 W E ♦ Q843
♣ K 10 4 S ♣ AQ J
♠ J92
♥ Q6
♦ K2
♣ 987653
Ingimarsson Teixeira Eiriksson Pereira
– – – Pass
1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass
2♣* Pass 2♦* Pass
2♠* Pass 3NT All Pass
West showed five hearts and a hand of 16+ points whilst East’s 2♦ promised a balanced 9+.
With East as declarer, he avoided the testing lead of a spade when South started with the nine of
clubs taken by declarer with the queen. When a small diamond to the ten held declarer fell from
grace when he took the heart finesse into the South hand. This restricted him to twelve tricks and
56 of the 154 matchpoints available.
Four pairs managed to bid the small slam, a ‘good’ slam according to Hamman’s Law but I
make the odds somewhere in the teens. There was also one result I am at a loss to describe how
it might have happened, viz. 3NT down two.

 Intermediate
Board 22. Dealer East. E/W Vul.
♠ 10 5 3
♥ 10 3
♦ AJ95
♣ KQJ7
♠ AQ J 7 N ♠ 94
♥ 854 ♥ AQ J 2
♦ Q872 W E ♦ K63
♣ A9 S ♣ 10 6 5 3
♠ K862
♥ K976
♦ 10 4
♣ 842
Teixeira Pereira
– – Pass Pass
1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass
1♠ Pass 1NT All Pass
South found the good lead of the eight of clubs to North’s jack and he continued with the seven
to dummy’s ace. Declarer now essayed the heart finesse, which lost to the king and the club con-
tinuation allowed North to cash two tricks whilst dummy discarded a small diamond and a heart
as South disembarrassed himself of a diamond.
North exited with his remaining heart which declarer took with his ace. A successful finesse in
the spade suit followed. Declarer was now at the crossroads, a diamond towards his king would
certainly bring home the contract if the ace was well-placed, however declarer tried the effect
of ace and another spade and as North played his ten under the ace South was able to cash two
spades and give partner his diamond ace for one down for 128 – 26.
These two boards, saw my featured pair finish the day in 25th position with a score in excess
of 55%.
At the start of the final session of the pairs, I chose a table numbered one so as to start with
Board One.
♠ A Q 10 8 6 5
♥ K6
♦ Q92
♣ K4
♠ 973 N ♠ K2
♥ QJ84 ♥ 10 9 7 2
♦ 10 W E ♦ J653
♣ J9853 S ♣ 10 7 2
♠ J4
♥ A53
♦ AK874
♣ AQ6

 Intermediate
West North East South ♠ A Q 10 8 6 5
– – Pass 1♣* ♥ K6
Pass 2♠ Pass 3♦ ♦ Q92
Pass 4♦ Pass 4♥ ♣ K4
Pass 4♠ Pass 4NT ♠ 973 N ♠ K2
♥ QJ84 ♥ 10 9 7 2
Pass 5♣ Pass 6♦ ♦ 10 W E ♦ J653
All Pass ♣ J9853 S ♣ 10 7 2
♠ J4
This board illustrates Terence Reese’s dictum that 6NT ♥ A53
is nearly always a better bet in a pairs competition as ♦ AK874
does David Bird in his book Winning Duplicate Tactics. ♣ AQ6
Theoretically Six Diamonds is a better contract than
Six Spades as that fails to a diamond ruff, but that defence was only found twice in twenty-three
instances of the spade slam. Six Diamonds was only worth 15% whereas 6NT was worth 72%.
Board 4. Dealer West. All Vul.
♠ 10 7 5 4
♥ 962
♦ 92
♣ 10 9 6 5
♠ AJ 3 2 N ♠ Q96
♥ K Q J 10 8 3 ♥ A5
♦4 W E ♦ 87653
♣ 83 S ♣ K74
♠ K8
♥ 74
♦ A K Q J 10
♣ AQJ2
1♥ Pass 1NT Double
2♥ Pass Pass 3♦
Pass Pass Double All Pass
This contract was not a sparkling success, going for 800 after a heart lead and continuation, set-
ting up a force.
I must confess that as South I would not have ventured Three Diamonds. If at gunpoint I had
been forced to find a bid then either another double or 2NT for the minors should get you to
Three Clubs for a good score as opposed to a near bottom.

 Intermediate
♠ A943
♥ 9862
♦ 654
♣ J8
♠ K Q 10 7 6 N ♠5
♥— ♥ AK Q J 7 5
♦ A3 W E ♦ KQ987
♣ A 10 9 7 3 2 S ♣K
♠ J82
♥ 10 4 3
♦ J 10 2
♣ Q654
– – 2♣* Pass
2♦* Pass 2♥ Pass
3♣ Pass 3♦ Pass
3♠ Pass 4♥ Pass
4♠ Pass 5♥ Pass
6NT All Pass
The Two Club bid was a strong hand and Two Diamonds was a forced relay. I got the impression
at the table that the auction was careering out of control and that West just bid 6NT to bring
matters to a halt before it soared to the eight-level.
Declarer was not tested when North lead the ace of spades and continued with another, though
she tested herself as for some reason did not cash the fourth and fifth spade and relied upon a red
suit being kind – she could not even misguess the situation as both suits were behaving kindly.
Board 7. Dealer South. All Vul.
♠ J7
♥ QJ
♦ 10 9 7 5
♣ K Q 10 9 2
♠ AQ 9 6 5 4 3 N ♠ K 10
♥ 74 ♥ 96532
♦ AQ 6 2 W E ♦ KJ43
♣— S ♣ 53
♠ 82
♥ A K 10 8
♦8
♣ AJ8764
– – – 2♣*
2♠ 5♣ Pass Pass
5♦ Double Pass Pass
5♠ Pass Pass Double
All Pass

 Intermediate
The opening Two Clubs was Precision showing six clubs, or five clubs and a four-card major. Here
North snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Had she calmly passed Five Diamonds her heart
lead would have given her side an opportunity to defeat the contract via a trump promotion.
However that option was not available in Five Spades and so East/West had a near 90% score
as opposed to less than 20%.
The Big Freeze

My busy schedule only allowed me to watch a handful of deals from the second session of the
Pairs, but I was not unlucky in my choice.
The first E/W pair to arrive were from Iceland, which gave me the germ of an idea for a title.
♠ 10 8
♥ J652
♦ KQ876
♣ K6
♠ Q963 N ♠ AK J 5 4 2
♥ Q3 ♥ AK 8
♦ J943 W E ♦—
♣ J 10 9 S ♣ A8 7 5
♠7
♥ 10 9 7 4
♦ A 10 5 2
♣ Q432
Hardarson Jansma Skagfjord van Cleeff
Pass Pass 2♣* Pass
2♦* Dble 2♠ 4♦
4♠ All Pass
2♦ Waiting
N/S took all the space away, and with no room
to manoeuvre East went quietly, only to find his
partner had golden cards.
Losing 480 gave N/S 79-75 – only four pairs
reaching 6♠.
As an aside, you might like to consider the best
line in 6♠ on a diamond lead.
I would suggest that you ruff and play a spade
to the queen. If the ten falls, you can reverse the
dummy, ruffing all four diamonds, arriving at
twelve tricks regardless of the location of the club
honours.
Next to arrive were two young ladies from Rus-
sia – I was sure I was on to something now.
Pairs Winners Jan Jansma and
Jan Van Cleeff

 Intermediate
♠ K9
♥ Q8643
♦ 10 8 4
♣ Q75
♠ Q753 N ♠ J8642
♥ K 10 9 ♥ AJ 5
♦ 732 W E ♦ A9 5
♣ K83 S ♣ A2
♠ A 10
♥ 72
♦ KQJ6
♣ J 10 9 6 4
Feldman Jansma Frampol van Cleeff
– – 1♠ Pass
2♠ Pass Pass 2NT*
3♠ All Pass
South led the king of diamonds and declarer won with the ace.
The smart move now would be to play off three rounds of clubs, eliminating the suit, before
playing a trump (it is rarely wrong to do this) but declarer played a spade immediately, North
taking the queen with the king and returning the eight of diamonds. South won, cashed a third
diamond and paused for thought.
I was expecting him to cash the ace of spades and exit with a club (it is barely possible that
North started with ♠KJ when the winning defence is to play the thirteenth diamond – but with
that holding I would bet my life savings that this particular North would have returned the ten
of diamonds at trick three) but he played the jack of clubs immediately.
Declarer won in hand, crossed to the king of clubs and ruffed a club.
Exiting with a spade would have caused South to regret his failure to disembarrass himself of
the ace of spades, but declarer made the unfortunate choice of trying a heart to the nine and was
one down, -100.
That gave N/S 138-16, whereas losing 140 would have resulted in 53-101.
When the third pair arrived, I was hopeful – could they be from Alaska or some other icy country?
Alas, they had a distinct German accent, but the bridge gods offered some remarkable
compensation:

 Intermediate
♠ K953
♥ K954
♦ KQJ9
♣7
♠ Q8 N ♠ A 10 7 6 4
♥ AQ ♥6
♦ A8 W E ♦ 7643
♣ KQJ10843 S ♣ A6 2
♠ J2
♥ J 10 8 7 3 2
♦ 10 5 2
♣ 95
Moebius Jansma Moebius van Cleeff
1♣ Double 1♠ 2♥
3NT All Pass
North led the king of diamonds and declarer won and treated the defenders to seven rounds of
clubs.
North, in a lot of trouble eventually parted with three spades, but declarer played the queen
from her hand and finished with only ten tricks, when she had a shot at twelve by playing the eight.
That would have got her up to eleven tricks, and she could have cashed the queen of spades,
squeezing North, who, forced to keep two hearts, could be thrown in to lead into the heart tenace.
-430 was worth 90-64.
However, that is not the main point of interest.
Suppose E/W reach 6♣?
Tacchi asked me how it could be made on a diamond lead and I pointed out to him that the
spade suit is frozen – whichever side leads it first will surrender a trick.
Keeping that in mind, suppose declarer wins the opening lead, cashes the ace of hearts, ruffs a
heart and plays seven rounds of clubs.
North must keep two spades and so must South (discarding one allows declarer to play the
queen, pinning the jack). All declarer has to do then is exit with a diamond and whoever wins
will be forced to lead a spade. +920 would have collected 8-146.
(There are other ways to make 6♣, but you will understand from my title why I prefer this line!)

 Intermediate
Five Easy Pieces
To score heavily in a Pairs event you need to play well – and enjoy a certain amount of luck.
On the first three rounds of the final session, the leaders embraced both in full measure.
♠ 843
♥ J 10 9 7
♦ Q842
♣ A4
♠ A J 10 6 5 N ♠9
♥ 65432 ♥ KQ
♦K W E ♦ J953
♣ 87 S ♣ KQJ965
♠ KQ72
♥ A8
♦ A 10 7 6
♣ 10 3 2
Oskam Jansma Winter van Cleeff
Pass Pass 3♣ Pass
Pass Double All Pass
A terrific double by North and a well judged pass by South gave the leaders a cracking result.
South led the two of clubs and when dummy’s eight was allowed to hold declarer played the
king of diamonds. South won and played the ten of clubs, North winning and returning the four
of diamonds. Declarer put in the nine and South won with the ten and switched to the king of
spades. Declarer could not avoid the loss of a heart and two more diamonds for two down, -300
and a maximum,154-0.
Board 9. Dealer North. E/W Vul.
♠ 10 5
♥ KQJ653
♦ Q83
♣ K5
♠ QJ N ♠ 9832
♥ A 10 9 4 2 ♥8
♦ 10 6 4 2 W E ♦ K95
♣ 98 S ♣ A 10 7 3 2
♠ AK764
♥7
♦ AJ7
♣ QJ64
Estefanell Jansma Pañella van Cleeff
– 1♥ Pass 1♠
Pass 2♥ Pass 3NT
All Pass

 Intermediate
West led the two of diamonds and when declarer played low from dummy, East made the natural,
but potentially fatal play of putting in the nine.
Declarer won with the jack and played a heart to the queen and continued with the king of
hearts. When East pitched a spade (it does not help to throw a club) declarer parted with a club
and West took the ace of hearts and switched to the nine of clubs, covered by the king and ace.
East returned a spade and declarer took three rounds of the suit, putting East on lead. When she
exited with the king of diamonds declarer could claim a vital overtrick, +430 and 146.9-7.1.
If East puts in the five of diamonds at trick one declarer will win and play a heart. To be sure
of defeating 3NT West must rise with the ace of hearts and switch to clubs, East taking dummy’s
king with the ace and returning a club. With no entry to dummy, declarer cannot come to more
than eight tricks.
That would be a defence to be proud of.
♠ Q94
♥ Q 10 8
♦ 10 7 5
♣ 9752
♠ J76 N ♠ A2
♥ AK 6 5 4 ♥ J92
♦ A9 W E ♦ Q832
♣ AK 8 S ♣ Q J 10 3
♠ K 10 8 5 3
♥ 73
♦ KJ64
♣ 64
Estefanell Jansma Pañella van Cleeff
– – Pass Pass
1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass
4♥ All Pass
North led the five of clubs and declarer won in hand and played a spade to the ace and a spade,
South going up with the king and returning a club. Declarer won in hand, ruffed a spade and
played the jack of hearts.
Had she overtaken it, cashed another top heart and played on clubs she would have scored an
overtrick, but when she ran the jack North won, returned a club for South to ruff and ruffed the
spade return for a miraculous one down and 141.8-12.2.

 Intermediate
Board 11. Dealer South. None Vul.
♠ QJ98542
♥ K8
♦ 642
♣8
♠ A7 N ♠ K63
♥ A5 3 2 ♥ 10 9 4
♦ A9 7 5 W E ♦ Q83
♣ Q73 S ♣ J 10 6 4
♠ 10
♥ QJ76
♦ K J 10
♣ AK952
von Kleist Jansma Svensson van Cleeff
– – – 1♣
1NT 2♠ Pass Pass
Double Pass 3♣ Pass
Pass 3♠ Double All Pass
West certainly had his bidding boots on, starting with an understrength overcall and then coming
again with a takeout double. When 3♠ was doubled South apologised as he tabled the dummy,
perhaps feeling he should have doubled 3♣.
Declarer won the club lead with dummy’s ace, pitched a diamond on the king and played a heart,
dropping the king when West went up with the ace. The defenders continued with two rounds
of spades followed by a club and declarer ruffed, drew the outstanding trump ran his spades and
took the last three tricks with dummy’s hearts for 152.0-2.0.
♠ Q8732
♥ 42
♦ J 10 7
♣ A 10 6
♠ KJ65 N ♠ A9
♥ AK 8 6 5 3 ♥ Q J 10 9
♦ A9 W E ♦ KQ43
♣9 S ♣ K84
♠ 10 4
♥7
♦ 8652
♣ QJ7532
von Kleist Jansma Svensson van Cleeff
1♥ Pass 2NT* Pass
3♣* Pass 3♦* Pass
3♠* Pass 6♥ Pass
7♥ All Pass

 Intermediate
2NT Forcing heart raise ♠ Q8732
3♣ Shortage ♥ 42
3♦ RKCB ♦ J 10 7
3♠ 3 key cards ♣ A 10 6
♠ KJ65 N ♠ A9
North led the ace of clubs and later berated himself for ♥ A K 8 6 5 3 ♥ Q J 10 9
♦ A 9 W E ♦ KQ43
not doubling first. He thought E/W were cue-bidding.
♣9 S ♣ K84
It cost a couple of points, 152.0-2.0.
♠ 10 4
Only one other pair attempted 7♥. ♥ 7
North led..... the ♦J. ♦ 8652
Four pairs attempted to prove that 6NT is the right ♣ QJ7532
spot at pairs. Three were quickly disavowed by a club
lead but the fourth got the ten of spades from South and with the help of a faulty discard took
all the tricks and 152.0-2.00.
The leaders had only one round below average en route to winning the session and the title!
The Comedy of Errors

Your humble scribes joined forces to report on the first day’s play in the Open Teams.
Shakespeare’s shortest play, The Comedy of Errors, tells the story of two sets of identical twins
that were accidentally separated at birth. Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant, Dromio of Syr-
acuse, arrive in Ephesus, which turns out to be the home of their twin brothers, Antipholus of
Ephesus and his servant, Dromio of Ephesus.
When the Syracusans encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of wild mishaps
based on mistaken identities, lead to wrongful beatings, a near-seduction, the arrest of Antipholus
of Ephesus, and false accusations of infidelity, theft, madness, and demonic possession.
The matches we followed in Round 1 & 2 contained none of the above, but, as you will dis-
cover, there were a surprising number of errors.
We start with the match between Jansma and Quatro Bruxas.
♠ QJ8
♥ 84
♦ 10 8 5 3
♣ Q J 10 5
♠ 10 5 N ♠ AK 7 6 4 3 2
♥ A 10 6 3 ♥ Q92
♦ Q2 W E ♦ 96
♣ AK 8 7 6 S ♣3
♠9
♥ KJ75
♦ AKJ74
♣ 942
Open Room
Birgine Jansma Rikke Jansma
– – 3♠ Double
4♠ All Pass

 Intermediate
South started with the ace and king of diamonds, North ♠ QJ8
following with the five and three. When South switched ♥ 84
to the five of hearts a grateful declarer ran it to the nine, ♦ 10 8 5 3
cashed the top trumps and claimed, +420. ♣ Q J 10 5
♠ 10 5 N ♠ AK 7 6 4 3 2
Closed Room ♥ A 10 6 3 ♥ Q92
♦ Q2 W E ♦ 96
West North East South ♣ AK 8 7 6 S ♣ 3
Kreuning Sand Winkel Bech ♠ 9
♥ KJ75
– – 3♠ Double ♦ AKJ74
Redouble Pass Pass 4♦ ♣ 942
All Pass
The old-fashioned way to approach the West hand would be to think along the line of ‘3♠ prom-
ises around seven tricks and I have three, 7+3 = 10, ergo I will bid 4♠.’
West led the ace of clubs and when East followed with the three, he switched to the ten of spades.
East won with the king and returned the two of hearts, West taking the ace and going back to
clubs, East ruffing the third round for two down, +200, but 6 IMPs to Quatro.
♠2
♥ K 10 8 5 3
♦ Q932
♣ 10 9 4
♠ A5 3 N ♠ 10 8 7 6 4
♥ AQ J 7 6 ♥2
♦ K 10 5 W E ♦ A8 7
♣ 72 S ♣ K653
♠ KQJ9
♥ 94
♦ J64
♣ AQJ8
Open Room
– – – 1♣*
1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass
1NT All Pass
West’s choice of rebid fell somewhat short of perfection.

North led the three of diamonds and declarer took South’s jack with the king and played the
ace of spades and a spade, North pitching the ten of clubs. South returned a diamond and when
the nine was allowed to hold North exited with a diamond to dummy’s ace.
Declarer took a losing heart finesse and when North cashed the queen of diamonds she dis-
carded a club from dummy, which cost a trick when North continued with the nine of clubs and
a club, four down,-400.

 Intermediate
Closed Room
Kreuning Sand Winkel Bech
– – – 1♣
1♥ All Pass
North led the two of spades and declarer won with the ace and returned a spade. For reasons that
are not entirely clear, North ruffed this as South followed with the king.
The ten of clubs was covered by the king and ace and South cashed the queens of spades and
clubs and continued with the jack of clubs, declarer pitching the five of diamonds. The next club
was ruffed by the six of hearts and overruffed by North, who exited with a diamond. Declarer
still had to lose a trick to the king of hearts so that was one down, -100 and 7 IMPs to Jansma.
On Board 6 both E/W pairs had no trouble reaching 6♦ with ♠- ♥K9862 ♦K106 ♣AJ987
opposite ♠AKQ43 ♥7 ♦AQJ8432 ♣-. Failing to cash the ♥A at trick one cost Jansma an IMP.
Board 7. Dealer South. All Vul.
♠ 92
♥ A K 10 8 2
♦ K Q 10 4
♣ Q5
♠ A5 3 N ♠ Q 10 8 6 4
♥6 ♥ Q954
♦ J953 W E ♦—
♣ K9743 S ♣ J 10 6 2
♠ KJ7
♥ J73
♦ A8762
♣ A8
Open Room
– – – 1♦
Pass 1♠* Pass 1NT*
Pass 2♣* Pass 2♦*
Pass 3NT* Pass 4♥
All Pass
1♠ Hearts
1NT 12-14
2♣ Puppet
2♦ Forced
3NT 5 hearts
If West had happened to hit upon a diamond lead East would have ruffed and would then have
had to find a club switch to be sure of defeating 4♥. However, West decided to start with the ace
of spades after which declarer was in control. She took the next spade and played a heart to the
ten. East won with the queen and switched to the six of clubs, but declarer took the ace, drew
trumps and claimed, +650.

 Intermediate
Closed Room
– – – 1♦
Pass 1♥ Pass 2♦
Pass 5♦ All Pass
If West starts with his singleton heart then 5♦ is doomed, but when he matched the choice of his
counterpart at the other table by advancing the ace of spades, he handed declarer the contract.
She won the heart switch (too late the hero) in dummy, cashed the king of diamonds, came to
hand with the ace of diamonds, drew trumps via the marked finesse and played a low heart. East
could score the queen, but that was the last trick for the defence, +400, a loss of 2 IMPs.
But, I hear you think, why can’t declarer follow this line after an initial heart lead?
Indeed, she can, but at the point where she plays a low heart from dummy, East withholds the
queen!
♠ KJ4
♥ 94
♦ Q85
♣ J9762
♠ Q 10 9 7 6 5 3 N ♠ A8 2
♥ Q8 ♥ A 10 7 6 2
♦6 W E ♦ AJ 7
♣ A5 4 S ♣ K8
♠—
♥ KJ53
♦ K 10 9 4 3 2
♣ Q 10 3
Open Room
3♠ All Pass
This was the first deal in the Open Room and if you have not played on VuGraph before it can
be a little intimidating.
South did well not to keep the bidding alive with a double.
North led the nine of hearts and South won with the king and returned the five to the queen. Declarer
continued with a spade to the ace, three rounds of clubs, ruffing in dummy and a spade, +170.
Closed Room
3♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass
North led the seven of clubs and declarer won with dummy’s king, cashed the ace of spades and played
two more rounds of clubs for the same ten tricks, +420 and a win by 16-7 IMPs, 12.77-7.23 VP.
The second round featured the clash between Maxi and Dream Team.

 Intermediate
♠8
♥ AJ87
♦ AJ85
♣ K852
♠ Q954 N ♠ 10 7 3 2
♥ Q6 ♥ K 10 5 4 3
♦ KQ432 W E ♦ 10 9
♣ Q3 S ♣ J7
♠ AKJ6
♥ 92
♦ 76
♣ A 10 9 6 4
Open Room
Luiz Terraneo Paz Terraneo
– – Pass 1♠*
Pass 2♣* Pass 3♣*
Pass 3♦ Pass 3♥
Pass 3♠ Pass 5♣
Pass 6♣ All Pass
1♠ Possible Canapé
2♣ 3+♣
3♣ 5+♣
North’s wildly optimistic bidding led to the dreadful slam.
However, on this layout the defenders are helpless.
With trumps 2-2, the layout in the red suits is such that declarer will always be able to estab-
lish a trick in one suit to dispose of a loser in the other.
East led the ten of diamonds and declarer took East’s king with the ace, played two rounds of
clubs ending in dummy and a diamond towards the jack set up the twelfth trick, +1370.
In the replay E/W reached 3NT and their +600 meant a loss of 13 IMPs.
Board 13. Dealer North. All Vul.
♠ A94
♥ K85
♦ A972
♣ KQ2
♠ Q 10 8 6 5 N ♠ J732
♥ 72 ♥ AQ 6 4
♦ 10 8 6 W E ♦ Q3
♣ A 10 3 S ♣ J87
♠K
♥ J 10 9 3
♦ KJ54
♣ 9654

 Intermediate
Open Room ♠ A94
♥ K85
West North East South ♦ A972
Luis Terraneo Paz Terraneo ♣ KQ2
– 1NT Pass 2NT ♠ Q 10 8 6 5 N ♠ J732
Pass 3NT All Pass ♥ 72 ♥ AQ 6 4
♦ 10 8 6 W E ♦ Q3
♣ A 10 3 S ♣ J87
East led the three of spades and declarer won perforce ♠ K
with dummy’s king and ran the jack of hearts to East’s ♥ J 10 9 3
jack. The spade continuation meant declarer was soon ♦ KJ54
two down, -200. ♣ 9654
Assuming the diamonds will be good for four tricks,
playing on hearts gives a 27.04% chance of three tricks in the suit.
Playing on clubs (which would have worked here) is only 17.76%.
In the other room N/S stopped in 2NT and although they went one down playing in similar
fashion they gained 3 IMPs.
Board 14. Dealer East. None Vul.
♠—
♥ K6
♦ KQ98742
♣ AJ62
♠ AJ 6 5 2 N ♠ 10 9 7 3
♥ Q3 ♥ AJ 8 7 5 2
♦6 W E ♦ A3
♣ KQ843 S ♣ 10
♠ KQ84
♥ 10 9 4
♦ J 10 5
♣ 975
Open Room
Luiz Terraneo Paz Terraneo
– – Pass Pass
1♠ 5♦ 5♥ Pass
5♠ All Pass
I confess the rationale behind North’s 5♦ escapes me.

When East bid 5♥ he was clearly promising support for spades.
North led the king of diamonds and declarer won with dummy’s and played the ten of clubs,
running it to North’s jack. After ruffing the diamond return in hand declarer made the natural
looking (but potentially fatal) play of ruffing a low club.
When he continued with dummy’s seven of spades South, seeing no danger (putting up the
queen of spades or following low leaves declarer with too much to do) covered with the eight and
declarer won with the jack as North pitched a diamond.
Back in the game, declarer now played three rounds of hearts, ruffing, ruffed a club (the win-
ning line is to take the ruffing finesse, but it was hard for declarer to imagine that it was North
who held it, not least because with ♠KQ84 and the ♣A South might have doubled 5♠) and played

 Intermediate
a heart, pitching a club when South ruffed in with the queen of spades.
When South inexplicably exited with her remaining diamond declarer could pitch the king of
clubs, ruff in dummy and play a heart, collecting South’s trumps for +450.
Suppose declarer wins the opening lead in dummy and plays the ten of spades for the queen
and ace, North pitching a diamond. Now declarer plays three rounds of hearts and then the king
of clubs. North wins and plays a diamond but declarer ruffs, ruffs a club and plays a heart, neu-
tralising South’s trumps.
In the other room West played in 5♠ doubled, which failed by a trick to give the Dream Team
11 IMPs.
On Board 15, with N/S Vul, West opened 1NT and North jumped to 3♦. Should South, look-
ing at ♠A72 ♥QJ3 ♦106 ♣J10532 have taken a shot at 3NT?
With North holding ♠J5 ♥95 ♦AQJ9754 ♣AQ and the diamond king where you would expect
it to be there would have been at least nine tricks, which was the number declarer took in dia-
monds for +110.
In the other room E/W reached the dizzy heights of 4♥ and managed to go four down to lose
3 IMPs and give Dream Team a win, 17-15 IMPs, 10.86-9.14 VP.
The Longest Day

Saturday is the one that tests the stamina and concentration levels of the players to the upmost.
Judge for yourselves how the players were coping in Rounds 4 & 5.
In Round 4 Movember and Jansma were in opposition at table 1.
On Board 2, E/W held ♠K98 ♥J7642 ♦K73 ♣82 facing ♠AQJ1072 ♥1085 ♦A5 ♣63.
In the Open Room, when East opened 2♠ South doubled with ♠54 ♥AK9 ♦Q1084 ♣KQJ4
and West’s raise to 3♠ closed the auction.
South led the king of clubs, followed by the queen and when North followed with the five and
ten South played three rounds of hearts, North ruffing for one down.
In the other room East started with 1♠ and West raised to 2♠ over South’s double. North bid
3♣ and when East bid 3♠ South bid 4♣ – which was two down when the defenders collected
two spades, two diamonds and a diamond ruff, giving Movember 6 IMPs.
♠ K982
♥ AQ74
♦ AQ2
♣ 82
♠ AQ 6 5 4 N ♠ J3
♥ K65 ♥ J9832
♦ 85 W E ♦ K4
♣ J43 S ♣ Q965
♠ 10 7
♥ 10
♦ J 10 9 7 6 3
♣ A K 10 7

 Intermediate
Open Room ♠ K982
♥ AQ74
West North East South ♦ AQ2
Kreuning Eyde Winkel Bilde ♣ 82
– – – Pass ♠ AQ 6 5 4 N ♠ J3
Pass 1NT Pass 2♠* ♥ K65 ♥ J9832
♦ 85 W E ♦ K4
Double 2NT* Pass 3♥* ♣ J43 S ♣ Q965
Pass 3NT All Pass ♠ 10 7
2♠ Weak one minor, or strong both ♥ 10
minors ♦ J 10 9 7 6 3
3♥ Short, both minors ♣ A K 10 7
East led the jack of spades and declarer won, played a club to the ace and a diamond to the queen and
king. When East continued with a spade, West took the queen and ace and declarer claimed, +430.
Closed Room
Bjarnarson Jansma Hagen Jansma
– – – Pass
Pass 1NT Pass 2NT*
Pass 3♦* All Pass
If 2NT was a transfer to diamonds then it is likely 3♦ promised a fit, but South was unwilling to
try the nine-trick game.
Declarer was not hard pressed to collect eleven tricks, +150 but another 7 IMPs in the wrong
column.
♠9
♥ AQJ976
♦ 52
♣ Q753
♠ K732 N ♠ Q 10 8 4
♥ 10 4 2 ♥K
♦ KQ976 W E ♦ J 10 4 3
♣2 S ♣ K964
♠ AJ65
♥ 853
♦ A8
♣ A J 10 8
Open Room
Kreuning Eyde Winkel Bilde
Pass 2♥ Pass 4♥
All Pass
Declarer won the spade lead with dummy’s ace, took a losing heart finesse, won the diamond
switch with dummy’s ace, drew trumps, played a club to the jack, ruffed a spade and advanced
the queen of clubs, claiming eleven tricks when East covered and West showed out, +650.

 Intermediate
Closed Room
Pass 2♦* All Pass
Oops. Tacchi was far too polite to intrude on marital grief, but it is clear that someone forgot
something. It cost 13 IMPs.
♠—
♥ 642
♦ 87542
♣ K7532
♠ 10 8 6 5 N ♠ AQ J 9 4
♥ Q85 ♥ AJ 7 3
♦ 10 9 W E ♦ KQ63
♣ J864 S ♣—
♠ K732
♥ K 10 9
♦ AJ
♣ A Q 10 9
Open Room
Kreuning Eyde Winkel Bilde
Pass Pass 1♠ 1NT
2♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass
South led the two of spades, North pitching the two of clubs and declarer won with dummy’s
eight and played the nine of diamonds to the king and ace. South continued with the queen of
clubs and declarer ruffed, and cashed the queen of diamonds.
Now the winning line is to play on hearts, but declarer made the natural-looking play of ruffing a dia-
mond (South pitched the nine of hearts) and playing a heart to the ace to ruff his remaining diamond.
South took the heart exit with the king and played the ace of clubs, forcing declarer to ruff. The
three of hearts was ruffed by South and he exited with a club and waited for his trump trick, +50.
Closed Room
Pass Pass 1♠ 1NT
2♠ 2NT* 4♠ All Pass
The same play at tricks one and two saw South play a second trump at trick three. Declarer won
with the nine, cashed the queen of diamonds and play a third diamond. South ruffed with the
king of spades and exited with a spade, as dummy pitched a heart.
Declarer had to lose a heart, but he could ruff the losing diamond and the 3-3 heart break saw
him home with another 10 IMPs.
Movember had scored a big win, 41-10 IMPs, 18.53-1.47 VP and in the next round they faced Maxi.

 Intermediate
♠ AK732
♥ Q832
♦ 10 5 2
♣2
♠ QJ5 N ♠ 10 9 8
♥ 10 9 6 5 ♥J
♦ K98 W E ♦ QJ763
♣ AK 3 S ♣ Q 10 6 4
♠ 64
♥ AK74
♦ A4
♣ J9875
Open Room
Terraneo Eyde Terraneo Bilde
– Pass Pass 1♥
Pass 2NT* Pass 3♣
Pass 4♥ All Pass
West led the ace of clubs and switched to the eight of diamonds. Declarer won with the ace and
played three rounds of spades, pitching his remaining diamond. He ruffed West’s return of the
king of diamonds, cashed the ace of hearts and crossruffed the minors for ten tricks, +420.
To defeat 4♥ West needs to start with a trump (which is just about possible to find) or a dia-
mond, which is double dummy.
Closed Room
Hagen Simon Bjarnarson Armer
– Pass Pass 1♣
Double Redouble 1♦ Pass
Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣
All Pass
Missing the heart fit was expensive.

West led the five of hearts and declarer won with the ace, cashed dummy’s top spades and played
a heart, winning with the king when East discarded the seven of diamonds.
A heart to the queen saw East ruff and switch to the queen of diamonds. Declarer took the ace
and exited with a diamond, West winning with the king and cashing the ten of hearts on which
East threw the ten of spades. The diamond continuation saw declarer ruff, but he was two down,
-100 and 11 IMPs the poorer.
Five flat boards were followed by:

 Intermediate
Board 15. Dealer South. N/S Vul.
♠ J2
♥ 72
♦ A J 10 9 7 3 2
♣ A 10
♠ 10 8 7 5 3 N ♠ AQ 9 6
♥ K94 ♥ Q65
♦ 65 W E ♦ Q4
♣ Q85 S ♣ KJ96
♠ K4
♥ A J 10 8 3
♦ K8
♣ 7432
Open Room
– – – 1♥
Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥
Pass 3♣ Pass 3♦
Pass 4♥ All Pass
West led the three of spades and East took the ace and returned the six, declarer winning with the
king and playing a club to the ten and jack. When East returned the six of clubs declarer won
with dummy’s ace and played a heart to the jack and king. West forced dummy with a club and
declarer still had to lose a trump and a club for -200.
Should North have bid 3NT over 3♦?
I don’t think so, but bidding a fourth suit 3♠ was a distinct possibility that would have right-
sided the no-trump game.
Closed Room
– – – 1♥
Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥
Pass 3♦ All Pass
Declarer lost a spade, a heart and a club, +130 and Maxi had recovered 8 IMPs.

 Intermediate
♠J
♥ AJ964
♦ AJ5
♣ KQ75
♠2 N ♠ A K 10 8 6
♥ Q32 ♥ 87
♦ 87642 W E ♦ Q93
♣ J 10 6 2 S ♣ 984
♠ Q97543
♥ K 10 5
♦ K 10
♣ A3
Open Room
Pass 1♥ 1♠ Pass
Pass Double Pass Pass
Redouble Pass 1NT Double
2♦ Double All Pass
North led the five of clubs and South won with the ace and returned a club to North’s queen.
The jack of spades switch was taken by declarer’s ace and when he tried to cash the king of spades
North ruffed, cashed the king of clubs and played a fourth round of the suit. South overruffed
declarer’s nine and played the queen of spades, ruffed and overruffed by North who played the ace
of hearts and a heart, South winning and playing a spade. North’s ruff with the ace of diamonds
meant the penalty was 1400.
Closed Room
Pass 1♥ 1♠ Pass
Pass Double Pass Pass
Redouble Pass 1NT Double
Redouble Pass 2♦ Pass
Pass Double All Pass
South led the king of diamonds and continued with the ten, North taking the ace and playing a
third round.
It is often a good idea to lead trumps when you have all the other suits well held, but it was
not the case here and declarer had escaped for only three down, -800 and 12 IMPs to Movember,
winners by 23-8 IMPs, which translated to 15.23-5.77 VP.
In Round 6 Movember were up against Plan B.
On Board 17 E/W held ♠AKQ1082 ♥K6 ♦10976 ♣4 facing ♠- ♥4 ♦KQ854 ♣AKJ9863.
North, with ♠J43 ♥J98753 ♦A ♣1072 started with a multi and East bid 3♣. South competed
with 3♥ and West bid 3♠, then 4♠ over East’s 4♦, converting 5♣ to 5♦.
That was no problem with the ♦A singleton onside, +400.

 Intermediate
In the replay E/W reached 6♣, and that suffered from a lack of aces -50 and 10 IMPs to Movem-
ber, who dominated the match.
♠ 10 4 2
♥ QJ543
♦ J87
♣ K 10
♠ 765 N ♠ KQ98
♥ AK 6 2 ♥7
♦ A 10 3 W E ♦ Q64
♣ Q73 S ♣ A8 6 4 2
♠ AJ3
♥ 10 9 8
♦ K952
♣ J95
Open Room
Hagen Zeeberg Bjarnarson Thomsen
– – 1♣ Pass
1♦* Pass 1♠ Pass
3NT All Pass
North led the three of hearts and when South played the eight, declarer ducked.
He won the next heart, pitching a diamond and played a club to the ace and ducked a club to
North’s king.
To defeat 3NT North needs to switch to a low spade at this point, but that is hard to see, and
when he played the queen of hearts declarer was given a chance to show his skill.
He won, throwing a spade from dummy, unblocked the queen of clubs and played a spade to
the king. South ducked that, but declarer cashed two clubs, forcing South down to ♠AJ ♦K9. He
played a diamond to the ace and exited with a diamond forcing South to surrender the last trick
to dummy’s queen of spades, a well deserved +600.
That proved to be worth 14 IMPs when 3NT failed by three tricks at the other table.

 Intermediate
♠ 7642
♥ 10 6 3
♦ A82
♣ 10 3 2
♠ A9 8 N ♠ K J 10 5
♥ A9 7 4 ♥ KQ
♦ Q4 W E ♦ KJ953
♣ J985 S ♣ AK
♠ Q3
♥ J852
♦ 10 7 6
♣ Q764
Open Room
Hagen Zeeberg Bjarnarson Thomsen
1NT Pass 2♣* Pass
2♥ Pass 3♦ Pass
3NT Pass 6NT All Pass
North led the two of clubs and declarer won with dummy’s ace and played a diamond to the
queen, North ducking, winning the next diamond with the ace and returning the three of clubs
to dummy’s king.
Declarer unblocked the king and queen of hearts, and cashed the king and jack of diamonds.
South, under pressure in three suits speeded things up by discarding the queen of clubs, +990.
They reached 6NT in the other room, but declarer failed to find a route to twelve tricks and
another 14 IMPs disappeared.
Movember had won 47-3 IMPs, enough for a maximum 20-0 VPs.
May the Force be with You

The expression May the Force be with you has achieved cult status, and is symbolic of the Star Wars
legacy. The line has featured in each of the Star Wars movies. The famous line is said by General
Dodonna after explaining the Death Star attack plan to the Rebel pilots. It is said again by Han
Solo to Luke, right before the attack on the Death Star battle station. The line is also said by Luke
Skywalker at the end of The Empire Strikes Back.
This deal from Round 6 did not initially attract my attention, but between sessions I overheard
a player mention that, despite the Deep Finesse analysis, he could see no way to defeat 5♣.

 Intermediate
♠ 10 8 5
♥ AQJ6
♦ AQ
♣ A 10 7 2
♠ AK J 2 N ♠ 43
♥— ♥ 984
♦ J 10 6 4 3 W E ♦ K92
♣ QJ64 S ♣ K9853
♠ Q976
♥ K 10 7 5 3 2
♦ 875
♣—
It’s not difficult.
North leads the ace of hearts and declarer ruffs and plays the queen of clubs, North taking the
ace and playing the queen of hearts, forcing declarer to ruff for a second time. When declarer
plays a diamond towards the king, North rises with the ace and plays a third heart.
Declarer ruffs, crosses to the king of diamonds and now, to make even 4♣, has to take the
spade finesse.
So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodnight

These might be the deals that put Movember on the way to the title:
♠ A K 10 7
♥ 965
♦9
♣ Q J 10 9 4
♠ 53 N ♠ Q982
♥ AK 3 ♥ J 10 8 7
♦ Q J 10 6 2 W E ♦ AK 4
♣ A7 5 S ♣ 82
♠ J64
♥ Q42
♦ 8753
♣ K63
Open Room
Hagen Fredin Bjarnarson Fallenius
– – Pass Pass
1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass
2♥ 2♠ 2NT Pass
3NT All Pass
South led the four of spades and North won with the king and continued with the queen of clubs,
ducked by declarer, and the jack of clubs.

 Intermediate
Declarer won with dummy’s ace, cashed a top heart, came to hand with a diamond and advanced
the jack of hearts. When South covered declarer was soon claiming, +430.
Closed Room
Fisher Bilde Saurer Eyde
– – Pass Pass
1♦* Pass 1♥ Pass
Pass Double Redouble Pass
Pass 2♣ Pass Pass
2♦ All Pass
Declarer took nine tricks, +110 and lost 8 IMPs.

♠ Q J 10 8 5 4 2
♥ A K 10 8
♦3
♣9
♠6 N ♠ A9
♥2 ♥ Q976543
♦ Q J 10 9 W E ♦ 62
♣ AK J 10 8 5 3 S ♣ 74
♠ K73
♥J
♦ AK8754
♣ Q62
Open Room
Hagen Fredin Bjarnarson Fallenius
5♣ 5♠ Pass 6♠
All Pass
We thoroughly approve of West’s opening bid, which posed N/S a problem they failed to solve.
East led the four of clubs, West won with the ten and declarer conceded one down.
Closed Room
Fisher Bilde Saurer Eyde
2♣* 4♠ Pass 4NT*
Pass 5♣* Pass 5♠
All Pass
2♣ Blue Club
4NT RKCB
5♣ 1 or 4 keys
With room to manoeuvre N/S stopped safely and picked up 13 IMPs on the way to a convincing
win, 32-7 IMPs, 17.5-2.5 VP.

 Intermediate
We anticipate being back in Madeira for this year’s Festival at the beginning of November. Why
not join us – we may even conduct some light-hearted discussions of the previous day’s play. You
will find all the details at: www.bridge-madeira.com
Winning Team Movember: Mads Eyde, Gregers Bjarnarson, Dennis Bilde and
Anders Hagen

 Intermediate
The 2016 World Bridge Games have a new format!
The first events, starting on 3rd September, will be the National Open,
Women’s, Seniors and Mixed Teams, with each WBF Member Bridge
Organisation being entitled and invited to send a team in each category
to compete in these exciting and challenging Championships.
The second week is for the new National Open, Women’s, Seniors and
Mixed Pairs Championships, and for these there is no limit to the
number of pairs each NBO may nominate to participate. The pairs
events will start on Tuesday 13th September.
More information can be found on the WBF Website :

www.worldbridge.org
and on the special website set up for the event at :
www.worldbridgegames2016.com
where details of the hotels can be found.
Registration can be done through the website at www.worldbridge.org

after 1st April 2016
The World Bridge Federation and the Polish Bridge Union look forward
to welcoming participants from all over the world to enjoy the 2016
World Bridge Games in the magnificent
Hala Stulecia in Wroclaw, Poland.

 Intermediate
Leading Questions
Sally Brock conducts a selection of lead problems
See Page 77
I’m back, after a long rest! We are going to change This was another deal from the Cope v Allfrey Gold
the style slightly so that all the opening lead problems Cup match. A flat board this time, but an interesting
come from the same event. This first article features lead problem nevertheless.
the most recent Gold Cup final stages. The first two
problems come from the quarter-final match where, PROBLEM 3
slightly against expectation, Cope (Simon Cope, Peter
Crouch, Ben Green, John Holland, Nicola Smith) beat IMPs. Dealer North. N/S Vul.
Allfrey (Alexander Allfrey, David Bakhshi, Tony For- WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
rester, David Gold, Andrew Robson, Mike Bell). The – Pass 2♥ Double
other three were from our (Sally Brock, Taf Anthias,
Pass 2♠ Pass 2NT
Chris Dixon, Barry Myers) semi-final match where we
Pass 3NT All Pass
overcame Gillis (Simon Gillis, Zia Mahmood, Boye
Brogeland, Espen Erichsen, Espen Lindqvist. Cope got What should West lead holding
the better of us in the final. ♠ K94
♥5
PROBLEM 1 ♦ 10 7 6 4
♣ K9532
IMPs. Dealer South. None Vul.
PROBLEM 4
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
– – – 4♥ IMPs. Dealer North. Both Vul.
All Pass
What should West lead holding WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
♠ K 10 2 – Pass 1♥ 1NT
♥ 832 Pass 3NT All Pass
♦ AJ 6 What should West lead holding
♣ A9 8 7 ♠ 9764
♥7
PROBLEM 2 ♦ Q J 10 7
IMPs. Dealer North. Both Vul.
♣ J932
PROBLEM 5
– 1NT* Pass 2♦* IMPs. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
Pass 3♥* Pass 3NT*
Pass 4♣ Pass 4♠ WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
Pass 6♠ All Pass Pass 1♥ 2♣ 2♦
1NT 14–16 4♣ 5♣ 6♣ Pass
2 ♦ 4+ spades, asking
Pass 6♦ All Pass
3♥ 4 spades, max, prefers partner to declare
3NT slam try, no shortage What should West lead holding
What should West lead holding ♠ 82
♠J ♥ 10 8 6 5 4
♥ 96432 ♦ A 10
♦ Q32 ♣ Q 10 6 5
♣ K J 10 5

 Intermediate
Gold Cup
The Editor reports on the final stages of the Gold Cup
A s the 2015 edition moved towards its climax, the big shock came in the quarter-finals,
when Cope (Simon Cope, Peter Crouch, John Holland, Ben Green, Nicola Smith) took
out the favourites Allfrey, by 32 IMPs.
They were joined in the semi finals by Gillis (Simon Gillis, Tom Hanlon, Zia Mahmood, Espen
Erichsen, Boye Brogeland, Espen Lindqvist) Lee (Peter Lee, Mike Scoltock, David Burn, Ingar
Hansen, Paula Leslie) and Brock (Sally Brock, Taf Anthias, Barry Myers, Chris Dixon) who all
recorded convincing victories.
Semi Finals
Brock v Gillis
Brock were missing the services of Robert Sheehan and Pat Davies and faced a formidable team
which included not only the mercurial Zia, but also the man who has changed the face of bridge
forever, Boye Brogeland.
The match proved to be surprisingly one-sided.
♠ J7
♥ 973
♦ KQ42
♣ 9862
♠ 8643 N ♠ KQ2
♥ J8 ♥ Q62
♦ J985 W E ♦A
♣ AJ 5 S ♣ K Q 10 7 4 3
♠ A 10 9 5
♥ A K 10 5 4
♦ 10 7 6 3
♣—
Open Room
Dixon Hanlon Anthias Zia
– Pass 1♣ Double
2♣ Pass 2NT Pass
3NT All Pass
South led the ace of hearts and continued with the king, North following with the three and
seven. When South took some time to play to trick three it was clear that he was uncertain as to
the precise nature of North’s heart holding. When he switched to the five of spades declarer was
home free, +400.

 Intermediate
Closed Room
Brogeland Brock Lindqvist Myers
– Pass 1♣ 1♥
Double* 2♥ Double* 3♥
Pass Pass 4♣ All Pass
Double 4+♠
Double 3+♠
South started with three rounds of hearts and declarer won, pitching a spade from dummy, cashed
the queen of clubs, crossed to dummy with a club and played a spade to the queen. When that
held he went back to dummy with a club and played a second spade for the jack, king and ace,
one down and 10 IMPs to Brock.
♠ A Q 10 6 4
♥ A873
♦ A4
♣ 64
♠ J872 N ♠ K9
♥ J 10 9 ♥ KQ642
♦ Q875 W E ♦ 96
♣ QJ S ♣ 10 7 5 2
♠ 53
♥5
♦ K J 10 3 2
♣ AK983
Open Room
– – Pass 1♦
Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣
Pass 2♥* Pass 3♣
Pass 3NT All Pass
East found the killing lead of the four of hearts and declarer ducked twice, won the third round,
pitching clubs from dummy, cashed the ace of diamonds and played a diamond to the jack and
queen. West switched to the seven of spades and when the queen lost to the king the contract
was two down, -100.
Closed Room
Brogeland Brock Lindqvist Myers
– – Pass 1♦
Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣
Pass 2♥ Double 3♣
Pass 3♦ Pass 3♠
Pass 4♠ All Pass

 Intermediate
East led the five of clubs and declarer won with dummy’s ♠ A Q 10 6 4
ace, played a heart to the ace, ruffed a heart, played a ♥ A873
diamond to the ace, ruffed a heart and cashed the king ♦ A4
of diamonds. ♣ 64
♠ J872 N ♠ K9
At this point the winning line is to cash the king of ♥ J 10 9 ♥ KQ642
clubs and play another club, declarer scoring a cheap ♦ Q 8 7 5 W E ♦ 96
ruff and exiting with a heart. ♣ QJ S ♣ 10 7 5 2
However, declarer played the jack of diamonds and ♠ 5 3
when West covered she ruffed with the four of spades. ♥ 5
♦ K J 10 3 2
If East overruffs and cashes a heart, West can pitch a ♣ AK983
club, ruff the club switch and play a diamond (or a low
spade) and the defenders must score a trump trick for one down, but inexplicably he discarded
the two of clubs.
Declarer crossed to the king of clubs and pitched a heart on the ten of diamonds. East ruffed
and returned the king of spades and declarer won and exited with the six of spades, claiming an
overtrick, +450 and 11 IMPs.
♠ 972
♥ 986
♦ K9762
♣ 84
♠ J5 N ♠ AK Q 4 3
♥ AK Q 7 4 ♥—
♦ A4 3 W E ♦ Q5
♣ J62 S ♣ A K 10 9 7 5
♠ 10 8 6
♥ J 10 5 3 2
♦ J 10 8
♣ Q3
Open Room
1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass
2NT Pass 3♠ Pass
3NT Pass 4♣ Pass
4♦* Pass 4NT* Pass
5♥* Pass 6♣ All Pass
4♦ Cue-bid
4NT RKCB
5♥ 2 key cards, no ♣Q
South led the jack of diamonds and declarer won with dummy’s ace and cashed the top clubs, +940.

 Intermediate
Closed Room ♠ 972
♥ 986
West North East South ♦ K9762
Brogeland Brock Lindqvist Myers ♣ 84
1♥ Pass 2♣* Pass ♠ J5 N ♠ AK Q 4 3
2♥ Pass 2♠ Pass ♥ AK Q 7 4 ♥ —
♦ A4 3 W E ♦ Q5
3♣ Pass 3♠ Pass ♣ J62 S ♣ A K 10 9 7 5
4♣ Pass 4♥* Pass ♠ 10 8 6
4♠* Pass 5♥* Pass ♥ J 10 5 3 2
5NT* Pass 7♣ All Pass ♦ J 10 8
2♣ Game-forcing unless followed by 3♣ ♣ Q3
4♥ Cue-bid
4♠ Diamond control
5♥ Cue-bid
5NT Grand slam interest
Declarer won the diamond lead with dummy’s ace, crossed to the ace of clubs, played a spade to
the jack, cashed two top hearts, pitching a diamond and a spade and ran the jack of clubs, a brave
but losing play which cost 14 IMPs.
Brock had won the set 42-1 to lead 96-28 and hard as Gillis tried, the match was effectively
decided, Brock winning by 65 IMPs.
You can replay these deals at: http://tinyurl.com/zygeltz
Cope v Lee
It was a similar story here.
Board 8. Dealer East. None Vul.
♠ 10 7
♥ A8653
♦ K 10 7
♣ J96
♠ KQJ98 N ♠ A6 5 3
♥— ♥ QJ92
♦ AQ J 4 W E ♦ 53
♣ AK 5 2 S ♣ 10 7 3
♠ 42
♥ K 10 7 4
♦ 9862
♣ Q84
Open Room
Burn Green Hansen Holland
1♠ Pass 2♠ Pass
4♠ All Pass
North led the six of clubs and declarer won with the ace, cashed the king and queen of spades
and played the two of clubs, North winning with the jack and exiting with the seven of diamonds,
declarer claiming +480.

 Intermediate
Closed Room ♠ 10 7
♥ A8653
West North East South ♦ K 10 7
Crouch Lee Smith Scoltock ♣ J96
1♠ Pass 3♠ Pass ♠ KQJ98 N ♠ A6 5 3
4♥* Pass 4♠ Pass ♥ — ♥ QJ92
♦ AQ J 4 W E ♦ 53
6♠ All Pass ♣ AK 5 2 S ♣ 10 7 3
4♥ Cue-bid ♠ 42
♥ K 10 7 4
North led the ace of hearts and declarer ruffed, cashed ♦ 9862
the king of spades, overtook the queen of spades with ♣ Q84
dummy’s ace and took a losing diamond finesse. It was
plain sailing from here, +980 and 11 IMPs to Cope, who won the first set 30-3.
You can replay this deal at: http://tinyurl.com/z6pkp6h
Cope took the second set 25-1, mainly as a result of this deal:
♠ Q J 10 7 5
♥ A6
♦ J86
♣ 874
♠ AK 8 4 3 N ♠6
♥ K98 ♥ QJ752
♦4 W E ♦ K9752
♣ Q932 S ♣ AJ
♠ 92
♥ 10 4 3
♦ A Q 10 3
♣ K 10 6 5
Open Room
Lee Green Scoltock Holland
1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass
4♥ All Pass
South led the five of clubs and declarer won with the jack, played a spade to the ace and a dia-
mond to the king and ace. South was not slow to switch to a heart and North took the ace and
returned a heart. That left declarer short of tricks and when he won with dummy’s nine and played
the king of spades and a spade, South overruffed declarer’s seven and the contract was soon two
down,-200.
Closed Room
Crouch Hansen Smith Burn
1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass
3♥ Pass 4♥ All Pass
Once again a club to declarer’s jack was followed by a spade to the ace and a diamond, but when

 Intermediate
North followed with the six, declarer put in the seven and ♠ Q J 10 7 5
South won with the ten. A trump switch would be just ♥ A6
as effective, but South returned his remaining spade and ♦ J86
♣ 874
declarer won with dummy’s king, played a club to the ace, ♠ A K 8 4 3 ♠ 6
ruffed a diamond, ruffed a club and ruffed a diamond. N
♥ K98 ♥ QJ752
Playing a club at this point would leave the defenders ♦ 4 W E ♦ K9752
helpless, but declarer played a spade, and ruffed with the ♣ Q 9 3 2 S ♣ AJ
five of hearts (ruffing high is the winning line). ♠ 9 2
♥ 10 4 3
In an echo of the deal I reported from the other semi-final ♦ A Q 10 3
South refused to overruff (after which a trump return would ♣ K 10 6 5
cook declarer’s goose) and declarer was home, ruffing a dia-
mond with the king of hearts. North could overruff, but declarer still had the ♥QJ for +620 and 13 IMPs.
It would not surprise me to discover that in fact East ruffed high, leaving South without resource.
You can replay this deal at: http://tinyurl.com/hz7ogu5
Cope took the third set 10-9, the fourth 25-14 and the fifth 37-10, to lead 127-37, eventually
winning by 98 IMPs.
Final
Brock v Cope
Both teams had plenty of Gold Cup pedigree, especially in the guise of Peter Crouch, who was
contesting his fifth final in the last seven years.
♠ AKJ985
♥ 10 9 2
♦—
♣ 9652
♠ Q63 N ♠ 10 7 4 2
♥7 ♥ KJ43
♦ K875432 W E ♦ Q 10 6
♣ K8 S ♣ J3
♠—
♥ AQ865
♦ AJ9
♣ A Q 10 7 4
Open Room
Anthias Green Dixon Holland
3♦ 3♠ 5♦ 5♥
All Pass
North’s decision to overcall left South with a tough decision and he eschewed the obvious double
in favour of a bid that left some theoretical chance of a slam being reached.
West led the five of diamonds and declarer ruffed in dummy, cashed a top spade pitching a dia-
mond and played a heart to the queen. His next move, (fatal as it turned out) was to ruff the ace
of diamonds and play a club to the queen and king. West continued with the king of diamonds

 Intermediate
and declarer ruffed and cashed the ace of hearts. When ♠ AKJ985
West discarded the game was up, one down, -50. ♥ 10 9 2
Making 5♥ is tough; essentially declarer can afford to ♦ —
play a heart to the queen, but must eliminate the dia- ♣ 9652
♠ Q63 N ♠ 10 7 4 2
monds, then cash the ace of clubs and continue with a ♥ 7 ♥ KJ43
low one. After ruffing the diamond return he exits with ♦ K875432 W E ♦ Q 10 6
a low heart to endplay East, who will be down to ♠1074 ♣ K8 S ♣ J3
♥K4. Forced to exit with a spade, declarer pitches three ♠ —
clubs on the ♠AKJ and then plays a club, picking up ♥ AQ865
♦ AJ9
East’s trumps. ♣ A Q 10 7 4
Closed Room
Cope Brock Crouch Myers
3♦ 3♠ 4♦ Double
Pass 4♠ Pass 5♣
All Pass
With more room to manoeuvre N/S found a safer haven.

Declarer won the lead of the two of diamonds with the ace, discarding a heart from dummy,
ruffed a diamond, played a heart to the queen and tried to cash the ace. West ruffed and played
the king of diamonds, but declarer ruffed in dummy, cashed the ace and king of spades and played
a club to the queen, claiming when West produced the king, +400 and 10 IMPs to Brock, who
led 22-8.
You can replay this deal at: http://tinyurl.com/jktxwnq
♠—
♥ K J 10 9 3 2
♦ AQ9876
♣ 10
♠ AK 4 N ♠ J7532
♥ A6 ♥ Q874
♦ J 10 W E ♦2
♣ AK Q 8 7 2 S ♣ J43
♠ Q 10 9 8 6
♥5
♦ K543
♣ 965
Open Room
Anthias Crouch Dixon Smith
– – Pass Pass
2♣* 2♥ Double Pass
3♣ 3♦ 3♠ 4♦
4♠ 5♦ Pass Pass
Double All Pass

 Intermediate
South followed the sound strategy of raising partner with ♠ —
four-card support. ♥ K J 10 9 3 2
East led the three of clubs and West won with the ♦ AQ9876
queen and continued with the ace. Declarer ruffed and ♣ 10
♠ AK 4 N ♠ J7532
played the three of hearts, East winning with the seven ♥ A6 ♥ Q874
and returning the jack of clubs. Declarer ruffed, ruffed a ♦ J 10 W E ♦ 2
heart, drew trumps and played the king of hearts, claim- ♣ AK Q 8 7 2 S ♣ J43
ing, +750. ♠ Q 10 9 8 6
♥ 5
Closed Room ♦ K543
♣ 965
Holland Brock Green Myers
– – Pass Pass
2♣* 2♥ Pass Pass
3NT 4♦ Pass Pass
Double Pass 4♠ Double
All Pass
West’s rebid meant North had to show her second suit at the four-level, but South declined to
raise, preferring to look for a penalty.
South led his heart and declarer played low from dummy, North winning with the king and
continuing with the ace of diamonds, followed by the queen. Declarer ruffed, played a club to
the ace and tried to cash the ace of hearts, but South ruffed and exited with a club. Declarer won
with the jack and pitched a club on the queen of hearts, South discarding a diamond. Declarer
ruffed the eight of hearts with the four of spades as South pitched his remaining club and con-
ceded two down, -500, but 6 IMPs to Cope.
It is possible to escape for one down by rising with the ace of hearts at trick one and playing
four rounds of clubs to pitch the losing diamond. Not easy, but not impossible.
Board 13. Dealer North. All Vul.
♠4
♥ Q9
♦ KQJ8763
♣ Q63
♠ J973 N ♠ KQ5
♥ KJ874 ♥ A3
♦ A4 W E ♦ 10 5 2
♣ 10 9 S ♣ J8752
♠ A 10 8 6 2
♥ 10 6 5 2
♦9
♣ AK4
Open Room
Anthias Crouch Dixon Smith
– 3♦ Pass Pass
Double All Pass

 Intermediate
Whatever the merits of West’s double it left East awk- ♠ 4
wardly placed. ♥ Q9
He led the king of spades and declarer won with dum- ♦ KQJ8763
my’s ace and played a diamond to the king followed by the ♣ Q63
♠ J973 N ♠ KQ5
queen of diamonds, West winning with the ace. East had ♥ KJ874 ♥ A3
followed with the two and five (as opposed to the five and ♦ A4 W E ♦ 10 5 2
two) and after a heart to the ace and a heart back to the king ♣ 10 9 S ♣ J8752
West failed to play a third heart, which would have pro- ♠ A 10 8 6 2
moted the ten of diamonds and saved the overtrick, +870. ♥ 10 6 5 2
♦ 9
Closed Room ♣ AK4
Holland Brock Green Myers
– 3♦ All Pass
The early play was identical (including) the trump plays, but West unerringly returned a third
heart for the promotion, +110 and 13 IMPs to Cope.
On Board 14 Anthias held ♠K87 ♥KQ8 ♦982 ♣AK75 and overcalled South’s 1♣ with 1NT.
North had more than enough to double, ♠AJ93 ♥A72 ♦Q ♣109862 and East, with ♠642 ♥10643
♦J543 ♣J4 started to scramble with 2♣, eventually finishing in 2♥ doubled which cost 500.
In the other room South opened 1NT and when West doubled East bid 2♣ (no doubt plan-
ning to redouble if doubled). In these days many doubles are played as being for takeout and he
was left to play there, losing -250 but gaining 6 IMPs.
A similar number went to Cope when Holland and Green reached 4♥ with ♠AJ854 ♥AJ98
♦K6 ♣76 facing ♠Q6 ♥K7654 ♦105 ♣K832.
The king of spades was offside, but the queen of hearts was singleton and both minor-suit aces were onside.
Cope took the set 35-8 to lead 43-30.
You can replay these deals at: http://tinyurl.com/gtokkcs
♠ AKQ643
♥4
♦ Q5
♣ AJ92
♠ J 10 2 N ♠ 987
♥ AJ 8 7 ♥ Q 10 6 5 2
♦ J7 W E ♦ 92
♣ K743 S ♣ Q 10 5
♠5
♥ K93
♦ A K 10 8 6 4 3
♣ 86
Open Room
Brock Cope Myers Crouch
– 1♠ Pass 3♦*
Pass 4♠ All Pass
3♦ Invitational

 Intermediate
East led the five of hearts and West won with the eight ♠ AKQ643
and switched to the three of clubs, East winning with ♥ 4
the ten and returning the two of hearts. Declarer ruffed, ♦ Q5
cashed the top spades and claimed, +650. ♣ AJ92
♠ J 10 2 N ♠ 987
Closed Room ♥ AJ 8 7 ♥ Q 10 6 5 2
♦ J7 W E ♦ 92
West North East South ♣ K743 S ♣ Q 10 5
Holland Dixon Green Anthias ♠ 5
♥ K93
– 1♠ Pass 2♦ ♦ A K 10 8 6 4 3
Pass 3♣ Pass 3♦ ♣ 86
Pass 4NT* Pass 5♠*
Pass 6♦ All Pass
4NT RKCB
5♠ 2 key cards + ♦Q
With a seven-card suit South was happy to pretend to have the queen.
West led the three of clubs and declarer won with dummy’s ace, cashed two spades pitching a
club and played a heart to the king and ace. West returned the jack of diamonds and declarer won
in hand, ruffed a heart and pitched his last heart on the queen of spades, claiming when it sur-
vived, +1370 and 12 IMPs to Brock, who, by winning the set 17-3 had reclaimed the lead, 47-46.
You can replay this deal at: http://tinyurl.com/zwhz9ad
♠ AQ943
♥ A765
♦—
♣ AJ75
♠ J72 N ♠ K 10
♥ Q94 ♥ J 10 8
♦ J52 W E ♦ A K 10 9 8 4 3
♣ Q 10 9 6 S ♣4
♠ 865
♥ K32
♦ Q76
♣ K832
Open Room
Brock Green Myers Holland
– 1♠ 3♦ Pass
Pass Double Pass 4♠
All Pass
Declarer ruffed the diamond lead and ducked a heart to West’s nine.
Switching to the six of clubs allowed declarer to win with dummy’s eight and he continued
with a spade to the queen, East winning with the king and returning the jack of hearts. Declarer
won in dummy, played a spade to the ace, cashed the ace of hearts and played a club to the king,
claiming, +420 and 10 IMPs.

 Intermediate
Closed Room
Smith Dixon Crouch Anthias
– 1♠ 2♦ 2♠
Pass 4♠ All Pass
East led the king of diamonds and declarer ruffed, cashed the ace of hearts, crossed to the king and
played a spade to the nine and ten. East returned the jack of hearts and West won and switched
to the seven of spades. When declarer played the queen East won with the king and there was no
way to avoid the loss of a club, one down, -50 and 10 IMPs.
♠5
♥Q
♦ KJ8632
♣ Q7542
♠ 10 8 6 N ♠ AQ 7 4
♥ AJ 7 6 ♥ K 10 8 5 3
♦ 10 7 5 W E ♦9
♣ J96 S ♣ 10 8 3
♠ KJ932
♥ 942
♦ AQ4
♣ AK
Open Room
Brock Green Myers Holland
Pass 2♦* Double 2NT*
Pass 3♣ Pass 3♠
Pass 4♣ Pass 5♦
All Pass
2♦ Weak, 6-9
2NT Relay
The defenders started with three rounds of hearts, declarer pitching his spade on the second, ruff-
ing the third, playing a diamond to the queen, unblocking the clubs and claiming (he could come
to hand with a trump and ruff a club in case they were 4-2) +600.
Closed Room
Smith Dixon Crouch Anthias
Pass Pass 1♥ 1♠
3♥ All Pass
South knew that North was short in hearts, so his side must have a fit. He also know that North
rated to have some high cards and he paid a heavy price for failing to double 3♥.
A less than accurate defence enabled declarer to score nine tricks, +140 and give Cope 12 IMPs.
Brock had been outscored 8-42 and trailed 55-88 at half time.
You can replay these deals at: http://tinyurl.com/zszmu3u

 Intermediate
Board 35. Dealer South. EW Vul.
♠ Q 10 5
♥ K872
♦ QJ3
♣ K73
♠ AK J 8 7 4 N ♠ 9632
♥ 93 ♥ Q5
♦ 9852 W E ♦ 764
♣J S ♣ Q 10 9 4
♠—
♥ A J 10 6 4
♦ A K 10
♣ A8652
Open Room
– – – 1♥
2♠ 2NT Pass 3♣
Pass 4♥ Pass 4♠*
Double 5♥* All Pass
4♠ Cue-bid
5♥ Denies first-round spade control
With hearts 2-2 it was easy to arrive at twelve tricks, +480.
Closed Room
Crouch Brock Cope Myers
– – – 1♥
2♠ 2NT Pass 3♣
Pass 4♥ Pass 6♥
All Pass
11 IMPs for Brock, who took the set 12-10, now

down 67-98.
You can replay this deal at: http://tinyurl.com/
je5azkv
The low-scoring continued in the sixth set, which
Brock won 9-5, still in the hunt at 76-102.
Sally Brock

 Intermediate
Board 49. Dealer North. None Vul.
♠ A J 10 9 2
♥ Q J 10 2
♦ K 10
♣ 75
♠ Q8754 N ♠6
♥ AK 3 ♥ 98765
♦ Q84 W E ♦ 765
♣ A2 S ♣ Q943
♠ K3
♥4
♦ AJ932
♣ K J 10 8 6
Open Room
– 1♠ Pass 2♦
Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣
Pass 3♦ Pass 3NT
All Pass
West led the five of spades and declarer won with dummy’s nine and played a club to the jack.
When that held, he played a diamond to the king and a club to the ten and ace. The four of spades
ran to declarer’s king and he cashed the king of clubs and made the natural looking, but fatal dis-
card of the ten of spades. East won with the queen and played a diamond and when declarer put
in the jack West won and cashed his hearts for one down, +50.
Credit to West, who made life difficult by ducking the first club.
Closed Room
– 1♠ Pass 2♦*
Pass 2♥ Pass 2NT
Pass 3NT All Pass
2♦ Game-forcing
West led the five of spades and declarer won with the nine and played a club for the jack and ace.
The spade return ran to declarer’s king and he played a heart, West rising with the king and exit-
ing with a diamond. Declarer won with dummy’s ten and played the jack of hearts, West winning
and exiting with a club. Declarer took East’s nine with the ten, cashed the king and claimed nine
tricks, +400 and 10 IMPs.

 Intermediate
♠ A87
♥ A842
♦ AQ4
♣ AQ7
♠ J 10 9 6 5 4 3 N ♠ KQ2
♥3 ♥ J 10 6 5
♦ 76 W E ♦ 853
♣ 10 6 2 S ♣ J53
♠—
♥ KQ97
♦ K J 10 9 2
♣ K984
Open Room
– 2NT Pass 3♠*
Pass 3NT* Pass 4♦
Pass 4♥* Pass 6♦
All Pass
3♠ Minor-suit Stayman
3NT No four-card minor
4♥ Cue-bid
6♦ was an impatient bid, but a practical one, South deciding that he would never be able to dis-
cover if partner held the right cards for seven.
That was +1390.
Closed Room
– 2NT Pass 3♣*
Pass 3♦* Pass 3♠*
Pass 4♥ Pass 5♠*
Pass 5NT* Pass 7♥
All Pass
3♣ Puppet Stayman
3♦ At least one four-card major
3♠ Four hearts
5♠ Exclusion Blackwood
5NT 3 key cards not counting spades
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune dealt a heavy blow, swinging 29 IMPs.
Had 7♥ made Brock would have been within 23 IMPs, but the 16 IMP loss meant they were
outscored 32-1 and trailed 135-77 going into the last set.
You can replay these deals at: http://tinyurl.com/hrzlqpf
Cope took a dull final set 21-14 to win 156-91.
It was Peter Crouch’s sixth title, Nicola Smith’s fourth (her first came in 1975) and a first for
Simon Cope, John Holland & Ben Green.

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60 March 2016 Bridge Magazine

 Intermediate
Bridge Over the Rainbow
Alex Adamson and Harry Smith with more stories from The Over The Rainbow Club
Air-Conditioning (3)
There was a sense of brooding foreboding in the Club. For four weeks now, they had been forced
to play in a nearby hotel, due to the mysterious malfunctioning of the air-conditioning system in
the Club premises. The members were all on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome of an emergency
committee meeting.
The Wicked Witch of the West, the one member of the club who understood how the system
worked, had returned to town from an extended holiday, and had found two committee members
on her doorstep to ensure that her invitation to the meeting was delivered and accepted.
The meeting had begun at 5pm with the intention of finishing ahead of the evening’s bridge.
As the clock ticked round towards 7pm, and the scheduled start of play, the partners of the com-
mittee members were eyeing each other up nervously. If the meeting went on, they would be left
partnerless. Some wouldn’t mind that, except that they would feel obliged to pair up with one
of the other abandoned partners. On all the minds bar one, the main question was how to get
paired up with almost anyone before the Unpleasant Witch of the North asked them. She was
due to play with the Wicked Witch of the West that evening.
Just in time, at 6:58, the door to the committee room opened and Dorothy’s Aunty Em emerged,
her face glowering, her manner threatening, and everything about her showing she was just hold-
ing her temper and no more. A crowd of eager faces gathered round her, but quickly dispersed
when they assessed her mood. Aunty Em was not a person to cross when things were going well,
never mind when they were going badly. Uncle Henry alone was spoken to, and that was just to
order him to get her a cup of coffee and a garibaldi biscuit.’ ‘Yes, rosebud,’ he said, accepting the
order, as always.
The Chairman of the Lollipop Guild, looking grim, muttered that there would be no announce-
ment at this point, and the committee members joined their partners.
The play began only five minutes late. Uncle Henry and six other players sat opposite grim
tight-lipped partners. The Unpleasant Witch of the North had an unusual problem. Her partner
was so elated that even she couldn’t find a way to upset her.
For once no one seemed interested in the inadequacies of partners and the misdeeds of opponents.
The Wicked Witch of the West was almost the only topic on anyone’s lips, with the committee
members maintaining an ominous silence whatever was said. Opinions varied between those who
were hoping that she would be read the riot act, and the more vindictive members who were look-
ing for a ritual execution during the tea break.
To be more accurate, she was the topic of conversation on almost everyone’s lips. The exception
was the Scarecrow. Like so much of life, the workings of the club were above his head – a sub-
ject that it seemed pointless to try to master when there were so many more important unsolved
mysteries.
The Lion had been met with the disturbing news that in an attempt to improve his game, the
Scarecrow had been reading again. They started the night against the Tin Man and Dorothy. ‘Tell
me,’ the Scarecrow began as he searched for his latest lucky pen, ‘what sort of leads do you think
are best? I understand that the Ruritanian team have had some spectacular successes recently with
coded eights and sixes.’

 Intermediate
‘The answer to that is quite simple,’ said the Tin Man with an air of authority. ‘The best leads are
intelligent ones based on listening to the auction, looking at your hand and following a method
agreed with your partner.’
‘Humph,’ said the Lion. ‘The best leads are ones which beat contracts. That’s even simpler!’
‘Very droll,’ said the Tin Man as the discussion was cut short by an announcement from the
tournament director. Play began, and sorting his cards the Lion saw:
♠ A7
♥ J 10 9 6 4 3
♦ K94
♣ AQ
The Scarecrow opened One Diamond and after a Pass by Dorothy he responded One Heart.
When the Scarecrow raised him to Three Hearts, his natural instinct was just to bid game. Playing
against the Tin Man, however, he knew that if the slam were on, he would never hear the end of
it if he failed to make a try. His Four Club cue-bid was met with a Four Diamond cue-bid from
his partner. Reluctantly, he felt he had to go on, and cue-bid Four Spades.
The Scarecrow now bid 4NT, Roman Keycard Blackwood. The Lion knew that he could hardly
pass that. For one thing the Scarecrow would be declarer. With a known ten-card fit he had to
show his hand as two keycards and the equivalent of the queen of trumps by bidding Five Spades.
The Scarecrow put him into Six Hearts and that ended the auction.
The Tin Man led the ♥5 and the Lion, who generally needed some persuading to get as high
as game, saw the dummy for his slam.
♠ K3
♥ K872
♦ AQ 6 5 3
♣ KJ
Obviously there were no side losers and the only question was how to play trumps. If Dorothy
had both the ace and queen then it didn’t matter what he did. Good though he was the Tin Man
couldn’t actually see through the backs of the cards and was highly unlikely to have led away from
the queen. If he had led from A-5 doubleton, then he was about to find out what a mistake he
had made, for without the lead the Lion’s natural line would have been to run the jack. He called
for the king in the hope and expectation of seeing the singleton queen come down. He sank back
in his seat deflated when Dorothy discarded a club. An unbreakable contract had been broken.
This was the full hand.
♠ K3
♥ K872
♦ AQ653
♣ KJ
♠ Q 10 8 4 N ♠ J9652
♥ AQ 5 ♥ ——
♦ J 10 8 W E ♦ 72
♣ 10 7 4 S ♣ 986532
♠ A7
♥ J 10 9 6 4 3
♦ K94
♣ AQ

 Intermediate
‘What sort of lead was that?’ spluttered the Lion. ‘Okay, it was the lead that beat the contract but
only because I didn’t play you for being insane!’
‘On the contrary,’ said the Tin Man. ‘It was an intelligent lead made by listening to the
bidding and looking at my hand. With my strength it was clear to me that Dorothy would
hold very little in the way of high cards and was probably void in hearts. With my diamond
holding it was clear that dummy’s suit was breaking. With your cue-bids it was very likely
that your two key cards were the black aces. The odds were therefore very much in favour of
finding the king of hearts in the dummy and trick one was obviously the best time to make
you guess the suit. And suppose you had held the king of hearts, what of it? My ace and
queen would still have taken tricks at some point.’ Turning to Dorothy he added ‘Feel free
to congratulate me.’
‘Sorry, I was waiting until we had a bigger audience,’ she replied, dryly.
The tournament reached its midway point and the director announced that the normal tea
break would be extended to 30 minutes as the committee wished to reconvene.
The Chairman looked round the seven other members of the committee and addressed the
tournament. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, the committee agreed to have a break
to let tempers cool, but we must now come to a conclusion. We will be back with you as soon as
possible.’
Uncle Henry was already on his way to pick up pots of tea and coffee and a plate of biscuits.
Earlier, unabashed by outnumbering her opponents by one to seven, the Wicked Witch had
skillfully held her assailants at bay. She had denied having tampered with the settings of the sys-
tem. She was as bewildered as everyone else about the loss of the manual and the wiping out of
the pre-programmed defaults. She could not account for the system failing just when she went
on holiday.
She hadn’t had so much fun in years.
Only very slowly had she allowed her motivation to appear through oblique hints. It had not
occurred to anyone that the key to the mystery lay in the club calendar, and its relationship to
the constitution. Indeed few of the members had given much thought to the approaching club
AGM, other than a vague wish to be able to hold it in their own premises. Fewer still had ever
read the constitution.
The committee worked on a rotation basis. Members were limited to two consecutive three-
year terms, and then had to take a break on the backbenches for at least one term. For most of
the souls willing to commit themselves to this thankless task, a chance to get off the commit-
tee felt like getting parole, but not for all. This year the Wicked Witch of the West was coming
to the end of her second term and she was not happy about the loss of status that she was about
to incur. ‘Perhaps she believes that she has immunity from prosecution whilst in office,’ the Tin
Man had quipped.
The thirty minutes came and went. The tension levels were growing higher in the committee
room. Inadvertently tapping her fingers on the last garibaldi, the Wicked Witch shrugged her
shoulders and gave a low chortle. ‘This problem is as much of a mystery to me as it is to all of you.’
‘Be that as it may, be that as it may, you will not deny that you are our expert on the system,
and we really need you to sort it out,’ the Club President, the Chairman of the Lollipop Guild,
said pointedly.
‘Oh, you are so kind. I didn’t realise I was so highly thought of, and so important to the club.’
Even her attempts to look mournful had a certain glee about them. ‘I could have a look, but who
am I to say if I will be able to improve the situation? This is a big responsibility, and of course I
would only have a short time in which to try before I leave the committee. Obviously the person
in charge of this HAS to be a committee member. It is so central to the smooth running of the

 Intermediate
club. By the way, which of you will be taking over from me as building convener when I shuffle
off to retirement?’
There was an awkward silence.
‘I mean there is so much to be passed on. Never mind the air conditioning, who is going to
take charge if there were problems with the electricity or,’ she paused for effect, ‘the plumbing?’
The committee members gasped. Aunty Em pulled herself up in her chair and spoke directly
to the Wicked Witch. ‘This is blackmail, and we will not stand for it. I don’t care what schemes
you have prepared to use against us. Anyone who would set out to ruin the club has no place
being a member of it.’
‘Tee hee hee, blackmail is such an ugly word, especially when all I was doing was pointing
out that for six years you have left me to sort out everything. Can I help it if I have become
indispensible?’
‘So what do you want? We are not changing the constitution to suit you,’ said Aunty Em, with
cold steel in her voice.
‘Hee hee, of course not. Like everyone here, I want the club to carry on as successfully as pos-
sible,’ she cackled. ‘I have a proposal to make…’
The Tin Man had been taking the opportunity of the extended tea break to scribble on six sheets
of paper. He strode across the bar towards Dorothy, the Lion and the Scarecrow. He had the sort
of look on his face that meant he had something very clever to tell them. The Lion sighed, but
realised that there was no escape. The Tin Man handed each of them a piece of paper with a pair
of hands neatly written on it.
♠ K 10
♥ AQ3
♦ K5432
♣ QJ2
♠ AQ972
♥ K 10 6
♦ A7
♣ AK5
Without any opening pleasantries, the Tin Man launched into his speech. ‘Our discussion earlier
reminded me of this hand from last week. South opens 2NT then shows five spades. After check-
ing that they aren’t off an ace North lunges into 7NT. Not the best contract you have ever been
in but by no means the worst. How do you play it?’
‘I think you have forgotten something,’ said Dorothy. ‘Before we do any playing West has to
make a lead.’
‘Quite right,’ said the Tin Man with an air of smug satisfaction. ‘To make it easier I’ll let you
choose the lead and see if that helps.’
The Lion growled apprehensively. ‘Well, you have eight sure tricks outside spades. Maybe you
could squeeze someone in spades and diamonds if the spades don’t break.’
‘Indeed you might, but to return to Dorothy’s point what lead would you like to receive?’
‘Well, a spade, obviously. That will pick up the suit for me, give me four spades for sure and
probably five.’
‘Do go on’, the Tin Man replied trying, not very hard, to suppress a grin.
‘Well it’s obvious isn’t it? On a spade lead I can play the ten as a free finesse, winning when West
has the jack and picking up East’s jack if he has it!’ snarled the Lion.
‘Is that what you would do?’ asked the Tin Man.
‘Yes! Get to the point!’

 Intermediate
The Tin Man’s face contorted into what people guessed was his take on a smile. ‘Yes, just
like the declarer who held this hand you get the lead of your dreams and then go down in
a contract you would otherwise have made.’ He gave them each a second handout with the
full deal.
♠ K 10
♥ AQ3
♦ K5432
♣ QJ2
♠ 86543 N ♠J
♥ J95 ♥ 8742
♦ Q9 W E ♦ J 10 8 6
♣ 10 7 4 S ♣ 98632
♠ AQ972
♥ K 10 6
♦ A7
♣ AK5
‘If the opponents lead any other suit then you will obviously win that and before long set about
spades. Obviously, you will lead a spade to the king, the jack will fall and you will claim thirteen
tricks. By playing the ten you then need to use the ace or queen on the first round resulting in
West’s eight controlling the suit.’
‘Now you argue, quite reasonably,’ he continued in lecturing mode ‘that since I allowed you to
nominate the lead West could have had any spade holding. Clearly had he held Jxxx playing the
ten would have been a winning move. At the table, of course West was under no compulsion. He
had heard the bidding and had chosen to lead a spade.’
‘Let us consider the holdings in which your play will make any difference. That is, if West
hold Jxxx, or if he holds two small. Now, would a sentient West consider leading from Jxxx
into declarer’s known five-card suit? It is inconceivable. No, West was clearly trying to find
a neutral lead and given his spade holding this looked like the suit where he was least likely
to blow a trick. That really rules out the possibility of him leading from two small either, a
suit which he knows is not breaking. So, we are left with distributions where your play in
spades will make no difference, or this particular one in which it must be right to go up with
the king. It just so happens that West inadvertently gave us an opportunity to take a losing
option.’ The Tin Man sat back and cracked his knuckles. ‘It is up to us to turn the oppor-
tunity down.’
‘So are you going to claim that West was some sort of genius?’ growled the Lion, crumpling
both sheets into a ball.
‘No, not really. As a wise man once said, sometimes the best leads are just those which happen
to beat the contract.’
Behind the Tin Man, a door opened and for the second time that evening seven grim faces
and one gleeful figure emerged from the small room the committee had commandeered. The
reconvened meeting had lasted for nearly an hour, and all outside had been treated to a cho-
rus of complaints from the Unpleasant Witch of the North about how late she would be
getting home.
The Chairman of the Lollipop Guild pulled himself up to his full four feet two inches. Taking
a spoon off a nearby saucer, he banged it on a table to ensure he had everybody’s attention, quite
unnecessarily as the whole room was focussed on him.
‘I am pleased to be able to tell you, yes, yes, very pleased to be able to tell you, that we expect
to be back in our premises from next Monday. Our new Facilities Manager feels confident that

 Intermediate
all problems can be resolved by then.’
There was silence. No one could think what to say. They were delighted to go back to their
premises, but the Cheshire Cat face of the Wicked Witch told them all who the new Facilities
Manager was.
As they went back to their table, Dorothy cornered Aunty Em. ‘What is going on?’ she whispered.
‘That woman had us over a barrel. We had no option. She’s the devil, incarnate, she’s …’ Aunty
Em was blunt, but out of principle never swore. She was sorely tested.
‘What does Facilities Manager mean,’ said Dorothy, bravely venturing a second question.
It means that that woman is permanently on the committee, and,’ Aunty Em spluttered, ‘she’ll
get paid an honorarium of £1,000 a year.’
‘Well,’ Dorothy said to the Tin Man at the end of what had been a very long evening,
‘tonight has been all about leads. There was that trump lead you found against the Lion, and
there was the hand you showed us at the interval. However, neither is on a par with the way
that Wicked Witch of the West has managed to lead the committee and the whole Club by
the nose!’
Dorothy silently vowed revenge.
MASTER POINT PRESSthe bridge publisher

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Teacher’s Manual for Part II
An Honors Book
by Jonathan Shute
Looking for a better approach to teaching declarer play?
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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.

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Winter is Coming
VIDEO OF THE MONTH 3
Despite its modest size (it comprises an area of just 2.02 kilometres) Monaco has a population of
about 37,800, making it the second smallest and most densely populated country in the world. It is
estimated that more than 30% of the population is made up of millionaires, so it is high time the
Editor moved house.
Monaco has a long history and is one of the best-known places in the world. Immortalised by the
1892 song, The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo, its world famous casino (citizens of Monaco
are forbidden to enter the gaming rooms) has featured in numerous films, perhaps most famously
the 1995 Bond movie Goldeneye (it also appeared in the unofficial Bond, Never Say Never Again).
Once every year since 1929 the streets become the location for the Monaco Grand Prix, the only
one that does not adhere to the mandated minimum distance of 305 kilometres. Brazil's Ayrton
Senna holds the record for the most victories (six) including five consecutive chequered flags
between 1989 and 1993.
The Monte Carlo Rally (on which the 1969 film Monte Carlo or Bust! is based) started in 1911 and
originally competitors set off from all four corners of Europe to travel to Monaco, as did some of
the contestants in the Winter Games.
Monaco has frequently played host to the world's finest bridge players, notably staging the World
Championships in 1954, 1976 & 2003. The 2003 event is memorable for the dramatic last board
finish to the Bermuda Bowl final between the USA and Italy, but 1976 is both historic and unique;
it is the only occasion on which two World Championships have been contested in the same year.
In the Bermuda Bowl the USA beat Italy in the final, - ending the 20 year reign of Italy's legendary
Blue Team - it was the first time they had been defeated. In the Olympiad that immediately followed,
Italy also surrendered their title when they were overtaken by Brazil after a dramatic last round.
In recent years, Monaco has been the venue for the prestigious Cavendish, its lavish prizes matching
its location. Now Monaco has hosted a new event and added a new chapter to the history of this
most famous of Principalities.
Welcome to Monaco Are you Ready

running time: 2 minutes running time: 3 minutes
68 March 2016 Bridge Magazine

 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 87
♠ ♠ 5
1 ♥
J 10 8 4
A 10 3 2 2 ♥ KQ9864
♦ K ♦ 10 9 4 2
♣ Q952 ♣ Q8
♠ 3 ♠ K 10 7 3 N
N ♥ A 10 5
♥ 84
♦ Q976543 W E ♦ 3 W E
♣ K 10 6 S ♣ J 10 6 4 3 S
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
– – 1♠ 2♥ – – – 1NT*
Pass 4♥ All Pass Pass 4♦* Pass 4♥
You lead the three of spades, covered by the ten, queen All Pass
and ace. Declarer cashes the king of hearts (jack from 1NT 15-17
East) and leads the ten of diamonds to the king and 4♦ Transfer to hearts
two (standard count). Having returned to hand with You lead the three of diamonds to the queen and ace.
the queen of hearts (East discards the seven of spades), Declarer leads the three of hearts. What is your plan?
declarer cashes the ace of diamonds (dummy discards
a low spade) and leads a club. What do you do?



 Intermediate
The Abbot’s New Partner

David Bird
On the third day of the Abbot’s visit to St Hilda’s Convent, Sister Grace was restricted to her bed.
Since it was the first Friday of the month, it was the Mother of Discipline’s custom to attend the
novice duplicate.
‘Perhaps you wouldn’t mind partnering the Abbot instead,’ suggested the Mother Superior. ‘He’s
a better player than you think. He may be able to offer some useful tips to our young players.’
‘I doubt it,’ replied the Mother of Discipline. ‘From what I saw of his play on Wednesday, they’re
more likely to pick up some bad habits.’
The noisy chatter in the novices’ cardroom hushed immediately as the stooped figure of the
Mother of Discipline entered, followed by the Abbot. ‘Take your seats!’ she cried.
This was an early board:
Dealer North. None Vul.
♠ 953
♥ A5
♦ KJ875
♣ A63
♠ K 10 N ♠ Q84
♥ 832 ♥ J 10 6
♦ 9643 W E ♦ A Q 10
♣ KQJ4 S ♣ 10 8 7 5
♠ AJ762
♥ KQ974
♦2
♣ 92
Sister The Sister Mother of
Colleen Abbot Yvette Discipline
– 1♦ Pass 1♠
Pass 2♠ Pass 4♠
All Pass
Looking somewhat ill-at-ease in the presence of two such senior players, Sister Colleen led the
king of clubs. The Abbot attempted a warm smile at his partner as he laid out his dummy.
‘By the blessed Saint Odhran of Iona!’ exclaimed the Mother of Discipline.
Sister Colleen’s mouth fell open. ‘Was I not meant to lead a club, Reverend Mother?’
‘Be silent, foolish child,’ remonstrated the Mother of Discipline. ‘I’m referring to my partner’s
senseless bidding. How can spades be raised on such a hand?’
The Abbot raised his eyebrows. ‘You prefer four-card support?’ he queried.
‘Since my response shows only four cards, of course you need four for a raise,’ came the reply.
‘Does 4 plus 3 equal 8 where you come from? What an appalling example to set these young girls!’
In truth, the Abbot was almost as terrified of the Mother of Discipline as the novices were. He

 Intermediate
refrained from further comment and the play proceeded. After winning the club lead with dum-
my’s ace, the elderly declarer continued with three top hearts. The suit broke 3-3 and she ditched
a club from dummy. Without touching the trump suit, she then played a fourth round of hearts.
If West allowed her partner to ruff this trick, dummy’s last club would disappear and ace and
another trump would then pick up the defenders’ trumps. Declarer would make the contract, los-
ing only two trump tricks and the ace of diamonds.
Hoping that her defence would escape criticism, Sister Colleen ruffed with the ♠10. The Mother
of Discipline pointed at dummy’s last club, directing the Abbot to dispose of it. She ruffed the
club queen continuation in the dummy and played a trump to her ace, dropping West’s king.
A trump to dummy’s bare nine forced East’s queen and declarer was soon able to draw the last
trump and claim the contract.
‘You played it well,’ said the Abbot, hoping to restore normal relations with his obstreperous
partner.
‘A very lucky lie of the cards,’ retorted the Mother of Discipline. ‘The bidding didn’t deserve to
be rewarded in that way. I was hoping to go down.’
The Abbot had been waiting for some opportunity to display his own skills at the game. Per-
haps this would draw an admiring glance or two from the novices, some of whom were rather
pretty. There was no such opportunity on this board from the third round, where he defended a
spade game:
Dealer South. N/S Vul.
♠ 10 9 8 5
♥Q
♦ A J 10 4 3
♣ K82
♠ Q43 N ♠6
♥ J93 ♥ 10 8 7 5 2
♦ 875 W E ♦ K92
♣ Q 10 7 6 S ♣ AJ 9 5
♠ AKJ72
♥ AK64
♦ Q6
♣ 43
The Sister Mother of Sister
Abbot Kirsten Discipline Briana
– – – 1♠
Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠
All Pass
The Abbot led the ♣6 and the blonde-haired Sister Kirsten laid out her dummy somewhat nerv-
ously. Was a raise to the three-level the right move on her hand? She would soon hear from a
certain quarter if not!
When the Mother of Discipline remained silent, Sister Kirsten was able to relax. It was now
poor Sister Briana who would have to watch her step. Woe betide her if she made some stupid
play on this particular round.
‘King, please,’ said Sister Briana.
The Mother of Discipline won with the ace and returned the ♣5 to the Abbot’s ♣10. The young

 Intermediate
declarer ruffed the third round of clubs and played two top trumps. She sighed when East showed
out on the second round. Was it her fault if the trumps happened to break badly? To make the
contract she would now need the diamond finesse to succeed. No such luck was forthcoming
and the game went one down.
‘Appalling play!’ snapped the Mother of Discipline.
‘But three finesses were wrong, Reverend Mother,’ protested Sister Briana. ‘That’s not my fault.’
The Mother of Discipline reached for her black punishment book. ‘That will be one day on
St Iona’s regime,’ she announced, making a note to this effect. ‘How many times have I told you
to think at Trick 1? Do you think that Abbot Hugo is so stupid that he would make an opening
lead away from the ace of clubs?’
Sister Briana glanced at the Abbot. ‘I don’t expect so, Reverend Mother, but it was my only
chance to avoid losing a trick in the suit.’
‘Foolish girl!’ exclaimed the Mother of Discipline. ‘Cover the ♣6 with dummy’s ♣8 and the
contract is yours. If I cash the ♣A after winning with the ♣J, you will have a discard for your dia-
mond loser. If I don’t, you can discard dummy’s remaining clubs on your top hearts.’
All memory of the deal had fled from the novice’s mind. ‘That’s very clever, Reverend Mother,’
she said.
‘It’s entirely obvious,’ continued the Mother of Discipline. ‘If you can’t get to sleep tonight
without a pillow, remember two things. Firstly, that St Iona slept without a pillow, in great dis-
comfort, throughout her adult life. Secondly, that you should always think before playing to Trick
1. If you find it difficult to eat your cereal without milk tomorrow morning, remember two fur-
ther things. Firstly that St Iona never took milk with her cereal and had a perpetual sore throat
as a result. Secondly, that it is rarely right to play an unsupported king from dummy at Trick 1.’
‘Yes, indeed, Reverend Mother,’ Sister Briana replied. ‘The blessed saint was a fine example to
us all.’
‘Had Saint Iona played bridge, I dare say she would have led the queen or ten of clubs from
your hand, Hugo,’ declared the Mother of Discipline. ‘That gives the contract no chance at all.’
With some difficulty the Abbot refrained from comment. For a moment he wondered if the
Mother of Discipline was related to Brother Xavier. Such double-dummy opening lead sugges-
tions were right up his street. At least the club lead had beaten the contract at the table. Who in
the world would even think of leading the queen or ten from such a combination?
The Mother of Discipline entered the result in her scorecard. ‘No chance at all,’ she muttered.
Soon afterwards, the Abbot faced two minuscule 15-year-olds. He looked at them in turn with
some concern. They could hardly weigh more than 6 stone each! What sort of diet had the Mother
of Discipline enforced on them? On closer inspection, it seemed that they might be twins. They
were both wearing identical metal-rimmed spectacles.
‘Good evening, Reverend Mother,’ chanted the newcomers in unison. ‘We hope you’re having
an enjoyable session.’
The Mother of Discipline beckoned for the play to start. This was the first board of the round:

 Intermediate
Dealer South. E/W Vul.
♠ 86532
♥ Q7
♦ AK65
♣ 72
♠A N ♠ 94
♥ 10 6 4 3 ♥ 852
♦ 10 8 7 2 W E ♦ QJ93
♣ KQJ8 S ♣ 10 6 5 4
♠ K Q J 10 7
♥ AKJ9
♦4
♣ A93
The Sister Mother of Sister
Abbot Shauna Discipline Ciara
– – – 1♠
Pass 3♠ Pass 4NT
Pass 5♦ Pass 6♠
All Pass
Trusting that his choice might evade subsequent criticism, the Abbot placed the king of clubs
on the table. Sister Ciara won with the ace of clubs and noted that she now had two top losers.
The Mother of Discipline had been known to lose her temper when a novice didn’t draw trumps
immediately but here it seemed that it might be a mistake.
Fearful as she was of bringing the Black Punishment Book into action, Sister Ciara decided to
play on hearts before drawing trumps. She played the queen, ace and king of hearts, discarding
dummy’s last club. With a second loser avoided, she then played a trump.
The Abbot won with the trump ace and promptly returned a fourth round of hearts. Sister Ciara
surveyed this card with some alarm. ‘Ruff with the eight, please, partner,’ she said.
An overruff with the ♠9 put the slam one down.
‘Unbelievable carelessness!’ exclaimed the Mother of Discipline. ‘Pride comes before a fall, girl!
You were so busy preening yourself after your play in hearts, you lost concentration.’
Sister Ciara bowed her head, staring at the baize as she awaited her fate.
‘How can you leave the jack of hearts in your hand?’ persisted the Mother of discipline. ‘You
should play the ace and king of diamonds, discarding the last heart. Then you draw trumps. That’s
the way to play it.’
Sister Ciara saw a small chance to avoid punishment. ‘What a wonderful play, Reverend Mother!’
she declared. ‘I’ll never be able to play as well as you do.’
‘True enough,’ mumbled the Mother of Discipline. ‘Still, we must all strive our utmost to
achieve what we can in this life.’
‘Wise words, Reverend Mother,’ said Sister Shauna. ‘We’re both so grateful for your help with
our play.’
The Mother of Discipline tapped her fingers on the table, eventually deciding that no punish-
ment would be necessary on this occasion. It was good to know that her efforts to help the girls
were appreciated.
On the last round the Abbot faced the two best players in the convent’s novitiate. It was one
of the last times they would play in this weekly session, since it would soon be time for their

 Intermediate
Temporary Profession of Vows. This was the deal before them:
Dealer East. Both Vul.
♠ 42
♥ 10 9 6 3
♦ K97
♣ AKQJ
♠ 63 N ♠ Q J 10 9 5
♥ J542 ♥A
♦ Q 10 2 W E ♦ AJ 8 4
♣ 8643 S ♣ 10 5 2
♠ AK87
♥ KQ87
♦ 653
♣ 97
Mother of Sister The Sister
Discipline Ailionora Abbot Kiara
– – 1♠ Pass
Pass Double Pass 2♠
Pass 3♣ Pass 3♥
Pass 4♥ All Pass
The Mother of Discipline led the ♠6 and the dark-haired Sister Kiara won with the ace. A club
to dummy was followed by a round of trumps, the ace appearing from East. Declarer won the
spade continuation and played the king of trumps, discovering a second loser in the suit. After
drawing a third round with the queen, she played four rounds of clubs, discarding two diamonds.
The lead was in dummy with these cards still in play:
♠—
♥ 10
♦ K97
♣—
♠— N ♠ J 10
♥J ♥—
♦ Q 10 2 W E ♦ AJ
♣— S ♣—
♠ 87
♥8
♦6
♣—
Sister Kiara was hoping to score some more trump tricks. With this aim in mind, she called for
dummy’s king of diamonds. When the Abbot won with the ace and returned the diamond jack,
declarer ruffed with the ♥8. She then led a spade towards dummy’s ♥10, promoting that card
into her tenth trick. The game had been made.
The Abbot could not resist a comment. ‘Perhaps you should lead the queen or ten of diamonds,
Reverend Mother?’ he suggested. ‘You recommended such a lead to me a short while ago. The
contract goes down then. In fact, it goes two down.’

 Intermediate
The Mother of Discipline glared at him. ‘Did it not occur to you to make a lead-directing bid?’
she demanded. ‘Rebid Two Diamonds over North’s Double and you change a bottom into a top!’
The session drew to an end and the novices streamed out of the cardroom. The Abbot looked
across at his elderly partner, who showed no immediate sign of leaving her chair. ‘You’re very harsh
on some of the girls, Reverend Mother,’ he observed. ‘I felt a bit sorry for them.’
‘It pains me deeply at times,’ replied the Mother of Discipline, struggling to rise to her feet. ‘I
hate to hurt the young dears’ feelings, it goes without saying, but there’s no other way to improve
their game. In years to come, they’ll look back and thank me for it!’
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

 Intermediate
Leading Answers
Sally Brock conducts a series of Lead Questions
See Page 44
I’m back, after a long rest! We are going to change require a lot of imagination to see that something else
the style slightly so that all the opening lead problems might be much better.
come from the same event. This first article features Robson: ♥2. Unwilling to give a trick by an ace lead,
the most recent Gold Cup final stages. The first two the risk of a quick pitch via a spade finesse is small.
problems come from the quarter-final match where, Lawrence: ♥3. It goes against the grain to lead a
slightly against expectation, Cope (Simon Cope, Peter trump on this auction. But any other lead is dan-
Crouch, Ben Green, John Holland, Nicola Smith) beat gerous. I hope to learn something after seeing the
Allfrey (Alexander Allfrey, David Bakhshi, Tony For- dummy. Leading aces has a following on auctions
rester, David Gold, Andrew Robson, Mike Bell). The like this but I don’t see the normal need for that.
other three were from our (Sally Brock, Taf Anthias, If you don’t like a trump and don’t like an ace, this
Chris Dixon, Barry Myers) semi-final match where we choice could work well …
overcame Gillis (Simon Gillis, Zia Mahmood, Boye Matheson: ♠2. To cater for dummy holding the
Brogeland, Espen Erichsen, Espen Lindqvist. Cope got ♠A and a minor trick or two.
the better of us in the final. I must say that I am partial to leading aces on this sort
of auction. If you are going to lead an ace, which one?
PROBLEM 1 Kokish: ♦A. More likely to give us a shot at more
than one or two tricks in a suit and less likely to
IMPs. Dealer South. None Vul. be ruffed than the ♣A. When declarer has the ♦K
or when they have the ♦K and ♦Q split this could
– – – 4♥
be especially bad, but these deals are often about
cashing out in the right order and leading trumps
All Pass
can not only concede a tempo but also pickle an
What should West lead holding otherwise unfinessable trump holding.
♠ K 10 2 But he is a minority vote, as the others all go for
♥ 832 a club:
♦ AJ 6 Bakhshi: ♣A. Less likely to cost a trick than the
♣ A9 8 7 other side suits. If dummy hits with strong clubs,
Marks: ♥ 10, ♣A/♦A 7, ♠2 4 I may have time to switch and cash out.
Dhondy: ♣A. It could be right to lead a spade, but
A couple of my friends recently decided to practise bid- that could also be disastrous, so I would prefer to
ding on BBO after the opponents had opened four of hopefully cash an ace and take a look at dummy.
a major. After a couple of hours they came to a clear This might give me a better idea of how to defend
conclusion: that they should open four of a major more and I might still be in time to switch to spades if
often as it’s bloody difficult! Here the choices boil down necessary.
to: (a) a ‘safe’ trump, (b) a spade, hoping to knock out Carruthers: ♣A. I may need the ♦J to surround
dummy’s entry, or (c) guessing a minor-suit ace. Here dummy’s queen or beat declarer’s Qxx. The big-
are the arguments for a trump: gest danger, as I see it, is if declarer has seven heart
Wolff: ♥3. It is strange for me to ever choose con- tricks and the dummy comes down with the ♠AQJ.
servatism, but here it appears to be, on percentage, In that case, we’re dead on a major-suit lead. How-
worth losing a tempo in order to not muck it up. ever, any non-trump lead could be the killer or
Bird: ♥2. It’s hard to imagine making any other lead. could surrender the contract. The lead of the ♣A
Why take a big risk of giving a trick away when you or ♦A could backfire if declarer has spade losers and
have a lead that is almost certain to be safe? dummy has the ♠A and king-queen of the ace led
Well, I know a trump is ‘safe’ but surely it does not opposite shortness.

 Intermediate
When I show you the full hand you too may see the passively vs part-scores, and either vs games depend-
advantages of opening four of a major more often! ing on the auction, how does that sound?
♠ AQ543 Wolff: ♣J. Surely the ace, and likely the queen, is in
♥ 64 dummy and there’s a fair chance declarer will have
♦ 9874 a singleton, taking away later chances to change his
♣ K5 mind, after not finessing at trick one.
♠ K 10 2 N ♠ J9876 But South showed no shortage – or were those bid-
♥ 832 ♥ QJ ding notes too tedious and you stopped reading before
♦ AJ 6 W E ♦ K Q 10 2
S you got to number four!
♣ A9 8 7 ♣ J3
♠ —
Then there’s …
♥ A K 10 9 7 5 Dhondy: ♦2. I think dummy is going to hold both
♦ 53 red aces since South has denied them by the failure
♣ Q 10 6 4 2 to cue-bid. Since South clearly has values some-
In the Gold Cup quarter-final between Allfrey and where, a club looks dangerous since it could run
Cope, Alexander Allfrey chose the ♣A which was some- to declarer’s queen. A trump also looks dangerous
thing of a disaster. as it could pick up partner’s holding so I am left
between the red suits. Since partner had the oppor-
PROBLEM 2 tunity to double hearts for the lead, and failed to
do so, I’ll try a diamond.
IMPs. Dealer North. Both Vul. Or the more superficially passive …
Bakhshi: ♥2. With the 4-1 spade split and my
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH strong club holding, there is no need to make an
– 1NT* Pass 2♦* aggressive lead.
Pass 3♥* Pass 3NT* Matheson: ♥2. The lead least likely to blow a trick.
Pass 4♣ Pass 4♠ On a bad day partner has Q-x and we locate it for
Pass 6♠ All Pass declarer. On a very good day partner has Q-J and
1NT 14–16 we generate a trick in the suit.
2♦ 4+ spades, asking Kokish: ♥2. Low from odd that might eventually
3♥ 4 spades, max, prefers partner to declare hint at suit preference once partner realises I have
3NT slam try, no shortage nothing in the suit. It’s tempting to lead the ♠J to
What should West lead holding try to look like a person with Q-J doubleton and
♠J mess with a restricted choice decision, but really,
♥ 96432 why should that be the trump position? It’s not
♦ Q32 difficult to construct layouts where an aggressive
♣ K J 10 5 club lead or even a more speculative diamond lead
could be right, but when the opponents’ hands are
Marks: ♥ 10, ♠J 9, ♣J 7, ♦2 5
both balanced passive is more likely to be the bet-
Once again we have votes for all four suits. As always ter strategy.
against a suit contract, the first decision is ‘trump or Bird: ♥6. I have a vague feeling that I recognise
not trump’. A couple go for ‘trump’ … the hand and that a (totally mad) club lead would
Lawrence: ♠J. Would like to know what Four Clubs find partner with the queen. Since I am not (yet)
was. Sounds like a cue-bid. This sounds like being completely off my trolley, I will lead a passive heart.
on lead against 6NT. So I try to be safe. Perhaps The traditional notion of making aggressive leads
the ♠J will feel like a falsecard to declarer. against suit slams did not meet with approval from
Robson: ♠J. Least likely to cost. the computer simulations run by Taf Anthias and
The advantage of leading a trump is that then the myself in Winning Suit Contract Leads.
decision is over. If you’re not going to lead a trump then I think each auction has to be taken on its own
you have to decide which suit you are going to lead. merits. Where the two hands are both balanced then
Carruthers: ♣J. Interesting bidding methods these I agree with you. But here the question is ‘which is the
opponents play. I expect partner to have a little most passive, a heart or a spade?’ As the cards lie, only
something if we are to beat the contract. He’ll need a trump gives declarer any problem at all as any other
an entry in hearts or trumps and the ♣Q is less to lead effectively gives him his twelfth trick. The full deal:
play for than the ♦K. Lead aggressively vs slams,

 Intermediate
♠ Q532 anything he wouldn’t do for himself …
♥ A J 10 Dhondy: ♥5. If I had an attractive alternative to
♦ A 10 9 6 a singleton in partner’s suit I would try it, but my
♣ A2 clubs are weak and also my hand is weak, so I am
♠ J N ♠ 10 8 6
going to hope that partner has good hearts and an
♥ 96432 ♥ Q75
♦ Q32 W E ♦ J754 entry.
♣ K J 10 5 S ♣ 976 Lawrence: ♥5. Feels normal. The clubs aren’t good
♠ AK974 enough to look there.
♥ K8 Kokish: ♥5. Sure we could bet the farm on catch-
♦ K8 ing East with a suitable club holding with the ♠K
♣ Q843 an entry to cash established club winners, but there
is not enough evidence to suggest the club lead
PROBLEM 3 won’t blow a trick and that declarer won’t be fight-
This was another deal from the Cope v Allfrey Gold ing for his ninth trick where the heart lead would
Cup match. A flat board this time, but an interesting give him nothing. I expect this to be a minority
lead problem nevertheless. choice, I confess.
Robson: ♥5. Partner has nine major-suit cards, so
IMPs. Dealer North. N/S Vul. I doubt a club will strike lucky.
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH That’s a good point. The opponents are unlikely to
– Pass 2♥ Double have an eight-card spade fit, so partner will only have
Pass 2♠ Pass 2NT four minor-suit cards, and if he has three clubs then
Pass 3NT All Pass declarer probably has a lot of diamond tricks. Anyway,
this time the heart was the winner as the full deal was:
What should West lead holding
♠ A 10 8 6 3
♠ K94 ♥ 10 9 7
♥5 ♦ 98
♦ 10 7 6 4 ♣ 10 6 4
♣ K9532 ♠ K94 N ♠ Q72
♥ 5 ♥ KQJ863
Marks: ♣3 10, ♥5 9 ♦ 10 7 6 4 W E ♦ Q53
Only two choices this time (no possibility of votes for a ♣ K9532 S ♣ 7
trump!). Do we try partner’s suit or the rather mouldy ♠ J5
suit of our own? ♥ A42
Bakhshi: ♣3. It is hard to imagine partner having ♦ AKJ2
good enough hearts to establish and an entry to get ♣ AQJ8
to them. The club suit has more promise. On a heart lead there is no real play, but on a club
Wolff: ♣3. Obviously looking for magic but the lead declarer won and ran the ♠J, ducked. Now a
decent 5-card suit, at least IMO tips the scales. diamond finesse and declarer was home.
Carruthers: ♣3. It’s too much to hope that part-
PROBLEM 4
ner has hearts that can readily be established in one
go and that he has an entry to cash them. Even IMPs. Dealer North. Both Vul.
♥KQJxxx and an ace may not be enough (one oppo-
nent has four hearts, for example). I have to hope WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
he’s got some help in clubs and that the ♠K is an – Pass 1♥ 1NT
entry. Pass 3NT All Pass
Matheson: ♣3. Hoping partner has the necessary What should West lead holding
help in clubs. If he hasn’t I think declarer will always
have at least nine tricks.
♠ 9764
Bird: ♣3. It seems unlikely that we can beat this ♥7
contract unless partner has something helpful in ♦ Q J 10 7
clubs. ♣ J932
Well, it’s possible but something of a long shot I Marks: ♥7 10, ♦Q 3
would say. At least a heart is not going to give him A similar problem to the last one. But is it different?

 Intermediate
Some again lead partner’s suit: contract. The full deal:
Lawrence: ♥7. But with little confidence. The ♦Q ♠ 10 3
is an alternative. ♥ K2
Robson: ♥7. Good enough defensive prospects ♦ K9842
not to risk the ♦Q. ♣ K 10 8 7
♠ 9764 ♠ AJ 8 5
Kokish: ♥7. The ♦Q – actually the jack playing ♥ 7
N
♥ A Q 10 4 3
modern methods, showing the queen or shortness ♦ Q J 10 7 W E ♦ 3
(some prefer Rusinow only with at least four cards ♣ J932 S ♣ 654
in the suit) – seems relatively safe. It might not be ♠ KQ2
enough to beat 3NT where a simple heart lead has ♥ J9865
a better chance to set up four heart tricks to go with ♦ A65
a sure entry. There is also the possibility of catching ♣ AQ
East with a singleton nine or king with the eight (After a heart lead to the queen, East must avoid the return of
well placed for declarer when the safe lead might either major. Editor.)
not be so safe at all. PROBLEM 5
These obviously like to keep partner happy. There is
another group who chose a club before but this time IMPs. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
prefer to go with partner’s suit…
Matheson: ♥7. The indications are that partner has WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
minimum points and should have a decent suit. The Pass 1♥ 2♣ 2♦
♦Q is a far from safe lead on this auction. 4♣ 5♣ 6♣ Pass
Bakhshi: ♥7. I don’t have a five-card suit, so I lead Pass 6♦ All Pass
partner’s five-card suit. What should West lead holding
Bird: ♥7. Partner has the side entries, so I hope
that his hearts can be set up in time. I would lead
♠ 82
a diamond at matchpoints.
♥ 10 8 6 5 4
Carruthers: ♥7. Here, in contrast to Problem 3,
♦ A 10
partner has most of the defence’s assets, so I lead
♣ Q 10 6 5
his suit. With as little as ♥QJ109x and a couple of Marks: ♥ 10, ♠8 7
aces, we might beat 3NT. To beat 3NT on a dia- The choice here is between a spade and a heart. Let’s
mond lead, partner will need at least four diamonds hear from the minority first:
or AKx. Additionally, with either of those holdings, Carruthers: ♠8. Trying to establish a spade trick
he may have the time for a killing switch. before they disappear on the hearts. It’s unlikely
There are just two who actually choose a diamond: that the opponents have bid Six Diamonds off a
Dhondy: ♦Q. Now I do have an attractive alterna- club trick and the ace of trumps (I think). Even if
tive. South’s 1NT overcall typically will have good they have, we may still survive with partner’s short
heart stoppers, and partner’s One Heart doesn’t need hearts and my short spades since the discards will
to be a good suit, so leading a singleton heart doesn’t need to come from the closed hand (if dummy has
seem right. I can’t see a case for leading a black suit a club loser). Another possibility is to try to give
when I have this honour sequence in diamonds. partner a second-round heart ruff (no Lightner
Wolff: ♦Q. Continuing to test my loyalty to partner Double, so no first-round ruff). However, it looks
by not leading his suit, but, especially while playing to me that he may have singletons in both red suits,
four-card majors, I will opt out of being faithful. or even a void in diamonds, so that may not be
In my view a diamond is not a good choice here. To possible. I expect dummy to have something like
start with we have 4 HCP and partner has opened vul- ♠AQxx ♥AQJxx ♦Qxxx ♣— or perhaps 3-6-4-
nerable, so North/South do not have a lot to spare for 0. This is a deal where the opponents could have
their bidding. Secondly, North has not tried to find a duplication in clubs, the ace opposite a void, given
spade fit so presumably has length in at least one minor South’s forcing pass (created by North’s Five Club
and neither is breaking. A heart lead is much more bid) of Six Clubs.
passive than a diamond because it won’t give declarer Matheson: ♠8. Hoping to generate a spade trick
anything he doesn’t have already. The diamond chosen before my ♦A is driven out. If partner is void in
at both tables was a disaster, not because a heart was hearts he might well have doubled. If he has a
better, but because it just presented declarer with his

 Intermediate
singleton heart I also need him to have two dia- You might think the Six Club bid random, but at
monds for a heart lead to be profitable. the table, in our Gold Cup semi-final against Gillis,
I agree that partner might well have two singletons, Zia bid Seven Clubs! No-one was bidding over that
but more of that later. Let’s hear the case for a heart… and he went for 1100.
Bakhshi: ♥4. Why shouldn’t partner have a sin- The question was whether or not our pair would
gleton heart? have made their slam. This was the full deal:
Bird: ♥5. It sounds like North is void in clubs. A ♠ AK96
spade lead would be an uncertain step in the dark, ♥ KQJ97
so I will hope to find partner with a singleton heart. ♦ KQ3
Robson: ♥5. Singleton heart opposite must be the ♣ 3
best shot. ♠ 82 N ♠ Q J 10 4
Dhondy: ♥5. I am hoping to find partner with heart ♥ 10 8 6 5 4 ♥ 2
♦ A 10 W E ♦ 74
shortage. A singleton will probably do if declarer S
♣ Q 10 6 5 ♣ KJ9874
has two, as I have a fast entry in trumps. It doesn’t ♠ 753
sound as though we are taking a trick in clubs. ♥ A3
Wolff: ♥5. Yes, it is possible that dummy will not ♦ J98652
have a small singleton club in order to execute a ♣ A2
decent plan to sink that slam with an eventual ruff. At our table, I opened a trash Multi as West which
Lawrence: ♥5. Hoping for a second-round heart posed problems for North/South that left them lan-
ruff. At least I can see the reasons for this lead. Other guishing in 3NT – one down on a club lead.
choices do not come with a defined goal. Thank you all for your help with this feature which
Kokish: ♥5. Even if East has the expected stiff heart I hope will run every month from now on. Congratula-
for his somewhat random Six Clubs he might also tions to David Bird for a perfect score, closely followed
have at most one diamond or the hearts might be by Mike Lawrence and Andrew Robson. And please
5-6-1-1, but the heart ruff looks like a better shot would you all, readers and panelists alike, send me any
than cashing a club or building a spade winner in interesting lead problems that you have at the table.
time.
THE VOTING
Problem 1 2 3 4 5 Total
David Bird ♥2 ♥6 ♣3 ♥7 ♥5 50
Mike Lawrence ♥3 ♠J ♥5 ♥7 ♥5 48
Andrew Robson ♥2 ♠J ♥5 ♥7 ♥5 48
David Bakhshi ♣A ♥2 ♣3 ♥7 ♥5 47
Eric Kokish ♦A ♥2 ♥5 ♥7 ♥5 46
John Carruthers ♣A ♣J ♣3 ♥7 ♠8 41
John Matheson ♠2 ♥2 ♣3 ♥7 ♠8 41
Heather Dhondy ♣A ♦2 ♥5 ♦Q ♥5 34
Bobby Wolff ♥3 ♣J ♣3 ♦Q ♥5 40

 Intermediate

 Intermediate
BRIDGE PACKAGE INCLUDES: (1) (2)

 Intermediate
Some Enchanted Evening

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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

South reaches Four Spades after the unopposed auction:
1♠-2♥-2♠-3♣-3♥-3♠-4♠-Pass
Dealer East. E/W Vul.
♠ J9
♥ A K 10 9 8 2
♦6
♣ A J 10 9
♠ A K 10 5 3 2
♥ J5
♦ Q5
♣ Q64
West cashes the ace of diamonds and switches to the king of clubs. Dummy wins and run-
sthe jack of spades. This loses to West who continues with a low diamond. How should South
continue?
The deal is from the Cavendish in Las Vegas in the year 2000. Declarer was the late Guido
Ferraro. He ruffed in dummy and cashed top hearts but then suffered both a heart ruff and a
club ruff for one off. The defender sitting West was Eddie Wold and when in with the trump
queen he had cleverly underled his diamond king. Had he played the king Ferraro might
have realised the winning play was to let this hold!
Then West has to allow declarer back into his own hand to draw trumps and claim the rest.
As it was declarer makes an overtrick if he discards from dummy on the second diamond.
The full layout was:
♠ J9
♥ A K 10 9 8 2
♦6
♣ A J 10 9
♠ Q76 N ♠ 84
♥ 7643 ♥Q
♦ A K 10 4 2 W E ♦ J9873
♣K S ♣ 87532
♠ A K 10 5 3 2
♥ J5
♦ Q5
♣ Q64

 Intermediate
3URJUDPPH
)UL 6HSWQG :HOFRPH3DLUV
6DW 6HSWUG ,033DLUV
6XQ 6HSWWK 0L[HG 2SHQ7HDPV
0RQ6HSWWK 0LQL7HDPV%$0
7XH6HSWWK /DUD0L[HG 2SHQ3DLUV
:HG6HSWWK 2SHQ7HDPV
7KX6HSWWK 2SHQ7HDPV
)UL 6HSWWK 2SHQ7HDPVILQDO$
)UL 6HSWWK %UN2SHQ3DLUV
6DW 6HSWWK %UN2SHQ3DLUV
6HSWWKWK 'DLO\$GGLWRQDO3DLUV
ͳͲͲλʹ͹ͲλͷͷλͶͲ
λ
λ
ͳͲȀλλ
λǣͳͲǦʹͲȀλͷͲǤͲͲͲ
λͶǤͲͲͲ

 Intermediate
Solutions to “Test Your Defence”
with Julian Pottage See page 69
♠ ♠
1 ♥
J 10 8 4
A 10 3 2 2 ♥
5
KQ9864
♦ K ♦ 10 9 4 2
♣ Q952 ♣ Q8
♠ 3 N ♠ KQ976 ♠ K 10 7 3 N ♠ AJ 8 2
♥ 84 ♥ J ♥ A 10 5 ♥ 2
♦ Q976543 W E ♦ J82 ♦ 3 W E ♦ Q765
♣ K 10 6 S ♣ AJ 8 4 ♣ J 10 6 4 3 S ♣ K972
♠ A52 ♠ Q964
♥ KQ9765 ♥ J73
♦ A 10 ♦ AKJ8
♣ 73 ♣ A5
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
– – 1♠ 2♥ – – – 1NT*
Pass 4♥ All Pass Pass 4♦* Pass 4♥
You lead the three of spades, covered by the ten, queen All Pass
and ace. Declarer cashes the king of hearts (jack from 1NT 15-17
East) and leads the ten of diamonds to the king and 4♦ Transfer to hearts
two (standard count). Having returned to hand with You lead the three of diamonds to the queen and ace.
the queen of hearts (East discards the seven of spades), Declarer leads the three of hearts. What is your plan?
declarer cashes the ace of diamonds (dummy discards You are unlikely to beat the contact with high cards.
a low spade) and leads a club. What do you do? You will surely need a ruff as well as the ace of hearts
Having taken no tricks yet, your side needs four in the and two tricks in the black suits. At teams or rubber
black suits. Partner will need the king-nine of spades as bridge (as assumed), you do not need to think about
well as the ace of clubs to give you a chance. If declarer getting two ruffs. You need to focus on scoring at least
has three losing clubs, you can simply take three clubs one.
and a spade. The key situation is when partner holds If you had to guess, you would play on clubs when you
four clubs. You can more or less write down the layout. gain the lead. This is partly because partner might hold
Suppose you take the king of clubs and exit with the the ace-king and partly because the ace of spades with-
ten. Having captured the queen with the ace, your out the jack might not be enough. In putting partner
partner has no safe exit. A spade sets up the jack; a in to give you a ruff, playing a spade would set up a
club would set up the club; a diamond gives a ruff ruffing finesse if declarer holds the queen-jack.
and discard. Fortunately, you do not need to guess. You can hold
Playing low fares no better. Partner takes the queen up the ace of trumps until the second round. If hold-
with the ace (or the nine with the jack) and leads low ing a doubleton, partner can play suit-preference on
to your king. Then partner is in a dilemma on the third the first round, low to ask for a club, high to ask for
round of clubs: letting you win leaves you to lead a a spade. On the actual layout partner can make an
diamond; overtaking sets up a club winner in dummy. informative discard on the second round. You will
Goldilocks has the solution: play the middling ten on then know to play a spade, ruff a diamond and exit
the first club. This avoids the club blockage and hence with the jack of clubs.
the endplay.

 Intermediate
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 Intermediate
PARTNERSHIP PROFILE
In this issue, the Editor takes a look at the second session of the final of the main event in the ACBL’s
Fall Nationals, the Reisinger Trophy..
To remind you, this is a three day, six-sessions event; two qualification sessions and two semi-final
sessions are followed by a ten-team final over two sessions.
Each board is scored as a Win, a Loss or a Tie (Push). If the N/S pair is +620 and the E/W pair
at the other table is +100, the result is a full win and one point.
If a team is -1100 E/W at one table and -1700 as N/S at the other table, it is simply a loss and a
zero. If both tables achieve the same score, say +170 at each table, it is a tie and a 1/2 for each team.
At BAM, the part-score battle can be intense. Doubling a part-score is more prevalent than
in any other form of scoring. At matchpoints, tight doubles of part-scores are often avoided. At
BAM, if a player suspects his opponents have already out-competed him, a penalty double is
often a no-lose proposition.
During the play, overtricks play an important role. Concentration, courage and a strong bid-
ding technique are essential ingredients for this kind of competition.
We are going to concentrate on the two teams who finished well clear of the remaining eight.
At the end of the first session of the final Mark Gordon’s team, David Berkowitz, Michael
Rosenberg, Jacek Pszczola, Alan Sontag and Pratap Rajadhyaksha led with 16.5,just ahead of Zim-
mermann’s 16.0, with Becker next on 15.5, followed by Vytautas Vainikonis (Jerzy Skrzyzpczak,
Ron Pachtmann, Boguslaw Gierulski, Olanski Wojtek and Pawel Zatorski) on 15.0.
The Hands
(This month all the deals were played at BAM.)
Hand 1. Dealer North. None Vul.
♠ KQJ8752 N ♠4
♥ 65 ♥ KJ932
♦ AK 4 W E ♦ Q53
♣2 S ♣ 10 9 8 3
South opens 1♣
Helgemo Helness
– Pass Pass 1♣
4♠ Double All Pass
North, who held ♠63 ♥A87 ♦J10982 ♣KQ7 led the king of clubs and switched to the jack of
diamonds. Declarer won with dummy’s queen, played a spade to the queen and continued with
the king, which lost to the ace. He ruffed the return of the ace of clubs, drew the outstanding
trump and played a heart to the king, +590.
At the other table Multon opened 1♣ and Zatorski overcalled 1♠. When Sementa doubled
Multon rebid 1NT and Zatorski’s 3♠ ended the auction.
Sementa led the king of clubs and switched to the seven of hearts. When declarer put in dum-
my’s jack the queen of hearts gave the defenders a fourth trick and confirmed the win.
Gordon and Bramley both stopped in 3♠, but Pszczola won the board by getting the hearts
right and scoring +170.

 Intermediate
Recommended auction: Intrinsically there is nothing wrong with overcalling 1♠ and then jump-
ing to 3♠, but even when partner has the right cards for game it may be difficult for them to raise .
Rather than try to land on a pin head I prefer Helgemo’s approach.
Marks: 4♠ 10, 3♠ 7.
It was a bad round for Vainikonis, who lost ½-2½ to Monaco.
Running score: Vainikonis 0 (7) Gordon 1 (7)
Hand 2. Dealer North. None Vul.
♠ K43 N ♠ 10 8 7 5
♥ J 10 9 2 ♥ AK Q 7 6 5 4
♦ A J 10 3 W E ♦—
♣ AK S ♣ 72
West East
Skrypczak Gierulski
– 4♥
Pass
South, who held ♠Q92 ♥8 ♦KQ65 ♣Q9865 led the king of diamonds and declarer won with
dummy’s ace, ruffed a diamond, drew trumps, played a club to dummy, and eliminated the minors
before playing a spade. South put in the nine holding declarer to his contract, +420.
West East
Welland Auken
– 4♥
6♥ Pass
Play followed an identical path, so the contract was two down.

West East
Sontag Berkowitz
– 1♥
2NT* 3♣*
3♦* 3♥*
3♠ 3NT*
4♣* 4♥
4NT* 5♠
6♥ Pass
2NT Game-forcing heart raise
3♣ Numerous possibilities
3♦ Relay
I suspect East’s 3NT was a serious slam try and when West asked for key cards East showed two
along with the queen of hearts.
South led his trump and declarer followed the normal line of eliminating the minors before
playing a spade.
Helness fell from grace by following with the two and declarer could play low from dummy,
escaping for one down.

 Intermediate
West East
Multon Sementa
– 1♥
1♠ 2♥
3♣ 3♠
4♥ 5♦ (Double)
6♥ Pass
There was a variation in the play when declarer tried an early spade to the king, hoping South
might duck with a doubleton ace of spades, two down and a loss.
Peter Fredin was able to open the East hand 3NT and his partner, De Knijff, jumped to 6♥.
Greg Hinze led the ace of spades and when Bart Bramley followed with the nine, he continued
with the six. When South withheld his queen declarer could claim and an unlikely +980.
Recommended auction: Is it right to open the East hand 4♥?
Tony Forrester told me many years ago that it is a question of flaws. Four cards in the other
major is a flaw, as is a void in a side suit. With one of these it is fine to open at the four-level, but
with two of them it is not.
That suggests that 1♥ is best, when the auction might go 1♥-2NT*-4♥. Alternatively, if East
rebids 3♥ and then bids 4♦ over 4♣ West is only going to bid 4♥ and there the matter rests.
Marks: 4♥ 10
Hand 3. Dealer East. N/S Vul.
♠ K92 N ♠8
♥ A6 5 3 2 ♥ Q 10 7 4
♦ 82 W E ♦ K Q 10 3
♣ Q54 S ♣ A8 6 3
South overcalls 1♠ and North raises to 4♠
Skrzypczak Gierulski
– – 1♦ 1♠
2♦* 4♠ Pass Pass
Double Pass 5♥ All Pass
2♦ Transfer to hearts
South’s overcall was based on ♠AQ1075 ♥KJ9 ♦95 ♣KJ9 and after he had started with the ace
of spades followed by the ten, declarer could muster only eight tricks, -150.
With a hand strongly suited to defence and the vulnerability in his favour East should have
passed his partner’s double. One down would be +200 and were West to find a low club lead
+500 would be on the cards.
Welland Auken
– – 1♦ 1♠
Double 3♦ 3♥ Pass
Pass 3♠ Pass Pass
Double All Pass
West’s double is a classic BAM action.

 Intermediate
He led the eight of diamonds and declarer won with dummy’s ace and played a heart for the
four, jack and ace. East won the next diamond with the ten and continued with the queen, declarer
ruffing with the queen of spades and continuing with the ace of spades and a spade when West
pitched a heart.
West won and played a third spade, but declarer won in dummy, ruffed a diamond, ruffed a
heart, cashed the jack of diamonds and played a club to the king for +730 and an emphatic win.
Sontag Berkowitz
– – 1♦* 1♠
Double* 3♥* Double 4♠
Pass Pass 4NT* Double
5♥ Double All Pass
1♦ 2+♦
3♥ Mixed raise for spades
4NT Minors
Declarer failed to make the best of the play and finished four down, -800.
Multon Sementa
– – 1♣ 1♠
Double* 3♥* Pass 3♠
All Pass
3♥ Mixed raise, 6-9 with 4♠
West led the eight of diamonds and declarer made the mistake of ducking, allowing East to win
and return a spade, South winning with the king and switching to the four of clubs, North win-
ning with the ace and returning a club, ensuring five tricks for the defence.
Recommended auction: I agree with Michael Rosenberg’s suggestion that with equal length in
the minors it is possible to start with either 1♣ or 1♦.
After 1♣/1♦-(1♠)-Dble-(4♠)-Pass-(Pass)-Dble East has no reason to bid 5♥.
Marks:4♠ doubled 10, 4♠ undoubled 6.
It was a great round for Vainikonis, who won all three boards.
Hand 4. Dealer South. All Vul.
♠ A8 3 N ♠ Q 10 7 6 5
♥ A8 5 ♥ J7
♦ KQJ3 W E ♦ A7 2
♣ 10 8 2 S ♣ A4 3
South opens 1♥ and North raises to 2♥ (weak)
Skrzypcza Gierulski
– – – 1♥
Double 2♥ 4♠ All Pass
South led the king of hearts from ♠K2 ♥KQ1043 ♦9854 ♣K9 and declarer won with dummy’s
ace, played a diamond to the ace, the queen of spades, covered by the king and ace and a spade,
North taking the jack and returning a heart, but declarer was already assured of ten tricks, +620.

 Intermediate
Zagorin Bertheau
– – – 1♥
Pass Pass 1♠ Pass
2♥* Pass 2♠ All Pass
Here declarer won the heart lead in dummy and played the ace of spades and a spade to the ten,
soon claiming ten tricks.
In Gordon’s match Sontag doubled the opening bid of 1♥ and passed when Berkowitz jumped
to 2♠.
In the replay Seamon and Cayne duplicated the Polish auction to 4♠ to win the board.
Recommended auction: Once West doubles the opening bid I think North should insist on game.
If the auction starts (1♥)-Pass-(Pass)-1♠-(Pass)-2♥-(Pass)-2♠ then West should raise to 3♠ when
East advances to game.
Marks: 4♠ 10, 3♠ 6.
Hand 5. Dealer West. E/W Vul.
♠ 98543 N ♠ AK J
♥ KJ985 ♥ Q7
♦ 10 8 W E ♦ AJ 7
♣3 S ♣ K Q 10 4 2
West East
Blakset Bruun
Pass 2NT
3♣* 3♦*
3♥* 4♠
Pass
3♣ was asking about majors and when East denied one West’s 3♥ presumably promised 5-5 in
the majors.
Had South led a diamond from ♠Q76 ♥A104 ♦K653 ♣J95 the defenders would have been in
control, but at this form of scoring a diamond lead is tough to find and South started with the
five of clubs. North took the ace and switched to the nine of diamonds, but declarer won, cashed
a top spade, pitched a diamond on a club, ruffed a diamond and took a spade finesse, +620.
West East
Pszczola Rosenberg
Pass 2NT
3♣* 3♦*
3♠* 3NT
Pass
3♠ promised both majors, but East preferred the nine-trick game.

As before South led the five of clubs and North took the ace, declarer following with the four,
and returned the six, declarer winning with the king, throwing a heart from dummy and playing
three rounds of spades.
South won, North discarding the seven of clubs and when South continued with the ace of
hearts and a heart declarer was soon claiming ten tricks and a win.

 Intermediate
The seven of clubs was North’s lowest, but remember declarer had concealed the two. Perhaps
North should have pitched a heart to make it clear he wanted a diamond switch.
Vainikonis split the point with Gupta, both sides making 4♠ after a club lead by South.
Helgemo and Helness played 4♠ from the wrong side after bidding 2NT-3♣*-3♦*-3♠-4♠ and
North led the ten of diamonds to win the board.
Recommended auction: After 2NT West either starts with 3♣ (Stayman in BM Standard) or
transfers to one major and then bids the other.
Marks: 4♠(E) 10, 3NT(E)/4♠ (W) 6.
Running score: Vainikonis 3.5 (27) Gordon 3 (19)
Hand 6. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
♠ A 10 6 5 3 2 N ♠ QJ8
♥ A8 ♥ QJ2
♦ Q832 W E ♦ AK 9
♣A S ♣ 9743
West East
Sontag Berkowitz
1♠ 4♠
Pass
Playing Precision East had no reason to look beyond game.

North led the queen of clubs from ♠974 ♥10654 ♦J1074 ♣QJ and declarer won perforce with
the ace, crossed to dummy with a diamond and played the queen of spades, covered by the king
and ace. A spade to the jack saw South discard and declarer’s next move was to run the queen of
hearts. When that held, he elected to draw the outstanding trump and cash his remaining spades.
When North pitched a diamond on the last of these declarer had all the tricks, +510.
West East
Welland Auken
1♠ 2♥*
4♠ Pass
2♥ 3+♠, 9-13
Once again, North led the queen of clubs, but declarer could only muster twelve tricks for a loss.
Recommended auction: One would like to be in 6♠, but low point-count perfect fit hands are
notoriously difficult to bid accurately.
After 1♠-2♣ (game forcing in BM Standard)-2♠ East would need to bid 3♦ and then after
3♥-3♠-4♣-4♦ you might get to 6♠. Still, it looks a little contrived to me.
Marks: 6♠ 10, 4♠ 8.
Hand 7. Dealer East. E/W Vul.
♠ Q74 N ♠ AK 3
♥ K75 ♥ QJ6
♦ 84 W E ♦ AJ 3 2
♣ Q9863 S ♣ K74
South overcalls 1♦

 Intermediate
West North South East
Sontag Berkowitz
– – 1♣* 2♦
Double* 3♦ Pass Pass
Double Pass 3NT All Pass
1♣ Precision
Dble 6+
East had an awkward decision over his partner’s double of 3♦ – +500 was likely, but making 3NT
would score more.
South, who had overcalled on ♠J96 ♥10842 ♦KQ975 ♣10 led the queen of diamonds, and
when it held he switched to the four of hearts for the five, nine and queen. A club to the ten and
queen saw North take the ace and play a diamond, but declarer won and played two more rounds
of clubs, soon claiming +600.
West East
Welland Auken
– 1♣* (1♦)
1♠* 2NT
3NT Pass
1♣ 2+♣, any balanced hand including any other five-card suit
1♠ Balanced, 4-8 or desire to play NT from the other hand
Michael Rosenberg found the excellent lead of the two of hearts for the five, nine and queen, and
declarer played a club for the ten, queen and ace.
When North returned the ten of diamonds declarer went up with the ace and played a heart
to the king and ace and the diamond return meant two down, a loss.
Declarer should have ducked the ten of diamonds, after which she would have been in control.
By the same token North had not found the best defence.
The way to do it was demonstrated by Geir Helgemo:
When he was defending 3NT Helness led the king of diamonds and when North followed with
the six he switched to the four of hearts for the five, nine and jack.
Declarer played the four of clubs for the ten and king, but Helgemo calmly ducked and when
declarer continued with dummy’s three of clubs he followed with the five. Declarer put up the
king and played the queen of hearts, following it with three rounds of spades and a heart, but he
only had eight tricks.
It would not have helped declarer to put in the seven on the second round of clubs. Helgemo
wins the next club and plays a diamond when the best declarer can do is win, play three rounds
of spades ending in dummy and exit with a club, hoping for an endplay.
For Vainikonis, Gierulski found a way to go down in 3NT despite getting a low diamond lead
round to his jack and that cost the board, as they stopped in 1NT at the other table.
Recommended auction: 1♣-(1♦)-2♣-2NT-3NT is simplest.
Marks: 3NT 10, 2NT 7.

 Intermediate
Hand 8. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
♠— N ♠ AK J 9 8 7 5 4 3
♥ A 10 8 5 3 ♥ Q2
♦ Q J 10 7 4 W E ♦ 63
♣ J 10 6 S ♣—
North opens 3♣
By chance the leaders met in the last round, Vainikonis just ahead with 32.04 against Gordon’s
31.65.
West East
Gierulski Skrzypczak
Pass (3♣) 4♠
Pass
South, who held ♠Q102 ♥974 ♦AK82 ♣A32 started with the ace of diamonds and he contin-
ued with the king. When he made the mistake of playing a third diamond rather than switching
to a heart, declarer overruffed North’s six with the seven, cashed a top spade, crossed to dummy
with a heart and pitched a heart on a diamond, +420.
Berkowitz Sontag
Pass 3♣ 3♠ 3NT
4♦ Pass 4♠ Double
All Pass
South led the ace of diamonds and switched to the four of hearts, giving the defenders four tricks
and a win.
You may have noticed that 5♣ is a decent spot for E/W - indeed, unless East leads a diamond
at trick one declarer can (in theory) get home.
Say East cashed a top spade and switches to a diamond.
Declarer wins in dummy, ruffs a spade, cashes the queen of clubs, plays a club to the ace and
a heart to the king. That is followed by a diamond to the ace, a spade ruff and a heart exit, end-
playing East.
Recommended auction: After the 3♣ opening 4♠ is the practical bid.
Marks: 4♠ 10.
Gordon won the next board to set up a last deal decider, which is this month’s bonus deal:

 Intermediate
Board 27. Dealer South. None Vul.
♠ 876
♥ 10 8 6 2
♦ K4
♣ Q J 10 3
♠ Q5 N ♠ A K J 10 9 2
♥ 754 ♥ K3
♦ J 10 7 6 W E ♦ Q92
♣ AK 7 2 S ♣ 95
♠ 43
♥ AQJ9
♦ A853
♣ 864
Open Room
Pszczola Gierulski Rosenberg Skrzypczak
– – – 1♣*
Pass 1♦* 1♠ Pass
1NT Pass 2NT Pass
3NT Double All Pass
1♣ Polish
1♦ Negative
North led the queen of clubs and declarer won with the ace and cashed six rounds of spades and
the king of clubs before exiting with the jack of diamonds. South had come down to ♥AQJ ♦A
♣4 and could win and exit with a club for one down, +100.
Closed Room
Zatorski Berkowitz Pachtmann Sontag
– – – 1♦*
Pass 1♥ 1♠ 2♥
Double Pass 2♠ All Pass
1♦ 2+♦
2♥ Four card support
South led a club and declarer won in dummy, drew trumps and played on diamonds for +140, a
win and the trophy.
You can play through the deals mentioned in this article.
Just follow the links:
Hand 1: http://tinyurl.com/hapv4zc
Hands 2 & 3: http://tinyurl.com/zz4hfdx, http://tinyurl.com/jrz6gvw, http://tinyurl.com/
hapyvmb
Hand 4: http://tinyurl.com/jojuu6l, http://tinyurl.com/hudk4v2
Hand 5: http://tinyurl.com/jf8qakj
Hands 6 & 7: http://tinyurl.com/jko5m2p
Hand 8: http://tinyurl.com/hlx8k5e

 Intermediate
MARKS & COMMENTS

Set 301 conducted by Alan Mould
A perfectly formed panel of just 20 this month. One

of the missing panelists is my friend and my erstwhile
Scottish partner John Matheson who has been in hospi-
tal with complications arising from pneumonia. John THE BIDS & MARKS
is back home and recovering now and we wish him Bid Marks No. of Votes
all the best. 1. Double 10 10
This month problems 1 and 2 I held in the North- Pass 9 7
ern Year End Congress, hand 3 was sent in by a reader Seven Spades 7 3
but the full details I have mislaid (apologies), hand 4 Seven Hearts 4 0
was sent to me by Sally Brock and comes from a far 2. Four Diamonds 10 9
Eastern tournament, hands 5 and 6 come from Paul Pass 9 6
Bowyer, hand 7 was given to me by Gary Hyett but 3NT 8 5
came to him from Terry Stuttard, and finally hand 8 Four Hearts 2 0
comes from the ever-reliable Marc Smith. Four Clubs 1 0
3. Double 10 15
PROBLEM 1 Pass 8 5
Three Diamonds 3 0
IMPs. Dealer West. All Vul. 3NT 2 0
Three Hearts 1 0
♠ AK 6 4. Four Spades 10 16
♥ AQ 8 5 3 2 Pass 8 4
♦K Double 6 0
♣ AK J 5. Three Spades 10 13
West North East South Two Hearts 9 5
2♣* 5♦ Pass Pass Three Diamonds 8 2
Double Pass 6♣ 6♦ 4NT 6 0
Double Pass 6♠ Pass Three Hearts 3 0
7♣ Pass Pass 7♦ Four Diamonds 2 0
? 6. Three Clubs 10 7
2 ♣ 23+ balanced or any game force Three Diamonds 9 5
Two Clubs 8 1
Bid Marks No. of Votes
2NT 8 2
Double 10 10 3NT 8 1
Pass 9 7 Three Hearts 7 3
Seven Spades 7 3 Four Diamonds 6 1
Seven Hearts 4 0 7. Four Hearts 10 15
A tough problem – both at the table and at what Double 8 4
point in the auction to set it, since there were a num- Four Spades 6 1
ber of different actions that could have been taken at Pass 2 0
various points including the original opening bid. I Four Diamonds 2 0
invited the panel to be as critical as they liked about 8. Double 10 13
the bidding to date but apart from a couple of cases 3NT 9 7
they did not have much to say, which suggests that Pass 4 0
it wasn’t too bad! So where are we? We have elected Four Hearts 3 0
to open Two Clubs on a mildly sub-standard hand, Four Diamonds 1 0
but one where One Heart hardly solves the problems, 4NT 1 0
either even if you get a response. The auction has
then escalated wildly. First we regressively doubled
Five Diamonds and partner pulled it to Six Clubs,

 Intermediate
then we doubled Six Diamonds as we did not have this it must be a hand from Bridge in the Menagerie).
first-round diamond control and partner pulled it Seven Spades may not make. Not playing partner
to Six Spades. We then took the view that partner for the ace of diamonds.
MUST be void in diamonds and bid Seven Clubs Phillip is the only panelist to state he would have
(a point missed by a number of the panel – we bid got the hearts into the game:
Seven Clubs, not partner). The villains have then Alder: Double. I think I should have bid Five Hearts
bid Seven Diamonds (grrr). What now? Well exactly on the second round, despite the poor suit quality.
half the panel think we should shut up shop for the And I believe I should have passed over Six Dia-
third time with our red card again: monds. However, the first double seems to have
Bowyer: Double. Partner probably has a void dia- worked out all right. Now I could pass, but if part-
mond but that doesn’t give me enough faith to try ner assumes this is promising first-round control
Seven Spades. (as it normally would) (see above – I have got tired
Rosen: Double. Partner’s Six Spade bid doesn’t guar- of saying it), we could have a disaster. He might
antee first round diamond control (yes but our Seven have something like ♠QJxxxx ♥- ♦x ♣Q109xxx
Clubs assumed he did have) – so how can I realisti- and has been taking an each-way bet.
cally do otherwise? Green: Double. I would have passed Six Spades I
Cannell: Double. Pass of Seven Diamonds would think although it is difficult to tell what is going
announce first-round control of diamonds (as I on. Sounds like partner is 5-1-0-7 shape or some-
say we made the assumption partner was void in thing like that. I can’t guarantee that we don’t have
diamonds on the last round – let’s be consistent here!) a spade loser so I choose to double.
and willingness make a move at the seven-level Cope: Double. I cannot really risk bidding Seven
if partner’s hand appropriate from the ensuing Spades. Whilst I accept partner probably has some
auction. I can live with my efforts in this auc- sort of 5-1-0-7 shape can I guarantee that the spade
tion thus far. suit includes the queen or that the suit will not
Some fine comments on this hand: break 4-1? Colour me yellow.
Silver: Double. Did I promise first-round diamond Apteker: Double. I would pass if my six of spades
control with Seven Clubs? Or did East promise it was the J or Q of hearts was the K but too many
with Six Spades over Six Diamonds? Or did neither holes opposite partner’s 5-1-0-7 or 5-2-0-6 or even
of us promise it? I have no idea but I do know that 4-2-0-7.
this poker game is over and I will take my profit Tim and Alon make an extremely valid point. I
right here. think if we had ♠AKJ we should bid Seven Spades,
Unfortunately Joey given the result at the other but with ♠AKx I think we should do this:
table it ain’t a profit  Kokish: Pass. Having doubled Six Diamonds and
Sime: Double. Perhaps this comes from a midnight judged to bid seven expecting East to be void in
speedball goulash? Double is my belated attempt diamonds, it’s safe to invite Seven Spades (or even
to introduce some sobriety into proceedings. South Seven Hearts) now. As you can imagine, I would
was willing to defend Six Spades (I would have let have opened One Heart without remorse, but I am
him) but not Seven Clubs. This might be because not standing on a soap box at Hyde Park Corner
he thinks he would have beaten Six Spades. Or it to sell that idea.
might be because he feared that the penalty from Eric is the only panelist to object to the Two Club
Seven Diamonds wouldn’t make it worthwhile sav- opening and as you see even he is not that bothered.
ing. Or, most likely, it is because he is on the same (For our overseas readers Hyde Park Corner is the
hooch as the rest of us. traditional place in London where people stand up
Many thanks for the sarcasm, but you might have to shout about whatever it is that want to complain
mentioned exactly which of our bids you object to about…)
(apart from Seven Clubs). Brock: Pass. With all those high cards in his suits
Lawrence: Double. I’m guessing any grand we bid (and the ace of hearts) I can’t believe he would bid
will require a heart finesse. Picture partner having a grand without first-round diamond control.
♠Qxxxx ♥xx ♦- ♣Q108764. If I wanted to play Quite! Is partner really biding Seven Spades on
in a grand, it would be clubs and that isn’t avail- ♠Qxxxx ♥x ♦x ♣Qxxxxx?
able any longer. Hence double. It’s only 2330 if Carruthers: Pass. Wow! What an auction. Since
they make it (I think Mike must be being ironic here. I have already shown a diamond loser by dou-
If they make Seven Diamonds doubled when I have bling Six Diamonds, I feel I must give him the

 Intermediate
opportunity to bid Seven Spades or 7NT. He can passable – just balanced or semi-balanced hand .
hardly have less than ♠QJxxx ♥xx ♦— ♣Q10xxxx Double over Six Diamonds highly discouraging.
for his bidding, perhaps even the heart king. If He bid the highest suit omitting the five-level.
he has an extra black card and a singleton heart He doesn’t have (probably) even one control. His
or the king of hearts, I hope my pass will con- suits are headed with QJ QJ or Q10 something
vince him to bid Seven Spades. With the ace of like ♠QJxxx ♥x ♦- ♣Qxxxxxx. I think the point
diamonds, he can bid 7NT. With only queen- is North’s shape. I am afraid they can ruff a club.
high suits, he should double and I’ll congratu- If I pass which shows my values partner has to
late him on his enterprise. Just because we bid make the decision.
Seven Clubs is no reason for me to take the bull Only Marc and David make a point that I am
by the horns and bid Seven Spades – if he does surprised more of the panel did not make – viz that
have the hand illustrated above, both grand slams the penalty from Seven Diamonds is likely to be inad-
are on a finesse. equate even to compensate for our small slam (maybe
Greco: Pass. I have doubled Six Diamonds and even cheap against game!). Hence the usual rules
converted Six Spades so partner can hardly expect concerning the odds of bidding a grand slam simply
me to have a diamond control or better spades for do not apply.
this bidding. Smith: Seven Spades. For partner to bid this
Teramoto: Pass. This suggests Seven Spades. He way without the ace or king in either of his
may be 5-1-0-7 for example. suits, he must have something like ♠QJxxx ♥x
Barry and Andrew both think hearts are still in the ♦- ♣Q10xxxxx or even 6-0-0-7 or 5-0-0-8. Per-
game (a thought that never occurred to me): haps spades will break 5-0 and Seven Spades will
Rigal: Pass. I don’t want to be the one to cast the fail, but we are hardly getting rich from Seven
first stone; I’ve no idea what I would have done Diamonds Doubled.
here. I can’t blame anyone else. So that said my Bird: Seven Spades. When we bid Seven Clubs, we
hand is neither especially good or bad – I think I’m took the decision to place partner with a void dia-
closer to Seven Spades than pass. Partner knows I mond (quite! Thank you David) (because he was
only have three spades. Partner rates to be 4-3-0-6 bidding so high when missing the ace and king of
I think, since with 5-6 he would remove Five Dia- both his suits). That was fair enough. Now we have
monds to 5NT (as with majors he bids Six dia- to decide whether his spades will support a grand
monds). Thus maybe he can bid Seven Hearts if slam in that suit. It is reasonable to place him with
he really has what I think he does. ♠QJxxx ♣Q10xxxxxx. One question remains: will
Andrew is the only passer who is going to bid a a club ruff by North sink Seven Spades? It’s entirely
grand anyway: possible, yes, but the expectation of making Seven
Robson: Pass. I’ve been regressive at my previ- Spades outweighs a likely 500 penalty from Seven
ous turns yet partner has contracted for a grand Diamonds doubled.
slam (no he didn’t – we did). He must have first- Partner had the 5-1-0-7 shape predicted by some
round diamond control (as my double of Six of the panel – ♠Qxxxx ♥x ♦- ♣Q109xxxx. There
Diamonds suggested I didn’t), so I’m thinking was no club ruff but spades were 4-1 so that was
he has ♠QJxxx ♥x ♦- ♣Q10xxxxx or ♠QJxxx one off. If you pass partner will double, but if part-
♥Kx ♦- ♣Q10xxxx or perhaps ♠Q10xx ♥Kxx ner had the ♠J as well would he bid the grand? I
♦- ♣Q10xxxx. To cater to the third I’m passing, think he ought to. In a sense I was right to bid the
then pulling the double to Seven Hearts, offer- grand given the result at the other table where team-
ing a choice of grands. I might have to write a mates allowed Six Clubs to play for -1390. Seven
surreptitious note saying I’m bidding seven if Diamonds is 1100 so that loses 7 IMPs. I calcu-
partner doubles slowly. late that assuming the diamonds are 8-4 then the
I think I should have passed Seven Diamonds, but slam is about 52% (spades 3-2 and no opening
this is what I actually did at the table (partially because ruff). My expectation on bidding Seven Spades is
I couldn’t resist making two regressive doubles and then therefore about +2 IMPs whereas doubling Seven
bidding not one but two grand slams with a loser in Diamonds lost 7 (I won’t bore you with the maths).
the opponents’ suit!) If Seven Spades had made we would have won the
Zmudzinski: Seven Spades. And scream at part- Year End Congress; when it didn’t we were sixth.
ner if we go down. Partner showed seven clubs Not that I am bitter of course.
and five spades. Five Diamonds doubled was

 Intermediate
PROBLEM 2 Alder: Pass. And hope for the best. Even if the con-
tract makes, this could be our lowest minus, partner
IMPs. Dealer South. E/W Vul. having 1-4-3-5 distribution and diamonds being
South’s second suit.
♠ Q72 Apteker: Pass. All options are horrible. I prefer
♥ J93 minus 670 rather than minus 800 in Four Dia-
♦ K532 monds. Too unlikely to be able to run nine tricks
♣ 974 in 3NT, even if they don’t manage to get the first
West North East South five spade tricks.
– – – 2♠* I too was worried about getting doubled in Four
Pass 3♠ Double Pass Diamonds or 3NT (perhaps erroneously). Not so the
? following who quote the late Edgar Kaplan:
2♠ 5♠ & 4+m, weak, about 4-9. Cannell: Four Diamonds. Take out partner’s take-
Bid Marks No. of Votes out double says Edgar Kaplan. Okay by me. As this
Four Diamonds 10 9 is my only four-card suit – so be it.
Pass 9 6 Cope: Four Diamonds. Cannot see any other
3NT 8 5 options. Partner has made a takeout double, my
Four Hearts 2 0 spade stopper is too flimsy for NT and passing will
Four Clubs 1 0 be -530 more often than not.
A truly unpalatable set of choices. Do we bid our ropy Sime: Four Diamonds. This ain’t a good hand. I
four-card minor in the knowledge we may be running bid my least shortest suit and hope to survive. Not
in to RHO’s suit; bid 3NT knowing that even if we 3NT with spades probably 5-4, and no source of
have a spade stop we need to run nine trickss which tricks even if they are stopped. And not pass if I
looks next to impossible or do what I did at the table want partner to double again with a four-by-one
and hope partner has enough stuff to beat it. Let’s start 14 count.
with the five passers who actually sound happier with Bowyer: Four Diamonds. Terrific. At pairs I’d
their choice that anyone else: Pass as the gain/loss ratio makes that reasonable.
Kokish: Pass. If they could make Three Spades At IMPs? Nah, too much danger of -530. I’ll settle
North would have bid four or tried for game. If I for Four Diamonds and hope the sun shines
had two places to play I would be more inclined to -800 is better at IMPs is it Paul?
bid, but neither Four Diamonds nor 3NT seem to Carruthers: Four Diamonds. Ugh. If this is South’s
have much upside, so the bigger question is whether other suit, so be it, but partner can pull with short
I should lead a trump. diamonds (I hope). I need better than queen-to-
Robson: Pass. Playing the long-term percentages. three and three low in their suits for 3NT. This
Rigal: Pass. Let’s go for the big number, one way or method produces better results than weak twos
the other. They often try to push us around – lets (and you can see why!).
see who blinks first. Teramoto: Four Diamonds. I am too weak for 3NT.
Marc makes an excellent point that at this level Silver: Four Diamonds. God knows. Partner made
partner cannot afford to be “pure”: a takeout double and I cannot bring myself to either
Smith: Pass. Partner has to double with lots of Pass or bid 3NT with my spade stopper(?). So I bid
good hands, such as 2-4-2-5 or 1-5-3-4 so there the only reasonable(?) choice that’s left.
is no guarantee of finding a fit by just bidding our Rosen: Four Diamonds. Even supposing we have
longest suit, particularly since opener is known to a spade stopper or can block them – how on earth
hold a four-card minor. Of course passing could can we hope for nine running tricks? Pass might
be horribly wrong, but none of the other alterna- work but feels dreadfully random to me.
tives (3NT? Four Hearts? perhaps) have that much Greco: Four Diamonds. It doesn’t feel like enough
going for them either. to bid 3NT although it may well be right, and pass
Lawrence: Pass. Please. No more of these until is too bold for me so I will just bid a pedestrian
2017. Four Diamonds.
Yes OK Mike we have had quite a lot of these The last three panelists all mention 3NT before
recently. But hey at least it ain’t always right to pass! rejecting it. Let’s here from those who go for it:
You are allowed to criticize the problems since you Bird: 3NT. There are at least three actions available,
send me some. all similarly unattractive. A Pass is very dangerous

 Intermediate
and Four Diamonds might put us in South’s sec- not include the suit bid such as Michaels, UNT etc (usu-
ond suit. I will hope for the best in 3NT. If it goes ally double is general values and the cue-bids are sup-
pear-shaped, I will claim that no better action was port for partner and FG in the fourth suit). But what
available and that a BM panel would all surely make about here where the two-suiter includes the suit actu-
the same bid. ally bid? Is double takeout (as for one -uited overcalls)?
Sorry David outnumbered 15-5 Or values as for two-suited overcalls? Is it penalty sug-
Brock: 3NT. Probably bonkers but people do take gestive? If so of what? If Three Clubs doubled is passed is
liberties at favourable and I think spades are quite partner supposed to usually pass? What of Three Hearts?
likely 5-3. Not sure that bidding Four Diamonds Does that agree spades? Or show a heart stop but no
or passing is any more likely to get us a good result. club stop? Or the other way round? The panel will be
Green: 3NT. Horrible choice, I’m not passing as giving us an erudite discussion of this won’t they? Nah –
this could be cold and I could go for a mountain if three quarters just double saying it is penalty suggestive:
I pick the wrong minor (so could 3NT and is more Alder: Double. Interested in a penalty and willing
likely to get doubled IMHO!). If partner has a good to double at least one of South’s suits.
hand then 3NT may well be the right spot. And if North passes is partner supposed to assume
Adam makes similar points to Marc. that the suit you were willing to double is clubs? That
Zmudzinski: 3NT. I am not keen on my bid. Good seems simply unplayable to me.
news they could have only eight spades and five Apteker: Double. Need to tell partner that I have
of them are on the right. Partner can have a two- values and that we should be looking to penalise
or three-suited hand. If 5-5 they can make Three the bad guys.
Spades Doubled. If he has hearts and clubs we And if North passes is partner supposed to assume
would be in a big trouble after Four Diamonds. that the suit you were willing to double is clubs? That
As several panelists surmised there are theoretically seems simply unplayable to me.
no winning options here. Dummy came down with Rigal: Double. This is prepared to defend at least
♠KJxx ♥Axxxx ♦x ♣Kxx which looks like a Four one of their suits. No idea what to do but maybe
Spade bid to me (not that I am bitter)! Declarer had I’ll know better on the next round.
♠10xxxx ♥x ♦Axxx ♣Qxx leaving partner with ♠A And if North passes is partner supposed to assume…
♥KQxx ♦QJxx ♣AJxx. All this means that Three oh never mind I’ve got bored now.
Spades was completely cold, Four Diamonds and 3NT Cannell: Double. If I were to double Three Clubs
both at least 500 BUT they are unlikely to double it would certainly imply a willingness to penalize
them so you are likely to get away with either. them in one suit or the other. Clearly I can take care
of clubs (only clearly on this hand! What is partner
PROBLEM 3 supposed to do if North passes?), and if (when) part-
ner doubles some number of hearts we will defend.
IMPs. Dealer East. All Vul. So, double it is for now. Many things “may” hap-
♠7 pen soon in this auction. Let’s see what we are able
♥ 32 to glean.
♦ K J 10 9 Many are looking forward to an early Christmas
♣ AK Q 4 3 2 (yes even in March)
Carruthers: Double. In a perfect world, North,
with two hearts and zero or one club, pulls to Three
– – 1♠ 3♣*
Hearts, partner doubles and we get +1400 with no
?
3 ♣ Hearts and clubs, at least 5-5.
game on our way.
Bowyer: Double. Showing defensive values. If part-
ner can double Three Hearts it will be a holocaust.
Double 10 15 Rosen: Double. Values. You just know if you pass
Pass 8 5 it will go Three Hearts – Pass – Pass.
Three Diamonds 3 0
3NT 2 0 And if it goes Double – Three Hearts – Pass – Pass – ?
Three Hearts 1 0 Both Erics at least see the problem partner may have:
OK this seems to be a theoretical hole! We all know what Greco: Double. I don’t know if partner can pass
to do about natural overcalls (double for takeout). We this without clubs but likely LHO is convert-
all know what to do about two-suited overcalls that do ing to hearts so if partner can double that than
bonanza.

 Intermediate
Kokish: Double. Really? Most who favour this we have 1400 from their misfit we will get it from
treatment have sound values for their bulky action, here….. if we are on the same page.
so with these clubs South is rather more likely to I must admit that undiscussed that is what I would
at least 6-5. Whether we can sort out what to do assume and still seems sensible to me. The other pas-
when North corrects to Three Hearts is unclear, but sers agree.
it would not be easier if I passed Three Clubs or Teramoto: Pass. Best is to defend Three Clubs dou-
gambled on 3NT or an eccentric (probably undis- bled. Pass then double the expected Three Hearts
cussed in a casual partnership) Three Diamonds. from North shows a penalty double of clubs.
David too sees problems looming ahead: Zmudzinski: Pass. Then double Three Hearts if
Bird: Double. I am hoping, of course, that partner that follows. I think the same rules apply. It shows
can double North’s retreat to Three Hearts. If he clubs, strength and takeout of hearts. I cannot risk
can’t and Three Hearts runs to me, I will have to straight 3NT if they can take five heart tricks and
look for somewhere to retreat myself. They say the we can make Five Diamonds.
pub down the road is quite good. Brock: Pass. Interesting. Choices for now are surely
And that is this month’s winning entry for com- only pass or double. I think double must be take-
ment of the month  out oriented. I’m going to pass for now. Maybe
Silver: Double. I fear that no matter what I do South has got the system wrong and we can defend
that “winter is coming”. I think my best course is undoubled.
to double and pray for spring. Robson: Pass. I’d play double as take-out showing
And that comment was second place. diamonds.
Tim also worries about Three Hearts – Pass – Pass And Three Diamonds would then show?.... More
but at least he has a solution (sort of?!?) Diamonds?
Cope: Double. One feels one has to take some Lawrence: Double. Isn’t the next round the
action with a 13 count opposite an opening bid. I problem?
assume that they will convert to Three Hearts and Well Mike I seriously thought about that but decided
the problem now comes when partner makes a forc- that there were not enough options (it turns out there
ing pass back to me (which I might well pass despite weren’t enough at this stage either!!). Whether you
it being forcing). At least by taking some action we double or pass North bids Four Hearts and that floats
may be able to penalise if partner has hearts. back to you. Your job now is to pass (which I suspect
At last some theory from someone (Marc and Ben). most of the panel will find). Partner has ♠K10xxxx ♥-
Smith: Double. Three Hearts is not asking for a ♦AQxxx ♣8x, South ♠AJ ♥KQ10xx ♦x ♣J10976
stopper for 3NT, but agreeing spades, so that is leaving North with ♠Qxxx ♥AJxxxx ♦xxx ♣-. All
out, which leaves pass and double. Double sug- this means that you can make Five Diamonds if you
gests defending and invites partner to double Three avoid the club ruffs (though heaven knows how you
Hearts, which is how the auction will ideally con- get there) but it is largely irrelevant as Five Hearts is
tinue. If I double now and Three Hearts comes cold as is Six Hearts if North views to constantly take
back to me, though, then a second double will ruffing club finesses.
sound more penalty-oriented than I might wish,
but if I pass and double Three Hearts next time I
suspect that partner will be more inclined to rebid
his spades expecting some sort of tolerance, so that’s YOUNG CHELSEA
not any better.
Green: Double. To show values. If I thought that BRIDGE CLUB
pass and double of Three Hearts would be for take-
out then I would do that but I think that may be One of the World’s Great Bridge Clubs
pure penalty.
Since both Marc and Ben talk of Pass let’s here it
from those passers. In general they seem to be clearly Duplicate every weekday evening
of their agreements:
Sime: Pass. We should have agreements. I shall Tel: 020 7373 1665
assume that we treat Three Clubs as natural and
therefore double is take out. Likewise my double of www.ycbc.co.uk
Three Hearts if it comes round will be takeout. If

 Intermediate
PROBLEM 4 doublers are kidding themselves if they think they
can consistently survive a Five Club reply. The
Pairs. Dealer North. E/W Vul. upside in doubling is that it caters to Four Hearts
doubled, which is what gives it some appeal. If Pass
♠ AK 6 5 4 is the winning action, I do not expect many of our
♥4 panelists or potential team-mates to choose it.
♦ KJ843 Silver: Four Spades. With presumed heart length
♣ 74 partner is allowed to have values, but making a take-
West North East South out double with five decent spades and only two
– 3♥ Pass 4♥ clubs is just asking for trouble (ie risking a good 5-3
? spade fit whilst reaching a not good Five Clubs or
Bid Marks No. of Votes an insufficient result in Eight Hearts) so I will ask
Four Spades 10 16 no questions and take the transfer to Four Spades.
Pass 8 4 (NB it isn’t perfect but four out of five doubles ain’t
Double 6 0 bad. See problems 1, 3, 7 and 8)
The second consecutive two-horse race with the panel Apteker: Four Spades. Close to this and passing
voting 16-4 for aggression (well hold the front page!). but when in doubt, my personal philosophy is to
Many refer to the fact that this auction just begs a bid. I don’t rate double which is more likely to
Four Spade bid get us to the five-level or be passed which may not
Cannell: Four Spades. An old chestnut. The best provide adequate compensation if Four Spades is
chance for a game bonus our way appears to be in making.
spades. Another old chestnut is – Four Hearts is a Cope: Four Spades. Double does not feel right on
transfer to Four Spades.  a 5-5 shape and pass is not in my vocabulary on
Alder: Four spades. A pre-emptive Four Hearts by these hands.
an opponent is a transfer to Four Spades for our side. Greco: Four Spades. This is could be a disaster but
Rigal: Four Spades. Unanimous panel for Four it is only matchpoints. Double is also reasonable.
Spades. Nine panelists will comment unfavorably Green: Four Spades. I could double but then we
on this, four of them will use the expression ‘what’ could easily miss our 5-3 fit. Pass is out of the ques-
the problem or WTP (What’s The Problem? – AM) tion for me.
But only I will say WTFP (I leave you to work that Bird: Four Spades. This would be obvious enough
one out dear readers)? at IMPs, since you cannot risk a double-game swing.
16-4 so not really close, but close enough to avoid I expect it to be the majority action at Pairs too.
the ridicule. And no one apart from you used the WTP. Only four pass. Iain provides the fullest analysis:
Teramoto: Four Spades. It may be -800 or more, Sime: Pass. The original panel problem erroneously
but I have some chance to make Four Spades. had the spade Jack instead of the ace. My thoughts
The shrug the shoulders brigade: were plot lost/unanimous panel/unsuccessful pass
Brock: Four Spades. OK. I’ll go for 1100! You gotta at the table. Then I thought, “how much would
do what you gotta do! the hand have to improve to tempt me to bid Four
Rosen: Four Spades. Always have done, always Spades at pairs?” I arrived at ♠AKJxx ♥x ♦KQxxx
will do. ♣xx. So this is not good enough and I am still fore-
Smith: Four Spades. You do or you don’t. Passing casting an unsuccessful pass at the table.
is the alternative, it seems. Yes I had to send an amendment as the original
Bowyer: Four Spades. A complete guess. Rightie problem had ♠KJxxx ♥x ♦KJxxx ♣xx. I wonder if
might have hearts or he might have a good hand any of the following did not get the amendment:
(or both). I suspect the odds say “bid” and I know Carruthers: Pass. Surely you jest, Chatsworth.
I’d be in with Four Spades at the table. Put me Zmudzinski: Pass. No strength, no spot cards.
down for that. Cowardly. The other option is to Double. But never
Robson: Four Spades. -800 or +650. Crapshoot. Four Spades.
Hate to die of inaction. Lawrence: Pass. Too hard to judge the risk-reward.
Several mention a call that no panelist actually Minus 1100 is possible, as is making a game. But
made: which game can we make? If I had ♠AK874 ♥4
Kokish: Four Spades. I don’t like this much, but ♦K10954 ♣42 and was a passed hand, bidding
neither will anyone else in this position, and the Four Spades would be OK because the sequence

 Intermediate
would imply a two-suited hand thus keeping dia- Hearts is a reasonable alternative. The big negative
monds in the picture. to that is I might not be able to splinter (should
In a sense it doesn’t actually matter what you do partner bid Three Clubs over Two Hearts) or if I
here. Pass ends the auction (obviously); Double and can it will be at the four-level. Anytime partner has
partner bids Four Spades and South Five Hearts and short hearts I will just be complicating things with a
Four Spades sees South bid Five Hearts which is passed Two Heart rebid so after much thought going back
back to partner who has ♠QJ109 ♥J ♦Qx ♣QJ10xxx. and forth I decided to K.I.S.S the auction.
Well maybe partner should pass with all those quacks Bird: Three Spades. To show one extra heart is not
and we haven’t doubled Five Hearts to show a good a pressing duty. It is more important to express my
hand, but partner was seduced by the four trumps and wonderful support for diamonds. If Three Spades
singleton heart and took a fifth spade. That was the does not net 10 points, I will have to mutter some-
obvious 500. Five Hearts was cold so no great shakes thing about virtue being its own reward.
at IMPs but at Pairs that was nul points. There you go David, virtue gets you 10 points.
Carruthers: Three Spades. How else can we get to
PROBLEM 5 slam off the ace and king of trumps?
Quite!
IMPs. Dealer West. All Vul Alder: Three Spades. A splinter bid agreeing dia-
♠4 monds. This seems clear-cut to me; at least it is
♥ A Q 10 9 5 2 IMPs, not Pairs.
♦ J964 Apteker: Three Spades. Best description: short
♣ AK spades and four x diamonds. This hand has big
potential in diamonds with slam making opposite
many minimums so best to convey the support
1♥ Pass 2♦* Pass
immediately rather than rebid hearts first. Easy at
?
2♦ Natural and FG in BM standard now
teams.
Greco: Three Spades. I presume this has to be a
splinter and it looks pretty clear except for the fact
Three Spades 10 13 that I haven’t conveyed six hearts.
Two Hearts 9 5 Smith: Three Spades. Splinter. We have a suitable
Three Diamonds 8 2
4NT 6 0 hand for a slam hunt in diamonds, and rebidding
Three Hearts 3 0 my hearts now risks clouding what rates to be the
Four Diamonds 2 0 main issue, which is level rather than strain. Per-
This is the first in what will be a series of hands over haps bidding hearts again would be more tempting
the next few months that will explore our new two- playing four card majors, but I’ve already shown
over-one methods and get modern expert thinking on five here.
this now almost universal treatment. In our previ- Tim is committing to diamonds come what may
ous Acol base we would have been more or less con- – a decision I find rather surprising. Are these hearts
strained to make a Three Spade splinter since neither not worth a second mention?
Two Hearts nor Three Diamonds would have been Cope: Three Spades. Start with a splinter and if
forcing and Three Hearts pretty much buries the dia- partner bids 3NT will follow up with Four Clubs.
mond fit. Now we can make either of those bids and I am sure partner will be delighted when he has
Two Hearts in particular keeps the auction low and ♠AQJ ♥Kx ♦xxxxx ♣QJx
explores strains. With these red-suit holdings it is easy Green: Three Spades. I want to get the singleton
to construct hands where Six Hearts makes and Six spade across with my diamond support. If partner
Diamonds doesn’t (try ♠AKx ♥KJ ♦Axxxx ♣Qxx bids 3NT then I will happily correct to Four Hearts.
and Six Diamonds is on trumps coming in whereas That seems more like it to me 
Six Hearts or 6NT has 12 on top). Nevertheless 65% Sime: Three Spades. If partner has good diamonds
of the panel opt for the K.I.S.S bid of Three Spades, we are in (the slam) business. If his diamond suit
Joey of course quoting that very acronym: has holes, he probably has wastage in spades and
Silver: Three Spades. I would be more comfortable will bid 3NT.
if my diamonds were a little better and my hearts a Reminiscences from Adam
little worse. I guess for these reasons bidding Two Zmudzinski: Three Spades. If Two Diamonds
promises five cards (if four then Three Diamonds).

 Intermediate
Almost on the hand I can ask for aces. I recom- flattened when some punter at the other table bid a
mend to bid Two Clubs (like Polish Club ) with direct 4NT, a bid from which I withhold all admi-
three cards in clubs and game-forcing hand without ration. Yes, I realise it worked, but really! 4NT?
a five-card suit. I remember a Macallan from the Anyway – playing these methods I bid a simple
nineties when the Dutch pair climbed to a slam on Three Diamonds.
4-3 fit and went down on 4-2 division in our hand. Well thanks for letting the cat out of the bag Paul!
Kokish: Three Spades. Makes it harder to reach Four I was going to claim that partner had the ♠K as well
Hearts, but Three Diamonds-3NT-Four Hearts making it a two-over-one . As for what you bid play-
doesn’t explain these black holdings either, and ing two-over-one Paul you bid One Spade of course,
it won’t be easy to catch up accurately if I rebid a the bid that many playing Acol would argue you have
space-saving Two Hearts. The slam potential is too to make as well. After all in Acol you would have to
great not to get the stiff spade across as soon as pos- pass Two Hearts if partner bid it and would that be
sible. Good problem, though. embarrassing opposite ♠AKQx ♥Jxxxxx ♦Qxx ♣- ?
Cannell: Three Spades. A quick Splinter for part- (OK I suppose you could bid a NF Three Diamonds).
ner. It paints a better picture for partner than a But I agree I have no idea how you get to Six Dia-
Two Heart rebid – a distant second choice for me. monds opposite a start of One Heart – One Spade.
Many comments about Two Hearts, so let us here
from the five panelists who bid that: PROBLEM 6
Brock: Two Hearts. It would have been a tougher
problem for standard Acol I think.
Is it? Are you not virtually forced into Three Spades?
Or do you want to hear Three Hearts – Four Hearts…?
Rigal: Two Hearts. Will emphasize the hearts, raise
diamonds, then guess what to do next. My plan is ACBL Encyclopedia of
not to pass 3NT.
Support from the biggest critic of our old methods: Bridge
Lawrence: Two Hearts. Diamonds next. NICE to
have Two Hearts being forcing. Who thought of Official ACBL Encyclopedia of Bridge –
that? 7th Edition
Rosen: Two Hearts. Suit quality and economy of Edited by Brent Manley, 600+ pages
space make this totally clear-cut. A text book les- (Hardback)
son for those new to two over one in fact.
But not apparently for most of the panel – who OUT NOW
disagree with you! RRP £49.95 SUBSCRIBERS’ £45 + post free
Teramoto: Two Hearts. Hearts is an excellent six- to UK customers (£10 for overseas customers)
card suit whereas my diamonds are not so good. I The most complete volume of bridge informa-
will support with Three Diamonds at my next turn tion and instruction ever compiled.
if possible.
Two choose to simply raise diamonds: Over 600 easy-to read and easy-to-search
Robson: Three Diamonds. I’m going to take con- pages
trol soon, so will set the suit then (probably) bid • Thousands of entries
keycard for diamonds. Three Spades splinter second covering bridge terms,
choice but that bid usually shows worry about clubs. conventions, sys-
Does it? I thought you usually had a card in clubs tems, rules, and top
for these auctions. personalities.
Bowyer: Three Diamonds. Yes, well I know this • Contains a CD-ROM
hand. Crockfords Final 2015. The problem is that containing hundreds of
partner wouldn’t bid Two Diamonds playing two- extra biographies that
over -x ♣Qxx. Quite what you are supposed to didn't make the printed
respond playing two over one I don’t know, but edition
then these aren’t my methods. Address all corre-
spondence to Alan. At the table my man bid Three
Spades, and we sailed into Six Diamonds. This was

 Intermediate
IMPs. Dealer West. E/W Vul. guessing who it is:
Kokish: Two Clubs. The case for Three Diamonds
♠ 64 or 2NT does not need explaining, so it’s the other
♥ KQJ options: Three Hearts, Two Clubs and an off-beat
♦ AK Q 7 4 2 Two Spades that require our attention. My wife, who
♣ K9 does not play Gazzilli, always takes her chances with
West North East South a natural, non-forcing Two Clubs when nothing
1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass else fits, and I have never seen that turn out badly,
? although it should, of course. Whether or not bid-
Bid Marks No. of Votes ding Two Clubs was included in my marriage vows
Three Clubs 10 7 I can no longer recall, but something about “honour
Three Diamonds 9 5 and obey” seems to cover my solidarity with Beverly
Two Clubs 8 1 on this issue. If we can get past Two Clubs all should
2NT 8 2 be well. That’s our story and we shall not be moved.
3NT 8 1 Three Hearts is far from outrageous but recovering
Three Hearts 7 3 from a fancy Two Spades is just too dangerous for
Four Diamonds 6 1 serious consideration. If you tell me that Three Dia-
This is something of another old chestnut (a very good monds and 2NT split the panel I shall not be sur-
hand without four-card support for partner and a flaw prised, but if we can recruit a few Two Club bidders
for NTs) and many of the panel say so. However that every time we see this type of problem, pretty soon
modern theory has still not solved this problem is shown we’ll have a team for the next regional on Mars.
by the fact that this problem generated more than double OK, in a strong month that wins equal first as
the number of answers of any other problem in this set – comment of the month . And who is to say Two
no less than seven of them. Let’s explore them in themes. Clubs is any worse than anything else – maybe even
If our majors were reversed all the panel I would have if it gets passed?!!?
thought would have instantly bid 3NT (good hand and Next up is another calculated underbid from five of
good diamonds which is an excellent description of this the panel, desperately hoping that partner will bid again:
hand). The little matter of ♠xx does not put Iain off the Rosen: Three Diamonds. Lots of flaws with all bids
same bid (no one cares about NT stops any more ). here. Three Diamonds definitely a bit of an under-
Sime: 3NT. Opponents are silent which improves bid. 2NT seems wrong, gives up the good diamond
the odds that they won’t cash the first ten tricks. Or suit and wrong-sides with regards to the spade stop-
even the first five. I guess the alternative is Three per situation. 3NT – not quick enough tricks for me.
Clubs, demonstrating why having gadgets for the Carruthers: Three Diamonds. A definite problem in
“nightmare hand” is good. I would have opened 2NT, many natural systems. We do not have an artificial
although that might be me result-merchanting. One jump-shift Two Spades available so cannot attempt
Diamond-One Spade-3NT was a reasonable plan. that one. A 2NT rebid hides the six great diamonds,
Two panelists opt for 2NT which at least keeps and may wrong-side NT with our two small spades.
other strains in the picture (more or less) but seems a Any heart raise lacks that vital fourth heart. Three
fair underbid. I agree with Iain that this 18 count Clubs is a slight overbid and short at least one club.
looks more like a 20 count (though it lacks aces a bit). So, I will go with an underbid of sorts Three Dia-
Bird: 2NT. No action is perfect. 2NT, Three Dia- monds, and hope to be able to support hearts next
monds, Three Hearts, 3NT or Four Hearts? You over anything but 3NT (which I will pass).
could bid any of those without anyone laughing. I Adam is full of theory this month:
will undercook it a bit with 2NT, hoping that part- Zmudzinski: Three Diamonds. Do not force me
ner will look for a 5-3 heart fit. to bid 2NT with two small spades (OK I won’t!).
Fair enough! By the way for me it shows three-card heart sup-
Smith: 2NT. Not ideal with two low spades, but port. We should have a gadget in such a situation
then nothing is. Just about any action is likely to get let’s say Two Spades should be artificial.
us to 3NT, but reaching the most likely alternative Apteker: Three Diamonds. A big underbid as Axxxx
game, ie hearts, seems much more likely after 2NT in hearts gives game a reasonable play but noth-
than after Three Diamonds. Two Clubs anyone? ing else really works. I could game-force with Three
Funny you should mention that. One panelists does Clubs in the hope that we can explore all strains, in
indeed go for that and I am awarding no prizes for particular hearts, but I am not sure I am going to be

 Intermediate
able to control the auction after that bid. Not bad reasonable alternative.
to have something in reserve if partner has more 18 of the panel could Joey.
and bids on. Robson: Three Hearts. Standard nightmare. I usu-
Greco: Three Diamonds. Least of all evils. I am ally bid 2NT but not with this major-suit honour
heavy for this and have unexpectedly strong heart structure.
support but 2NT might wrong side the NT and I Phillip also offers us some theory.
feel I am way to strong for that based on my play- Alder: Four Diamonds. Is this still the bid in Eng-
ing strength. A jump shift might be possible if I land? When I was learning the game, this rebid
had something to fake one on but a two-card suit showed a strong hand, excellent diamonds and
is too crazy for me. three-card heart support – perfect, unless we can
The last three all mention Three Clubs and that make only 3NT.
attracts seven panelists, enough for the 10 marks, who Sorry Phillip but the answer to your question is
cannot bear not to force to game on this hand. This “No”. Personally I have never heard of this and cer-
somewhat surprises me given how light responses are tainly everyone now plays it as good diamonds with
these days but let’s hear from them: FOUR hearts (not three). Say a hand such as ♠Kx
Cope: Three Clubs. By Holmsian deduction. I am ♥Axxx ♦AKQxxx ♣x.
too good for Three Diamonds, and the lack of a spade Last word again to the man who sent in the prob-
stopper means 2NT or 3NT is wrong and supporting lem (and thanks for it Paul!):
hearts on three is a mis-description – so what’s left? Bowyer: Three Diamonds. Another hand of painful
Yet another fine comment and a reference to the memory. It comes from an obscure event in France.
famous Sherlock Holmes phrase that “When you have You can make nine-tenths of naff-all on this one
eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however (actually, Three Diamonds is all right). My maniac
improbable, must be the truth”. raised to Four Hearts and this went one down only
Lawrence: Three Clubs. I have reasonable chances ‘cos the opposition grabbed four early tricks. They
of showing heart support while still keeping 3NT probably could have beaten Two Hearts. Heav-
in the picture. Best problem in this set. ily influenced by the result I bid a heavy Three
It certainly seems to me Mike, given how many Diamonds.
answers it generated. Partner held ♠KJxx ♥xxxx ♦Jx ♣Jxx. I have been
Green: Three Clubs. Not ideal but I’m too strong in worse contracts than 3NT but not much. Hearts
for Three Diamonds, I don’t want to bid 3NT with- are to be avoided at all costs. A triumph for the Three
out a spade stopper and I don’t fancy 2NT either. Diamond underbid.
Teramoto: Three Clubs. Natural and game-forcing,
but I may not have four cards. Good 18 counts have
the values for game.
Brock: Three Clubs. Too much for Three Diamonds
in my book, so no real alternative.
Rigal: Three Clubs. You got me; my jump shift suits
are getting weaker and weaker; I’m waiting for the CARD TABLES
singleton – maybe next month. Can’t stand Three
Hearts/Four Diamonds here though the latter is
FOR SALE
not absurd I admit. Refurbished old tables standard size
Cannell: Three Clubs. I cannot make a non-forc- with new green baize top
ing bid (e.g., Three Diamonds or Three Hearts,
and 2NT is even worse). Perhaps I should make a
£29 each
fake splinter? No, my only other option is to put Will deliver within reasonable distance
a diamond in with my hearts and bid Four Hearts. DANNY ROTH
The last two comment bring to those who jump raise 47 Bearing Way, CHIGWELL,
hearts without a fourth trump. Personally I HATE ESSEX IG7 4NB
this and have never seen it come to good, but let’s see
if they can convince me. 020 8501 1643 tel/fax dannyroth@btinternet.com
Silver: Three Hearts. I am surprised with myself.
I thought I left this sort of bid behind in my
youth, but for the life of me I cannot think of any

 Intermediate
PROBLEM 7 is usually what would happen over a forcing Four
Diamonds. I would do that if the hearts were (say)
IMPs. Dealer East. E/W Vul. KQ8532 and the spades headed by the queen, but
here I have an opinion about trumps.
♠ 98742 Alon also explores these themes:
♥ KQJ853 Apteker: Four Hearts. This should have good play
♦ A 10 as partner won’t be void in hearts (why not?) and
♣- should not have too much wastage in clubs as he has
West North East South not doubled in a forcing sequence (Oh OK – hands
– – 1♦ 3♣* with void hearts would pretty much always double –
3♥ 4♣ Pass Pass fair enough). The alternative is Four Spades but part-
? ner would be forced to preference to Five Hearts
3 ♣ Natural and pre-emptive opposite say 2-2-6-3 and Four Hearts could still
Bid Marks No. of Votes play better even if we were to find a 5-3 spade fit.
Four Hearts 10 15 Greco: Four Hearts. I just don’t feel like I quite have
Double 8 4 enough for Four Spades although we may easily
Four Spades 6 1 have a lay-down slam. Maybe I should have dou-
Pass 2 0 bled the first time? Similar to last month’s problem.
Four Diamonds 2 0 Indeed. Last month we were 5-5-0-3 after the same
This auction has become irritatingly crowded. We start. Mike makes the same point:
wanted lots of room to explore both strain (anything Lawrence: Four Hearts. Looking for spades is a
except clubs could be right) and level but the opposition dream. Can’t help but wonder if double first would
are up to the four-level before we have really started. have been better? I wouldn’t do it but that doesn’t
So we just have to make the best of it. I suppose then mean it wouldn’t work.
it is no surprise that three quarters of the panel put Brock: Four Hearts. Looks like our most likely
their faith in their good long suit: game. Slam is possible but I have no idea how to
Bird: Four Hearts. It’s been an arduous set and this find out what I need to know.
problem comes as welcome relief. Partner is unlikely Smith: Four Hearts. AKx will be an equally use-
to hold much in clubs, so he should provide useful ful spade holding playing in hearts as in spades, so
honours in spades. If he happens to hold length in it seems unnecessary to risk defending Four Clubs
spades too, we should make Four Hearts anyway. doubled in order to try to keep the chance of find-
Eric gives a full analysis including the inferences of ing a spade contract alive. The choice really comes
partner’s bids. Note that the new system does say that down to rebidding my suit or supporting partner’s
new suits at the three-level are FG (it is impractical diamonds, and with Four Hearts feels like the bet-
to play them any other way) so we need to know what ter of those options.
partner’s double and pass means. Is double extra val- Zmudzinski: Four Hearts. Very difficult. I got only
ues or is it penalties or just regressive (no heart fit)? Is 10 HCP. Three Hearts was a FG so pass over Four
Pass encouraging or just nothing to say? Listen to Eric: Clubs was forcing. We can have a grand slam in
Kokish: Four Hearts. It’s somewhat craven not hearts if we can pitch spades on diamonds even
to include a note about Three Hearts creating a with four cards in spades in partner’s hand. I do
game force in practice and East’s pass being forc- not think Four Spades bid is a proper bid. It shows
ing, but I guess those are issues you hope to sur- 5-6 but suggests a better suit. Let’s get a plus score.
vey with this problem. The nature of East’s pass is Partner can still bid.
significant, of course, and if we consider it forcing Alder: Four Hearts. Bidding Four Spades is going
we’d know whether it requested a reopening dou- way too far. And Hamman says never to double
ble with nothing special or whether it suggested a with a void in these sorts of situations.
hand unsuitable for a penalty double, not to men- Rigal: Four Hearts. Slam could still be in the picture
tion whether a penalty double would imply trump but am I supposed to bid Four Spades and find part-
tricks or simply a mis-fitting minimum. It would ner with a 3-3-5-2 pattern. We really have no idea
be nice to bid Four Diamonds with the under- what to do and doubling with a void? Not for me.
standing that East would convert to Four Hearts Carruthers: Four Hearts. I’d like to double, and I
or Four Spades with appropriate holdings on the would if I were certain partner would take it out, but
way to at least Five Diamonds, and in practice that there’s too great a possibility that he is balanced and

 Intermediate
will feel constrained to pass. Too bad if he has some at the time...
hand such as ♠AKQx ♥x ♦Kxxxx, ♣xxx, when Well Paul you are allowed to bid Four Hearts over
Double works a treat. But what about ♠AKx ♥xx 3NT! I assume that you mean that the auction was
♦KQxxx ♣xxx, where he may be inclined to Pass such that you felt partner had commanded the dummy
and collect +100 or +300 into our vulnerable game? in 3NT (though God only knows what it was!). At
Cope: Four Hearts. Whilst one would love to intro- the table the other hand actually bid Four Diamonds
duce the spade suit, the level has become too high over Four Clubs and our hand raised to Five Dia-
to do so. The suit will play OK even opposite a monds which did not make on a club lead. Both Four
singleton. Double is tempting, but the void is not Hearts and Four Spades are comfortable makes on the
a holding we should have for such a bid – partner lie. What should partner do if we choose to double?
may well leave it in with nothing better to do and If he bids Four Diamonds and we bid Four Hearts
frown with irritation when we do not lead a man- partner has a decision to make and I cannot believe
datory trump at trick one. it is right to pass with a singleton when we didn’t bid
Rosen: Four Hearts. This or double. With a good Four Hearts the round before (hence why the panel
six-card suit I will put my faith there, double might did so!) but will have to view very well to bid Four
get partner passing for an insufficient penalty. Spades if they do bid. I am told that Four Clubs dou-
Green: Four Hearts. I’ll bid what I think I can make. bled is 500 if partner chooses that option. Given that
I’m too worried that partner will pass if I double. Three Hearts established a game force it is interesting
The last six panelists all mention double so let’s hear to know what partner should bid over Four Clubs. Is
from those who bid it: this pass or double?
Cannell: Double. I hope this has transferable val-
ues/action/competitive/takeout overtones! Gulp! PROBLEM 8
Well Drew does not seem very convinced of his
action! Plus if we are in a game force there is an argu- Pairs. Dealer North. E/W Vul.
ment that double is penalties is there not? ♠ A 10
Silver: Double. With no clear direction I choose ♥ AK Q 9
the obsequious(?) double, intending to bid Four ♦ AQ J 5
Hearts over Four Diamonds, Pass over Four Hearts ♣ A 10 7
or Four Spades and gag over Pass.
Neither does Joey.
– Pass Pass 2♠*
Sime: Double. Probably this is our only chance to
Double 3♠ Pass Pass
reach spades if we have a 5-4 fit. Unfortunately it’s
?
also our only chance to reach Four Clubs doubled. 2♠ natural and weak
Shows again why takeout doubles should usually
be taken out. Bid Marks No. of Votes
Nor Iain. Double 10 13
Robson: Double. Will get to Four Spades when 3NT 9 7
Pass 4 0
right and, who knows, it might even be right to Four Hearts 3 0
defend. Four Diamonds 1 0
But Andrew seems happy enough. 4NT 1 0
One brave panelist is prepared to bid out his shape Marc Smith sent me this hand and argued strongly
and hang the consequences: that you should pass. I bet him that no panelist would
Teramoto: Four Spades. This tends to show 5-6 in pass or even consider it an option. Given that Marc
the majors – which is what I have. is on the panel this was a pretty foolish bet! Luckily
For the third problem in a row Paul knows the hand, Marc does not remember the hand and has clearly
although this time he did not send it to me: changed his mind:
Bowyer: Four Hearts. Another hand where I Smith: Double. The only alternative seems to be
recorded a zero (it originated in a pairs contest, to take a shot at 3NT, which is likely to need the
despite the stated conditions) (OK it was sent to ♦K opposite (or perhaps ♠Jxx and a little bit more).
me as IMPs but fair enough). We played in a farci- Sure, doubling again is likely to give up on 3NT,
cal 3NT, with Four Spades cold. Partner has ♠AKx since I have the spade stopper, but partner is not
♥x ♦QJxxxx ♣Axx. After the given auction I would going to correct to hearts with something like ♠xxx
have bid Four Hearts, an option not given to me

 Intermediate
♥Jxxx ♦xxx ♣Kxx if I bid 3NT. Thankfully, I do particularly well, or that a second double is likely
not have to decide what to do after a Four Club to lead to defending Three Spades Doubled. North
response to this second double (pass, presumably, will expect a hand different from 3NT directly over
and watch him struggle to make it with 3NT cold). Two Spades (long suit included), so might take out
Unsurprisingly the panel treated this as a choice 3NT when we belong in a suit contract, but it’s not
between double and 3NT, with the former winning something we can count on. If 3NT is our best
by 13 to 7. Let’s interleave them and see if we can contract we’re not getting there unless I bid it now,
glean anything. Comments ranged from the sarcastic: so although I dislike 3NT I think it’s the straight-
Bird: Double. Very difficult. Not the bidding prob- forward way to deal with this moose.
lem, but the question ‘What possible alternative Like Tim Joey is prepared to try Four Hearts next:
are we meant to consider?’ 3NT, when we know Silver: Double. 3NT seems too big a position to
we cannot hold up the ♠A to break the defenders’ take at this time. I’ll take my bid position later in
communications? This appears to be bananas. Pass the auction by bidding Four Hearts should my OX
seems to be barking too, with a 24-count. Well, I bid four of a minor.
must have missed something. Greco: 3NT. If partner has five hearts they should
To the incredulous: always pull based on my decision to not jump to
Carruthers: 3NT. A second Double might work 3NT but this is likely our last chance to get to NT
better or worse on any given hand, but at least so I will bid it knowing we might have a better
I’ve shown some uncertainty about strain with my strain/slam.
auction. And sometimes North will have raised on Andrew too:
a doubleton honour, so a hold up may be effec- Robson: Double. Yes, 3NT could work better, but
tive. Even if partner produces a 4x3 Yarborough, I it’s so final. I’ll punt Four Hearts over partner’s Four
still might make 3NT. Can our imaginative panel Clubs/Diamonds reply to my double.
come up with a third alternative to 3NT or Dou- Sally introduces a slightly different idea:
ble? Surely not. Brock: 3NT. Might depend a bit on who I am play-
No they cannot. ing against. The opponents often take liberties at
Bowyer: Double. Not sure how you expect to divide favourable so partner could be quite balanced: say,
the panel on this one. No doubt 3NT is the only ♠Jxx ♥xxx ♦xxx ♣xxxx. The last thing I want is
making contract opposite the ♦K. If so, it’s too for him to start gallivanting about at the four-level
hard for me. with a four-card suit.
Sime: 3NT. Close, so it’s a good problem, although Ben, however, will put his dummy down for Four
I can think of only two possible answers. The down- Clubs:
side of 3NT is that it might not make, and then Green: Double. If partner doesn’t have a spade
I will usually be two down. Minus 200 at pairs…. stopper then 3NT is odds against. Game in either
Double, however, will more often find partner bid- red suit seems more likely so I’ll give that a go and
ding four of a minor rather than anything I want sulk when partner bids Four Clubs.
to hear. I wouldn’t be that happy even if it were Rigal: 3NT. Could be the big winner. But I’m gam-
Four Diamonds, as that improves the odds that he bling that we can buy a spade stopper rather than
has the diamond king, and we should have been in make a red-suit game and that partner will remove
3NT. We might make 3NT even if North has the with shape.
diamond king, which admittedly is where I would Lawrence: Double. 3NT gambles that I can use
place it on the evidence so far. the diamond suit. Double works if partner passes
Cope: Double. Yes one might pot 3NT and hope or bids a red suit or even an unexpected 3NT.
partner has the ♦K or the ♣K and the ♥10 with Alder: 3NT. Partner has the king of diamonds!
the diamond finesse working but this looks more Cannell: Double. Once more unto the breach.
practical and gives us a chance of a slam contract Maybe Hamman would not approve of this effort,
if partner can leap to five of a minor. I might be but what the heck?
tempted if partner bids Four Clubs over this dou- Apteker: Double. Take out again, seems obvious!
ble to try Four Hearts and hope for success in a Rosen: Double. Initially tempted to bid 3NT but
Moysian fit the doubleton spade (lack of hold up rights) swayed
Kokish: 3NT. It’s not as if Double-Four Clubs; me away.
Four Diamonds or Four Hearts describes this hand Teramoto: Double. I want to find Four Hearts if
we have a fit.

 Intermediate
Zmudzinski: Double. Would be stupid to bid 3NT Tim Cope continues to prove himself the man to
and go down if we could make Four Hearts. beat with his third victory in the last few months and
As my preamble telegraphed the winning bid was to his second perfect 80. We will have to handicap him
pass. Partner held ♠xx ♥xxx ♦xxxx ♣Jxxx so would soon! Trailing in his dust are countryman Alon Apteker
indeed bid Four Clubs over a second double. Four and England’s Ben Green and Neil Rosen, all on 78.
Clubs is one down, 3NT two down, and Four Hearts
at least one down. You could make Four Diamonds
but how do you get to that? Three Spades minus two
was the easiest plus score. I still don’t think is in the
ball park though!
Not much of a set this one. Three problems had only
two bids from the panel, and a further four only three
bids. Only problem 6 with its seven answers broke this
mould. Still in three and a half years of doing this col-
umn I still have not had the dreaded unanimous panel.
Tim Cope
SET 301 – THE PANEL’S BIDS & MARKS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total
Tim Cope South Africa Double 4♦ Double 4♠ 3♠ 3♣ 4♥ Double 80
Alon Apteker South Africa Double Pass Double 4♠ 3♠ 3♦ 4♥ Double 78
Ben Green England Double 3NT Double 4♠ 3♠ 3♣ 4♥ Double 78
Neil Rosen England Double 4♦ Double 4♠ 2♥ 3♦ 4♥ Double 78
Paul Bowyer England Double 4♦ Double 4♠ 3♦ 3♥ 4♥ Double 77
Drew Cannell Canada Double 4♦ Double 4♠ 3♠ 3♦ Double Double 77
Eric Greco USA Pass 4♦ Double 4♠ 3♠ 3♦ 4♥ 3NT 77
John Carruthers Canada Pass 4♦ Double Pass 3♠ 3♣ 4♥ 3NT 76
Mike Lawrence USA Double Pass Double Pass 2♥ 3♣ 4♥ Double 76
Barry Rigal USA Pass Pass Double 4♠ 2♥ 3♣ 4♥ 3NT 76
Joey Silver Canada Double 4♦ Double 4♠ 3♠ 3♥ Double Double 75
Phillip Alder USA Double Pass Double 4♠ 3♠ 4♦ 4♥ 3NT 74
Eric Kokish Canada Pass 3NT Double 4♠ 3♠ 2♣ 4♥ 3NT 74
Marc Smith England 7♠ Pass Double 4♠ 3♠ 2NT 4♥ Double 74
David Bird England 7♠ 3NT Double 4♠ 3♠ 2NT 4♥ Double 73
Sally Brock England Pass 3NT Pass 4♠ 2♥ 3♣ 4♥ 3NT 73
Tadashi Teramoto Japan Pass 4♦ Pass 4♠ 2♥ 3♣ 4♠ Double 72
Iain Sime Scotland Double 4♦ Pass Pass 3♠ 3NT Double 3NT 71
Adam Zmudzinski Poland 7♠ 3NT Pass Pass 3♠ 3♦ 4♥ Double 70
Andrew Robson England Pass Pass Pass 4♠ 3♦ 3♥ Double Double 69

 Intermediate
Israel Bridge Federation
50th Annual Tel Aviv International Bridge Festival

June 3-9, 2016
The Festival will take place on June 3-9, 2016

We look forward to welcoming you to Tel-Aviv,
the city that never sleeps & where all the action happens!
This year, you will enjoy a variety of competitions with
prizes totaling €30,000.
Free
p
For more information and help: spec arking an
ial su d
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www.ibf-festival.org | +972-3-9794862 and t
reats
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
Bidding Competition – Set 302
Open to all – Free Entry
See following pages for system and method of entry
PROBLEM 1 PROBLEM 5
IMPs. Dealer South. All Vul. IMPs. Dealer West. All Vul.
♠ AQ 5 ♠ A6
♥ 10 9 4 ♥ KQ9764
♦5 ♦ AJ 5
♣ A Q 10 7 6 5 ♣ Q6
West North East South West North East South
– – – 1♦ 1♥ Pass 1♠ Double
2♣ 2♦ Double Pass ?
?
PROBLEM 6
PROBLEM 2
IMPs Dealer West. All Vul.
IMPs. Dealer East. None Vul. ♠ AQ 8 6 5
♠ K5 ♥ K J 10 6 4
♥ 53 ♦ A 10 4
♦ 63 ♣—
♣ A K Q 10 8 5 4 West North East South
West North East South 1♠ Pass 2♦* Pass
– – 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass 3♦ Pass
2♣* Pass 2♠ Pass ?
3♣ Pass 3♦ Pass 2♦ Reminder that 2 over 1 is FG in BM standard now.
3♠ Pass 4♥ Pass
PROBLEM 7
?
2♣ Reminder that 2 over 1 is FG now in BM standard IMPs. Dealer East. E/W Vul.
PROBLEM 3 ♠ Q52
IMPs Dealer East. All Vul. ♥ Q4
♠ QJ ♦ K642
♥ J983
♣ J743
♦ A K 10 West
–
North
–
East
1♥
South
2♣
♣ AQ 9 3
?
– – 1♠ Pass PROBLEM 8
2♣* Pass 3♣ Pass
IMPs. Dealer East. E/W Vul.
?
2♣ Reminder that 2 over 1 is FG now in BM Standard ♠K
PROBLEM 4 ♥ J52
♦ K64
IMPs. Dealer West. N/S Vul. ♣ AK J 7 6 4
♠ AQ 9 7 West North East South
♥ AK Q 9 6 – – 1NT* 2♦*
♦ A K 10 3♣* 4♠ Pass Pass
♣A ?
West North East South 1NT 15-17
2♣* Pass 2♦* 3♣ 2♦ Spades and another. If hearts then hearts are
longer or better
? 3♣ Natural and FG (competitive hands go through
2♣ 23+ balanced or any game force a Lebensohl 2NT)
2♦ Negative/waiting


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 March. 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♦ to
anced and non-forcing. All other bids are at least 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
Fit jumps after our overcalls. Jump cue-bid is a with Lebensohl responses–same structure
mixed raise (about 6-9 with four-card support) as above.
Double jumps are splinters. 2NT is rarely natural in competition (except as
Lebensohl applies after interference over our defined above). Possibilities include Lebensohl
1NT. An immediate 3NT shows a stopper but or scramble if game is not viable.
not 4oM, 2NT then 3NT shows a stopper and Over 2M, 4♣/♦ are Leaping Michaels (5,5 in
4oM, 2NT then cue-bid shows no stopper but ♣/♦ and oM, FG). Over Natural weak 2♦, 4♣ =
4oM immediate cue-bid shows no stopper and Leaping Michaels (5, 5 in ♣ & a M with 4♦ to
no 4oM. In summary 3NT at any time shows ask for M). Over 3♣, 4♣ = Ms and 4♦ = ♦&M
a stopper and cue-bid at any time denies one, a with 4♥/♠ as P/C. Over 3♦, 4♣ = Nat and
jump to 3♠ (eg 1NT – 2♥ – 3♠ is FG). 4♦ = Ms. Over 3♥, 4♣/♦ = Nat, 4♥ = ♠&m,
2NT is rarely natural in competition (except as 4NT = ms. Over 3♠, 4♠/♦/♥ = nat, 4♠/4NT
defined above). Possibilities include Lebensohl = two-suiter
or scramble if game is not viable. Over their 1NT, Dble = pens, 2♣ = majors, 2♦
Overcalls: = 1 major, 2♥/♠ = 5♥/♠ & 4+m 2NT = minors
or game-forcing 2-suiter.
After a 1M overcall, 2NT = four-card limit raise
or better and a cue-bid is a three-card limit raise Over a strong 1♣, natural, double = majors,
or better, raises are pre-emptive, change of suit 1NT = minors, pass then bid is strong.
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
March 2016 Partnership Profile Partnership Bidding inside to see how your score
compares to that of the experts
Hand 1. Dealer North. None Vul. Hand 5. Dealer West. E/W Vul.
♠ KQJ8752 ♠ 98543
♥ 65 ♥ KJ985
♦ AK4 ♦ 10 8
♣ 2 ♣ 3
South opens 1♣ Hand 6. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
♠ A 10 6 5 3 2
Hand 2. Dealer North. None Vul. ♥ A8
♠ K43 ♦ Q832
♥ J 10 9 2 ♣ A
♦ A J 10 3 Hand 7. Dealer East. E/W Vul.
♣ AK
♠ Q74
Hand 3. Dealer East. N/S Vul. ♥ K75
♠ K92 ♦ 84
♥ A6532 ♣ Q9863
♦ 82 South overcalls 1♦
♣ Q54
South overcalls 1♠ and North raises to 4♠ Hand 8. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
♠ —
Hand 4. Dealer South. All Vul. ♥ A 10 8 5 3
♠ A83 ♦ Q J 10 7 4
♥ A85 ♣ J 10 6
♦ KQJ3 North opens 3♣
♣ 10 8 2
BIDDING COMPETITION Why not enter a bridge hand or bidding problem of your
own for use in BRIDGE Magazine?
SET 302
♠
(for the March Competition) ♥
My answers are (the Adjudicator)
♦
1. ♣
♠ ♠
2. ♥ ♥
3. ♦ ♦
♣ ♣
4. ♠
5.
♥
♦
6. ♣
7. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
8.
Total marks: Name: (please print)

Email to marksandcomments@sympatico.ca
or post to: Bidding Competition (292), Address:
John Carruthers, 1322 Patricia Blvd.
Kingsville ON N9Y 2R4, Canada Telephone: ___________________________________
Entries must be received by

31st March 2016.


EAST Bid these hands with those on the previous
Hands for the page with your favourite partner; then turn to
March 2016 Partnership Profile Partnership Bidding inside to see how your score
compares to that of the experts
Hand 1. Dealer North. None Vul. Hand 5. Dealer West. E/W Vul.
♠ 4 ♠ AKJ
♥ KJ932 ♥ Q7
♦ Q53 ♦ AJ7
♣ 10 9 8 3 ♣ K Q 10 4 2
South opens 1♣ Hand 6. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
Hand 2. Dealer North. None Vul. ♠ QJ8
♥ QJ2
♠ 10 8 7 5 ♦ AK9
♥ AKQ7654 ♣ 9743
♦ —
♣ 72 Hand 7. Dealer East. E/W Vul.
Hand 3. Dealer East. N/S Vul. ♠ AK3
♥ QJ6
♠ 8 ♦ AJ32
♥ Q 10 7 4 ♣ K74
♦ K Q 10 3
♣ A863 South overcalls 1♦
South overcalls 1♠ and North raises to 4♠ Hand 8. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
Hand 4. Dealer South. All Vul. ♠ AKJ987543
♥ Q2
♠ Q 10 7 6 5 ♦ 63
♥ J7 ♣ —
♦ A 10 7
♣ A43 North opens 3♣
BIDDING COMPETITION
Set 300Top Scores Other Good Scores: • Insufficient bids will be made
73 Nigel Guthrie sufficient.
Prize winners should quote the month,
72 Andrew King, Axel Johannsson, Kresten • Other illegal bids score zero.
competition and value of their prize when
placing an order for Master Point Press Kristensen, Mike Perkins • Only one entry per subscription is
books. Prize winners can refer to the list of 71 Chris Shambrook allowed for prize purposes.
MPP titles on the inside back cover of the 70 Peter Hawkes, Simon Hill, Graham • You may change a bid as long as it is
current issue of Bridge Magazine. Johnson, Edwin Lau, Brian McDowell, before the deadline.
Congratulations to Harald Bletz on 76, Nick Simms, Martin Turner Please review your bids prior to sending
well done! Harald wins ₤50 worth of 69 Norman Massey them! They are not looked at until time to
Master Point Press books from Chess 68 Bill Gordon, Tugrul Kaban, Alan Sant, score when it is usually too late to correct
and Bridge. Tied on 74 are Ian Andrew, Olga Shadyro an obvious error.
Peter Barker, Stuart Nelson and Helga 67 Andy Poole Only your top five scores are included in
Turner; the random draw awarded ₤25 the Grand Prix total. Reporting on the
66 Bill Linton
worth to Stuart, ₤15 worth to Ian and Grand Prix standings will start when Set
₤10 worth to Peter.. 65 Nigel Osmer, Mike Ralp
301 is scored.
Competition: New Year Thank you to the readers who submit
problems. We may not be able to use
Reminders them all but please keep them coming.
The new year seems to be a good time for
a few reminders.
• It is up to the entrant to know the
system; we accept your first bid, no
alternatives “in case that’s not the system”.

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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