One day at Maywood, South broke East's heart.
Matchpoints S-92
All Vul H-A42
D-8743
C-AQ43
S-J43 S-QT6
H- H-KJT83
D-AJ962 D-T5
C-KT972 C-J65
S-AK875
H-Q9765
D-KQ
C-8
After a 1S opening by South and an unusual 2NT by West, N-S eventually arrived at 4H doubled by East. North redoubled, who liked the club holding and was confident that South was a heart- breaker who could count to ten. The opening lead was the 2C.
And COUNT South did! Realizing that to reach ten, the QC must win right then. Add the CA, one diamond, two spades, three heart tricks in hand and two more from dummy and East was about to have an upset tummy.
The QC winner was followed by a club ruff and KD to West's ace. You win any return, so let's assume a diamond to total three tricks. Now we take our two top spades and a spade ruff. Six in the bag.
The AC gives us a place for the spade loser. Now we trump a club, beating any heart played by East. Now we ruff the last spade with the AH for our ninth trick. Any lead from dummy now establishes trick number ten.
Note that if East ruffs trick nine with the king, South simply wins the next heart in hand and proceeds with the last spade to ruff with the ace, etcetera.
Alas, poor South. When this hand was born, South was actually North, and did redouble.
When the smoke cleared in the actual play, East had 1,000 last laughs.
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WESTCHESTER (April)
1-A Fri Open Pairs Millie Curman-Lynn Mackall
2-B Womens Pairs Millie Curman-Lynn Mackall
FORT LAUDERDALE REGIONAL (April)
4-A Senior Pairs Joan Hausmann
VANCOUVER NABC (May)
6-C 1st Sun Senr Swiss Noriko Kobe-Kuniko Kusumoto-
Betty Price-Martha Troxell
5/8-B Mon Eve BAM Teams Betty Price-Martha Troxell
1-A ACBL Charity Prs Tina & David Daly
3/4-A Tue Aft 199er Prs Kuniko Kusomoto-Noriko Kobe
2-Green Tue Midnite KO Sanford Johnson
6-A Thur A/X Swiss Tms Sarah Wiener
EASTERN STATES REGIONAL (May)
1-A Thurs Open Pairs Craig Ganzer
3-B Leonard Helfgott-Paul Quodomine
4-C Thurs Senior Prs Noriko Kobe-Saeko Hisayama
3-A Thurs Aft Cont Prs Steve Nellissen
5-B Thurs Eve Cont Prs Mike Szala
4-A Fri Flt A/X Pairs Craig Ganzer
4-C Fri B/C Pairs Andrea Berlent
1-Br2 Fri Compact KO Edward Wilson-Paul Fagan-
Henry Stadelmann-Paul Rau
1 Fri Comp KO Consol Sarah Wiener
1-A Fri Senior Pairs Fred Paul-Arnold Fisher
2-A Arnold Federman
5-C Suzanne Greer
3-A Fri Aft Cont Prs Steve Nellissen
6-B Seng Tjoa
5-C Keiko Yamada
4-A Fri Aft Newcmr Pr Florence Bolnick-Cynthia Katz
4-A Sat Aft Cont Prs Seng Tjoa
6-C Lucille Silverman
3-A Sat Eve Cont Prs Seng Tjoa
5-A Robert Fogle
2 Sat Eve Newcmr Pr Eugene & Irene Frisch
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HINTS for a MORE PLEASANT ATMOSPHERE
Be a good host when players come to your table
Praise bidding or play of the opponents
Have 2 convention cards on table (required)
Lighten up and have a sense of humor
REWARD ACTIVE ETHICS - REPORT POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
Behaviors that should not be tolerated:
Badgering, rudeness, insinuations, intimidation, profanity,
threats or violence.
Negative comments concerning opponents' or partner's play or
bidding.
Gloating over good results.
Constant and gratuitous lessons and analyses at the table.
Loud and disruptive arguing with a director's ruling.
Player's Actions
director should be called immediately
report behavior to the Recorder
send written report to the Conduct & Ethics Chairperson
Director's Actions:
reprimand given
procedural penalties resulting in some loss of points
expulsion from game
Club Owner's Actions: (recommended)
barring from club for a period of time
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The song has ended, but does the melody linger on? Perhaps a good result at the end of a session, perhaps not. Just maybe the opponents are responsible for the outcome.
Take me, for example. Recently I gave Pair 1 a top after blowing a hand and receiving a well-deserved zero. This was followed by a reversal of the situation with Pair 2. Does this make one pair better than the other? In both cases I was in control for a bottom and a top. Look at what happened to Pair 2:
S-Axxx
H-Axx
D-Kxx
C-T9x
S-xx S-Qxx
H-Q9xxxx H-
D-xx D-QJxxx
C-xxx C-KQJxx
S-KJxx
H-KJT8
D-Axx
C-Ax
S W N E
1NT P 3NT P
P P
West led the 6H, which guaranteed four tricks in that suit and revealed the unusual distribution. After a successful spade finesse I cashed three more spades and two hearts, preserving the KH in my hand. I now had seven tricks and the count of the major suits.
During these first seven tricks, East played three spades and two of each minor suit. I led a club to East's jack. His club return to my ace, followed by the KH squeezed East. After discarding a diamond in dummy, East did the same thing. At this point I was in full control!
S-
H-
D-Kx
C-T
S- S-
H- H-
D-Tx D-QJ
C-x C-K
S-
H-
D-Axx
C-
Its indeed a pleasure to win
But to lose is not a sin
As long as one meets the test
Our team lost, but did its best
Back to newsletter indexA few years ago, after I had been dumped by my regular partner with whom I had qualified, I wanted to play in the NAOP regional final. It turned out that Beverly Tuck-Sherman was also looking for a partner. So we played in Rockland and managed to squeeze out about 0.80 gold. It was the first gold she had ever one, and I was glad to be instrumental in helping.
Years passed, and we hardly ever played again. She went on to win about twenty-four more golds with other people, and got to the point where she needed only 0.66 more to make Life Master.
In March she asked if I would like to play in the Saratoga Regional. She also made me an offer that I could not refuse, because she would drive. Since she works for Jaguar, she would be able to borrow a top-of-the-liner to serve as our transportation. I am now thinking about buying one of those $72,000 beauties.
We had a pretty good afternoon session, and I had high hopes for a section top, which would have given her the gold she needed. Ah, the disappointment of coming in second. Still, there was ample reason for optimism, since we were fourth overall on the mid-point leader board. The top five places would win gold, so all we needed was a so-so game in the evening for Beverly's LM card.
The first eight boards at night were great. Then disaster struck in the form of bad bridge, bad breaks and good opponents. Joan Gerard and her partner then handed us a couple of zeros. I could feel it slipping away.
I was bad, Beverly was worse and even the bad opponents got lucky. The last round we managed a couple of good boards and salvaged fourth overall. This produced more than enough gold to put Beverly over the top.
The ride home was a pleasure, and Ms. Tuck-Sherman was euphoric. It was particularly satisfying that, because of Beverly's relative youth, we played in the open game. I point this out for the edification of one of my occasional partners, and a frequent opponent, Andy Muenz. He has on more than one episode chided me for having won many of my gold points while playing with his elders. Fie on you, Andy.
Congratulations, Beverly! I'm glad I was able to provide the bookends in your quest for twenty-five gold points. And I really enjoyed the Jaguar.
Back to newsletter indexSo you think you can't effect a successful squeeze. If so, think again and read on. There are a zillion possibilities and opportunities for squeezes, and some will not come up in a lifetime of playing. Many defy even the best of bridgers.
A few tips may help you make contracts that you might think are unmakeable. Also, it is true that sometimes you will squeeze successfully and not even be aware that you "sqooze" somebody. You may think an opponent merely discarded badly, even though he/she may not have had any way to avoid the squeeze.
The first rule of squeezing is that you "RECTIFY THE COUNT." If you know nothing else about the subject, you should understand how to do this. Rectifying the count means that you must place yourself in a position where you can win all but one of remaining tricks WITHOUT resorting to the squeeze.
Noted bridge teacher Bill Root gives an excellent example of this principle in his book "How To Play A Bridge Hand." The hand shown is an one of the most common opportunities, and also one of the easiest:
S-A76
H-532
D-843
C-AQ42
S-T982 S-43
H-94 H-JT86
D-KQJ7 D-T52
C-653 C-JT98
S-KQJ5
H-AKQ7
D-A96
C-K7
The KD is led against a contract of 6NT. The contract can be made if hearts split 3-3, but do you see how to make it as the cards lie?
Since you now know about "rectifying the count," you permit the leader to hold the first trick. As a result, you are now in a position where you can win all but one of the remaining tricks, regardless of the distribution.
You are also in a position where you can rattle off eleven winners, and East has an insurmountable problem. In fact, you only need to cash four spades and one more diamond to force East to part with a heart or club. Whichever one he dumps, it is inadvertent suicide.
Since you got a little help in the distribution the squeeze works, and you tie for top on the board, along with the so-called "experts," who will not be able to lord it over you.
Don't worry too much about why this works, but do play the hand out double-dummy. Note that if you win the first trick East has no problem discarding, and you cannot make the hand.
Back to newsletter indexI played a hand in a PRO-AM recently that I thought may be of interest to you. You are welcome to publish it if you wish.
NORTH (Al Pagan)
S-AJ854
H-
D-985
C-AQ983
WEST (Betty King) EAST (Bob King)
S-KQ962 S-T73
H-84 H-9652
D-JT63 D-A4
C-KJ C-T742
SOUTH (Me)
S-
H-AKQJT73
D-KQ72
C-65
N E S W
1S P 2H P
3C P 6H P
P P
The problem is that I was the "AM" half of the team, and was assigned to this Pagan fellow. All afternoon he kept bidding no- trump, and then stealing the hands from me. I knew if I bid 3D after he bid 3C, he would bid no-trump again. I was tired of being dummy, so I struck first. I didn't think he would risk 6NT if he didn't know about my diamonds.
The KS was led, and I had to make a decision right then. I decided to play for the distribution I needed, played low in dummy, pulled trump and finessed the club king. I then led a diamond, winning with the queen. Back to the dummy with the club ace, pitched a diamond on the spade ace and led another diamond. East took his ace, and I had the rest.
This manner of play seems the safest to me, since it does not risk a ruff. Any comments on the bidding or play? By the way, it was a top, as others failed to make 6H.
Sincerely,
Lou Howard
Dear Mr. Howard:
I have chosen not to use your hand in my article. The rejection is not due to the hand but to the response I would make if I did. You see, my wife is a notorious bid hog too. But if I were to make this remark publicly, she would become very upset. So I have chosen to respond to you privately.
I am surprised that Mr. Pagan did not presume the presence of diamonds by virtue of your quantum leap to slam. Most overbidders and their brethren invent all kinds of reasons to play at 6NT in these circumstances. Barring an unlikely spade lead from East, 6NT certainly has a play.
Back to the actual play. Your approach gave you a 25% chance of success, since the KC and AD both had to be on-side. Two minor variations are possible. One is to win the spade ace, throwing a diamond and ruff a spade. This gives you the faint chance of bringing down a doubleton king-queen of spades, and you can still play for the club finesse and the diamond ace onside.
Second is to win the space ace, throwing a club. Then lead a diamond. If the king wins, play all but one of the trumps. You then have the option, watching the discards, of taking the club finesse or not. You can play for three-three diamonds if you choose.
The more I look at this, the more I think you should find a new partner. Pagan can make the same play in 6NT from North, since the spade lead would be so unlikely. In that way, your side could have defeated any pair that had worked out the play of 6H so well, as you did.
Very truly yours,
(signed) A. T.
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Most players are familiar with the "Scissors Coup" in which declarer leads a card, usually a singleton, early in the hand to sever communications between the defenders. Here is a case which is not so evident. When dummy came down I wished I had doubled three hearts, as the contract would certainly be set.
Dlr:South S-KJT5
Vul:Both H-J52
D-8654
C-J8
S-43 S-86
H-98 H-KT763
D-973 D-AQJT
C-AK9643 C-75
S-AQ972
H-AQ4
D-K2
C-QT2
S W N E
1S 2C 2S 3H
4S P P P
West led the heart nine and I won the queen. After two rounds of trump ending in dummy, South would like to play on clubs to establish a heart discard from dummy. However, West can win and continue hearts, and after winning the second club lead a diamond to partner's ace. East can then cash a heart winner.
If this contract is to have any chance, the DA must be with East, so South must lead a diamond. East ducks and the king wins. Now comes the "Scissors Coup." South must lead a second diamond to cut the lines between defenders.
No matter what the defense does, it cannot set up and cash its heart trick before a heart is discarded from dummy. It does East no good to win the first diamond either. Of course, it West starts with A, K and another club, this article never happens.
Back to newsletter indexBergen Bridge Club has introduced Swiss Teams as a part of its regular schedule. On Wednesdays there is a Swiss game at 12:30, preceeded by lunch at 12:00.
Club Manager Irma Cohn pointed out that no other club in our Unit is doing this, and they are pleased with the response thus far. It is a great opportunity for newer players to become familiar with IMP strategy and scoring. Of course, everyone likes the abundant masterpoints the event awards.
She went on to say that they will obtain partners to complete a team for you, so singles are welcome. You might want to call in advance to give them a little time to do so.
The club is also hosting the North American Open Pairs final for all stratifications on Saturday, September 18. Lunch will be served at 12:00 and the game will follow at 12:30.
Back to newsletter indexJoan Gerard was elected to the ACBL Board of Directors for District 3. She was the only candidate to file a declaration for the seat from our district.
Eight District Director positions are to be filled this year. In each case the incumbent declared his/her candidancy, and only District 4 has a challanger. In that district, incumbent Raymond Raskin is facing Henry Bethe in an election.
Back to newsletter indexI hope it's only gardening, golf and the like that caused the poor turnout at both our recent Sectional and the Bob Johnke Team-of-Four game. Although we had only 19 teams joining in, everyone had a good time at the Johnke. Thanks to Andy Muenz for organizing it and providing us with a terrific meal between sessions.
This event is strongly subsidized to thank its members for their participation in various contests run by the Unit. If interest continues to dwindle, we will have to consider whether to run it in the future. Your support in 2000 will give us the answer, and we hope it is a big success.
Cornel Ferat has been welcomed to the Board, replacing Mike Brown. Mike felt it was not fair of him to remain on the Board if he was not available for meetings. However, he continues to work in the background and organize the mailing of the Newsletter.
July and August are busy months in the bridge world. Not only do we have the qualifying rounds for the NAOP, but our Fall Sectional is being held at the end of August. Continue to check the club calendars for upcoming events there.
It is again time for me to solicit "new blood" for our Board. A nominating committee will be meeting at the end of the summer, chaired by Jerry Goodman. We welcome new volunteers to allow some of our veterans to fade into the background. Although we do not know as yet how many openings there will be, please send your letters to Jerry at 1350 15th Ave, Apt. 6B, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.
The Good Behavior Policy adopted by this Unit can only be effective if we are willing to police ourselves and report improper action or behavior to our Recorder or Conduct and Ethics Committee. We all want to have fun while playing and present a welcoming environment for new players. Let's have a happy summer and fun at the table.
Back to newsletter indexMost of you know by now that our Vancouver NABC was perhaps the most spectacular one in memory, including those in Las Vegas and Toronto. The two host hotels were 5- and 4-star establishments, with the mountains and water visible from almost every spot. It even made below average games seem okay. The record-breaking attendance for a Spring NABC of 13,180 tables was twenty percent higher than estimated.
Maybe we are finally getting the hang of things, because the Summer event at the newly finished and absolutely marvelous Riverwalk in San Antonio promises to be another smash. With Boston hosting the Fall NABC, this may be the year you should plan on trying one.
I wish I could say the same for District 3's regional in Saratoga Springs this past March. The attendance was embarrassingly low, despite the beautiful location and good room rates.
One of the positive motions that was passed at the Board meetings in Vancouver was to again pay full airfare (at the lowest rate for that day of travel) to our NAOP first and second place winners in all three flights, along with three day's hotel room costs. Unfortunately, that means increased playing fees to offset this.
I hope that you are all planning to make our Somerset, NJ Regional part of your summer vacation. Held August 9-15, it is probably not more than 45 minutes from your Unit. There are lots of good restaurants, loads of hospitality, tons of knockouts and a full Newplicate program. We're hoping to see you all there.
The Easybridge! program is doing well here. Several sites have already started up and more are planned this summer and fall. Those interested in becoming accredited should plan to attend a course being given at the Somerset Marriott during our Regional. Look for complete information on District 3's website or in the July Bulletin ad.
Speaking of websites, you should know that Arnie Bergen is also the web master for District 3 and is doing a great job. We try to give Arnie all the information about our Regionals and special events. He does a fantastic job of making the site look interesting.
Back to newsletter indexCan you believe it? You had to have a 64.28% game just to come in tenth in April! Seven hundred and eighty-six players at nine clubs joined in, and a 69.4% game by A. Taylor and P. Lamb at Rockland was only good enough for third in A strat. Also playing in Rockland I. Blasenheim and F. Grunebaum claimed sixth, J. Kuharetz and E. King 7/8 with D. Hodesblatt and B. Berman. Maywood notables F. Weidmann and J. Katz nailed ninth.
B strat had R. Morrison and J. McGowan in sixth at Bergen, with K. Miles and D. McInnis wrapping up seventh at Maywood. Rockland's P. Ray paired with H. Stadelmann to capture fourth in C.
Your next chance for those big, big points pops up on Friday afternoon, September 17 at Wyckoff, Bergen, Maywood and Rockland. Don't be left out.
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NEW LIFE MEMBERS
Saundra Arons
Vivian Goldstein
James Michaelis
Beverly Tuck-Sherman