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www.Wash ing tonBridgeLeague.org
July/August 2007
6622NNDD AANNNNUUAALL
PPOOTTOOMMAACC VVAALLLLEEYY TTOOUURRNNAAMMEENNTT
AAuugguusstt 99--1122,, 22000077
Don’t miss the2:30pm Saturday Panel Show!
Silver Spring, MD
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Take aSUMMERHOLIDAY
in thePOTOMACVALLEY!
B♣
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TThheerree aarree eevveennttss tthhrroouugghhoouutt tthhee ttoouurrnnaammeenntt ffoorrppllaayyeerrss ooff aallll lleevveellss iinncclluuddiinngg aa ffuullll sscchheedduullee ooff iinntteerr--mmeeddiiaattee aanndd nnoovviiccee ggaammeess.. EEnnjjooyy tthhee uussuuaall ffaammoouussWWaasshhiinnggttoonn hhoossppiittaalliittyy ffrroomm NNaaddiinnee aanndd KKiittttyyiinncclluuddiinngg ffrreeee lluunncchheess oonn tthhee wweeeekkeenndd..
FFoorr tthhee ccoommpplleettee sscchheedduullee,, sseeee ppaaggee 33..
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CCOONNTTEENNTTSS
ARTICLE PAGE
President’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Fred King 2
62nd Annual Potomac Valley Tournament — August 9-12, 2007 . . . . . . 3
76th D.C. Championships — October 4-7, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Bits and Pieces...
Welcome to the WBL; Congratulations to the 2007 Unit KO Winners;
2007-2008 District 6 North American Pairs Final; . . . . . . . . . . .5
Leslie Shafer’s Bridge Festival a Success; Summer Bridge
Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
WBL Solvers’ Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Steve Robinson 7
Thursday Night Unit Game...
2007 Trophy Race Standings . . . . . . . .by Webmaster, Don Berman 14
0-20 Game & Lesson Thursday Nights, Carpools . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Schedule, Upcoming Sectionals, Map, GGuuaarraanntteeeedd
PPaarrttnneerr PPrrooggrraamm,, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
It Takes a Village to Run a Bridge Club; Spare Brains or Muscle? . . . . . .16
Committee Action #57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Rich Colker 19
The Gadget-Matist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Barry Bragin 21
NVBA September Sensations Sectional Tournament — Sept. 6-9, 2007 22
NVBA Fall Sectional Tournament — October 18-21, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . 23
WBL Board and Member Responsibilities: May 2007 - May 2008 . . . . . . .25
Call for Nominations for the Machlin Trophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
NLMasterPointers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by I/N columnist, Sandy Forsythe 28
Stepping Up to New Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Sunday Bridge Fiesta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Need a Partner or a Ride to the Unit Game? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
Solvers’ Club’s New Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
♣♦♥♠ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ♣♦♥♠deadline: August 6, 2007
to submit new articles to the editor for the September/October 2007 issue
Washington Bridge League BBUULLLLEETTIINN (usps #861-240)VOL. 65, #4 — SUBSCRIPTION $2 PER YEAR FOR MEMBERS OF UNIT #147 (INCLUDED IN ACBL ANNUAL DUES).NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $21 FOR THREE YEARS. PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY THE WASHINGTON
BRIDGE LEAGUE AT 14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVE, BURTONSVILLE, MD 20866. SECOND-CLASS POSTAGE PAID
AT BURTONSVILLE, MD. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE BULLETIN,ACBL, 2990 AIRWAYS BLVD., MEMPHIS, TN 38116-3847. ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE EDITOR AT 901 CLIFTONBROOK LN., SILVER SPRING, MD 20905-3711.
Editor — Donna Rogall (301-421-9615), [email protected]/N Columnist — Sandy Forsythe (301-592-9177), [email protected]
Columnists — Steve Robinson, Richard Colker, Fred King, Barbara Summers, Barry BraginThe opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ACBL, the WBL,or even the editors of this publication. The WBL is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.
Fred King, President — (703-536-1914), [email protected] Berman, Vice President — (301-776-3581), [email protected]
Steve Robinson, Treasurer — (703-379-4371), [email protected] Ferrin, Secretary — (202-265-0718), [email protected]
UNIT DIRECTORSCarole Banks — (301-622-0923), [email protected]
Ellen Cherniavsky — (301-649-1350), [email protected] Kruskal — (301-927-1023), [email protected]
Linda Marshall — (301-320-6057), [email protected] Rind — (301-315-2211), [email protected] Rosenthal — (301-299-9298), [email protected]
SOME KEY VOLUNTEERSNadine Wood — Tournament Chair (301-565-9555)Ann Lindley — WBL Ombudsman (703-360-9087)
Frances Burke — Membership Secretary (301-384-6103)Ted Ying — Unit Game Chief Director (301-490-3154)
Michael Carroad — Unit Game Manager (301-322-4289)Barbara Doran — Unit Game & Tournament Partnerships (301-608-0347)Kitty Gottfried — Unit Game and Sectional Hospitality (301-587-3981)
Dick Wegman, Past President — (301-365-2228), [email protected]
WBL WEBSITE: DISTRICT 6 SITE:www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org www.districtsix.org
WWBBLL OOMMBBUUDDSSMMAANN
Any player with helpful directorissues including criticism or praise of thedirecting staff may contact theOmbudsman, Ann Lindley and beassured that the source of the informa-tion will remain confidential. Informationshould be provided in writing and maybe handed to her at any game, or mailedto her at 8822 Fircrest Pl., Alexandria,VA 22308.
SSUUGGGGEESSTTIIOONN BBOOXX
Do you have a suggestion thatmight help to increase membership orotherwise improve the WashingtonBridge League? Give any and allideas to Don Berman, 301-776-3581,[email protected], 13707Engleman Dr., Laurel, MD 20708, orwww.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.
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PPRREESSIIDDEENNTT’’SS LLEETTTTEERR
bbyy WWBBLL PPrreessiiddeenntt,, FFrreedd KKiinngg
When asked to describe duplicate bridgeplayers, words that often come to mind are“competitive”, “intelligent”, sometimes“aggressive”, “arrogant” or even “obnox-ious”. All too seldom does one hear, “polite,considerate, ethical and a real lady or gentle-man.” Yet surely we all know people who fitthis latter set of descriptions. Last year, theWBL decided to startrecognizing thesepeople who displayexemplary sports-manship by creatingthe new MMaacchhlliinnSSppoorrttssmmaannsshhiippAAwwaarrdd.. You willsee on p. 26 a fullerdescription of the cri-teria used for thisaward. Last year’swinner was CChhaarrlliieeSStteennggeerr,, a worthyrecipient who has seta high standard forothers to follow. Ifyou know of someonewho you feel isdeserving of thishonor, please sendme or any other boardmember a short para-graph describing whyyou think this person is worthy. Please getyour nominations in by September 1.
Joni Mitchell says “You don’t know whatyou’ve got til it’s gone.” Well, we have knownfor a number of years that what we had was apair of real jewels in SStteevvee aanndd SSaannddyyFFoorrssyytthhee.. They have added greatly to ourbridge playing family through their efforts inbringing new players into the game. Their les-sons and games on Thursday nights have feda steady stream of new players into the “bigroom.” The Sunday ““BBrriiddggee FFiieessttaa””they started not long ago has been the only
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WBL game that is actually in the WW of ourname. As this bulletin goes to press, it lookslike they may be moving from the Washingtonarea some time this summer. Even thoughthey are not yet gone, all of us who care aboutbridge in this area are dreading their leavingand our having to find some way to replacethem. We want to wish them well in their new
endeavors, tell themthat we will miss themvery much and ask ourmembership for vol-unteers or suggestionson whom we couldfind to replace thisirreplaceable pair.
Let me close thiscolumn by offeringour unit’s thanks toLLeesslliiee SShhaaffeerr andCChhaarrlliiee WWiilllliiaammss.. Acouple of months agothey approached uswith the idea of intro-ducing some of theirstudents to duplicatebridge before the 4thof July Regional withthe hope of inducinga number of them toattend this tourna-ment now that it has
returned to our side of the river. Workingwith SShhlloommiitt RRiinndd from our board, a mockregional was run on the evening of June 20and the morning of June 27. There were 20tables of newcomers at the first session and19 at the second. They were introduced tobidding boxes, keeping score on tickets,duplicate movements, directors, etc. Therewere selling desks, partnership desks, etc.Most of them seemed to have a good timeand now we just need to see how many ofthem came to the regional.
—Fred King
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♣ StrataFlighted Open Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C/D Separate 1500/1000/500)(both sites); Stratified NLM Pairs (NLM/100/50) & 0-20 Pairs (Christ the KingChurch only); Stratified 199er Pairs (First Presbyterian only)NEW: First Presbyterian Church, 601 N. Vermont St, Arlington 7:00pm
Off Carlin Springs Rd just before Ballston (can walk from Ballston Metro)Christ the King Church, 2301 Colston Drive, Silver Spring . . . . . . . . .7:30pm
Capital Beltway to Connecticut Ave. South. Left on East-West Hwy. Right onGrubb Rd. 1st left on Colston. Church is on the left before the next intersection.
Friday—at Christthe King Church Only♦ Stratified Pairs (unlim/2000/500) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am♥ StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00pm♠ Bracketed Pairs and computer assigned Board-A-Match Teams . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm
2 chances to win! Friday nights are your chance to try a different form of the game. This tourna-ment, you and your partner will play in a pair game. In addition, the computer will assign you team-mates. You’ll compare your scores on each board with them (after the whole pair game) as a win (1point), loss (no points), or tie (half a point). Add up your points to see if your team placed in the teamevent for extra masterpoints.
♣ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20)(single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am, 2:00pm, 7:30pm
♣ StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/3000) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:30pm♦ StrataFlighted B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500)(single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:30pm♥ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00am, 3:30pm♠ Newcomer Pairs (50/20/5) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:30pm♣ Don’t miss the between sessions Panel Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2:30pm
♦ A/X Swiss Teams, (unlim /3000, 7 round playthru w/short break) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am & TBA♥ B/C/D Swiss Teams, VPs (2000/1000/500, 7 round playthru w/short break) . . . . . . . .11:00am & TBA♠ 300/100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:00pm
♣ Full Schedule of Intermediate and Novice Events ♥I/N events: 0-5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300; Stratification at Director’s Discretion.
Famous Washington Hospitality includes snacks, drinks and Friday, Saturday and Sundaylunch free of charge. Chair: Nadine Wood, 301-565-9555, [email protected]. Volunteer
Coordinator: Barbara Summers, 301-598-5838, [email protected] Hospitality: KittyGottfried, 301-587-3981, [email protected] Partnerships: Barbara Doran, 301-608-0347, [email protected] or try the easy Online Partnership Bulletin Board: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org
Friday, August 10
♦♦♦ Sat.. && Sun.. Only at the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center ♥♥
1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD: From Beltway exit Georgia Avenuenorth (toward Wheaton). Turn right at first traffic light onto Forest Glen Rd.The Senior Center is .7 mile on your right.
Thursday, August 9
Sunday, August 12
Saturday,
August 11
Take a SummerHoliday in the
Potomac Valley!
62nd
Annual
PotomacValley
Tournament
62nd
Annual
PotomacValley
Tournament
Silver Spring, MD: August 9-12, 2007
‘s
Help Wanted
Do you have the patience ofJob, the wisdom of Solomonand a director’s certificatefrom the ACBL? Then youmight be interested in join-ing our directing crew forthe Unit game. Ted Yingneeds capable, eager,friendly assistants to helphim run the best game inthe country. If you areinterested please let me orTed know.
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...continued on p. 27
BBIITTSS AANNDD PPIIEECCEESS
WWEELLCCOOMMEE TTOO TTHHEE
WWAASSHHIINNGGTTOONN BBRRIIDDGGEE LLEEAAGGUUEE
The WBL welcomes the following new ACBLmembers: JJMMss BBaarrbbaarraa BBlloooommffiieelldd,, LLeennoorree AABBrreeeenn,, MMrr SStteewwaarrtt SS BBuusshhmmaann,, MMrr LLaarrrryy LLHHiieebb,, MMss YYaassmmiinn CC JJiiwwaa,, DDeellllaa MMoorrrriiss,, DDaanniieellRRuubbiinn,, MMss EElleeoonnoorree WWootthheerrssppoooonn,, MMss BBeevveerrllyyMM BBaacchheemmiinn,, MMrrss HHeeiiddee BBllaakkeerr,, MMaatttthheewwCCzzhheecchhaa,, MMrr HH BBrruuccee EEddkkiinnss JJrr,, MMrrss BBrreennddaa PPHHooiitt,, AAnnnnaa LL KKaassssiinnggeerr,, PPeeggggyy AA MMaarrsshhaallll,, MMssSSuussaann MM MMoorrrriiss,, MMrr WWiilllliiaamm MMoorrrriiss,, MMrr RRoobbeerrttPP MMuurrpphhyy,, NNaannccyy AA PPaattcchh,, MMrr DDaavviidd RR PPuugghh,,AAggeeee GG SSpprriinnggeerr,, MMrr GGeerraalldd TToollppiinn,, RRiicchhaarrdd AAWWaattttss,, and SSaallllyy WW WWaattttss..
In addition, we welcome the following trans-fers from other units: RRoobbeerrtt DD AAbbbboo,, MMrrssSSoonnnnyy FF AAddeellssoonn,, MMrrss EEllssiiee BB AAnnddeerrssoonn,, MMrrTThhoommaass WW CCoonnlleeyy,, MMrr PPaattrriicckk MM FFrryyee,, MMiicchhaaeellAA GGiillll,, CCaatthheerriinnee MMccHHuugghh,, JJuulliiee LL SShhaallaacckk,, MMrrssRRuubbyy RR TTiieerrkkeell,, MMrr AAnnddrreeww BB FFrraanncciiss,, MMrrssEElliinnoorr LL KKoolllliinnss,, MMrrss MMaarrggaarreett BB MMeennttzzeerr,, MMrrRRoonnaalldd HH MMeennttzzeerr,, MMrr IIllyyaa OO PPooddoollyyaakkoo,, andMMrrss BBeettttyy TT SSiimmppssoonn..
Please join us at our weekly UnitGame on Thursday evenings and frequentthe local bridge clubs in the area.Information can be found on our website,www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.
CCOONNGGRRAATTUULLAATTIIOONNSS TTOO TTHHEE
22000077 UUNNIITT KKOO WWIINNNNEERRSS!!
OOppeenn WWiinnnneerrss11 BBiillll CCoollee,, PPeetteerr BBooyydd,,
MMaarrkk SShhaaww,, SStteevveeRRoobbiinnssoonn
2 Fred Steinberg, Dave Ruderman,Alan Tenenbaum, Andy Gofreed, LeoLasota, Barb Shaw
3/4 Robbie Hopkins, Joan Lewis, BarryFalgout, Rusty Krauss, Bill Pettis,Kent Goulding
3/4 Noble Shore, Jeff Roman, DavidRodney, Mike Gill
FFlliigghhtt BB WWiinnnneerrss
11 AAllbbeerrtt LLaauubbeerr,, SStteevvee FFooxx,,NNeedd GGrriiffffiitthh,, WWaalltteerr SSmmiitthh
2 Dan Koch, Hirsh Davis, Prem Garg,Steven Schatzow
22000077--22000088 DDIISSTTRRIICCTT 66
NNOORRTTHH AAMMEERRIICCAANN PPAAIIRRSS FFIINNAALL
The District 6 North American Pairs clubqualifying has begun. The District Final forall flights will be held on the weekend ofSSeepptteemmbbeerr 2299--3300,, 22000077.. The Open Flight and0-2000 Flight Finals will be 4-sessionevents, with roughly half the field qualifyingfor the second day. The NLM Flight Finalwill be a 2-session event held on Saturday,September 29 at the Northern site and on
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♣ StrataFlighted Open Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C/D Separate 1500/1000/500)(both sites); Stratified NLM Pairs (NLM/100/50) & 0-20 Pairs (Christ the KingChurch only); Stratified 199er Pairs (Beth El only)Beth El Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria . . . . . . .7:00pmChrist the King Church, 2301 Colston Drive, Silver Spring . . . . . . . . .7:30pm
Capital Beltway to Connecticut Ave. South. Left on East-West Hwy. Right onGrubb Rd. 1st left on Colston. Church is on the left before the next intersection.
Friday—at Christthe King Church Only♦ Stratified Pairs (unlim/2000/500) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am♥ StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2:00pm
♠ IMP Pairs, Beer & Bratwurst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pmStrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D (1500/1000/500)
The Friday Night Imps are back! Friday nights are your chance to try a differ-ent form of the game. With IMP pairs, you only need one partner, but it scores like ateam game. Your score will be averaged with all the other scores from your direction
on each board..♣Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20)(single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am, 2:00pm, 7:30pm
♣ StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/3000) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:30pm♦ StrataFlighted B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500)(single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:30pm♥ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00am, 3:30pm♠ Newcomer Pairs (50/20/5) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:30pm♣ Machlin Sportsmanship Award Presentation & between sessions Panel Show . . .2:30pm
♦ Eynon TrophyFirst awarded in 1931— Try to add your name to the famous names inscribed here!
A/X Swiss Teams, VPs (unlim /3000, 7 round playthru w/short break) . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am & TBA♥ B/C/D Swiss Teams, VPs (2000/1000/500, 7 round playthru w/short break) . . . . . . . .11:00am & TBA♠ 300/100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:00pm
♣ Full Schedule of Intermediate and Novice Events ♥I/N events: 0-5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300; Stratification at Director’s Discretion.
Famous Washington Hospitality includes snacks, drinks and Friday, Saturday and Sundaylunch free of charge. Chair: Nadine Wood, 301-565-9555, [email protected]. Volunteer
Coordinator: Barbara Summers, 301-598-5838, [email protected] Hospitality: KittyGottfried, 301-587-3981, [email protected] Partnerships: Barbara Doran, 301-608-0347, [email protected] or try the easy Online Partnership Bulletin Board: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org
76th
Annual
D.C.Championships
76th
Annual
D.C.Championships
Silver Spring, MD: October 4-7, 2007
♦♦ Sat. & Sun. at theMargaret Schweinhaut
Senior Center Only ♥♥
1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD: From Beltway exitGeorgia Avenue north (toward Wheaton). Turn right at first trafficlight onto Forest Glen Rd. The Senior Center is .7 mile on your right.
Friday, October 5
Sunday, October 7
Saturday, October 6
‘s
Come to an
Octoberfestof Bridge!
Thursday, October 4
How You Can PlayLike An Expert
(without having to be one)
by
Mel Colchamiro$21.95 (276 pp. soft cover)
“Mel combines an easy reading, easyto understand personal style with realinsights. Believe me he knows. Andafter reading this book, you will, too.”
—Paul SolowayWorld Champion and
#1 ACBL masterpoint holder
Buy it at
www.melbridge.com(Fun free stuff there, too.
Check it out!)
questions: [email protected]
Paid A
dvertisement
Paid A
dvertisement
-- 77 ---- 66 --
Congratulations to JJJJ WWaanngg who came infirst with a score of 500. He wins a free entryto the Unit Game and will be invited to be ona future panel. I will also play with him at afuture Unit game. Tied for second were LLllooyyddRRaawwlleeyy,, EEnniidd HHuugghheess,, FFrraannkk CCaarrddiilllloo and DDaavveeSSmmiitthh with a score of 490 Tied for sixth wereNNoobbllee SShhoorree,, JJooee LLeennttzz and RRiicckk MMccDDaanniieellwith a score of 470. Tied for ninth were PPaauullBBeenneeddiicctt,, LLeenn HHeellffggootttt,, FFrraanncciiss MMccMMuullllaann,,RRuussttyy KKrraauussss,, MMiicchhaaeell PPoolluunniinn,, RRoonn ZZuucckkeerr,,JJoohhnn SSoommmmeerr and SSaamm KKeeiitteerr with a score of460. Tied for seventeenth were HHaannkk MMeeyyeerr,,RRiicchhaarrdd FFrreeeeddmmaann,, FFrreedd WWaaggnneerr and JJoohhnnKKllookkee with a score of 450. Tied for twenty-first were YYii ZZhhoonngg,, RRiicckk BBiinngghhaamm and MMaarrkkCChheenn with a score of 440. Tied for twenty-fourth were PPeerrrryy KKhhaakkhhaarr,, BBaarrrryy BBrraaggiinn,,RRoossssii LLiinnddssttrroomm,, PPeettee HHuugghheess and MMaarrkk SShhaawwwith a score of 430. The average score of the288 solvers was 336. The average score ofthe experts was 458.
All readers are encouraged to sendanswers and/or new problems to SteveRobinson, 2891 S. Abingdon St. #A2Arlington, VA, 22206-1329. In addition tothe winner receiving a free play at the WBLUnit Game, Steve will play with anyone whogets a perfect score or who exactly matchesall five of his answers. If you send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the aboveaddress along with your answers, I will sendyou a copy of the new problems to ensurethat you can meet his next deadline. You canpick up a copy of the problems at the WBLUnit Game in Maryland, and can sendanswers or requests for problems to [email protected]. You can also see and answerthe problems at the WBL web site. WBLSolvers Club uses Washington Standard aspublished July 1996.
I personally score all the problems. If amajority of the solvers vote for an answer,
and the answer is reasonable I will give thatanswer 100 points. I will not give 100 pointsto an answer that I consider bad no matterhow many experts vote for it. There are timeswhen I want to make a point. I will give thatanswer 100 points and will therefore give themajority answer 90 points. For the otheranswers I consider how good the answer isand how many experts vote for it for itsscore. If you submitted an answer that got 20points, that bid would get a bad score at thetable. A good exercise would be to figure outwhy I gave your answer 20 points. You mighthave misread the problem.
The book Washington Standard secondedition is out. If you are a serious bridgeplayer, this book is a must. You can pur-chase a copy from Steve for $25.00 at theUnit Game, at tournaments or can send hima check for $29.60 that includes $4.60 forpriority mail.
11)) MMaattcchhppooiinnttss,, NNoonnee VVuullnneerraabbllee
♠KQJ4♥Q6543♦K94♣2
SSOOUUTTHH WWEESSTT NNOORRTTHH EEAASSTT1♣
DBL PASS 2♣ 3♣3♥ PASS 3NT PASS????
AAccttiioonn SSccoorree VVootteess SSoollvveerrss4♣ 100 5 124♠ 90 6 50Pass 50 2 1974♥ 40 0 284NT 20 0 01
In response to your takeout double, part-ner cuebid. Cuebids after takeout doublesshow two places to play. If you know whereyou want to play you bid it. Holding♠xx♥Ax♦AQJxxx♣KJx, you know youwant to play in 3NT opposite a takeout dou-ble. Bid 3NT. Holding ♠AQxxx♥Kx♦Kxx
WWBBLL SSOOLLVVEERRSS’’ CCLLUUBB
MMooddeerraatteedd bbyy SStteevvee [email protected]
Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement
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-- 99 ---- 88 --
♣xx, you want to play in 4♠ opposite a take-out double. Bid 4♠ On the other hand, sup-pose you hold ♠10xxx♥AK♦Axxx♣QJx.Opposite a takeout double, you want to be ingame. You probably don’t want to play a 4-3spade fit. Cue bid to find out if the doublerhas four spades. Otherwise play 3NT. Atakeout double only promises three spades.Wouldn’t you double 1♣ with ♠Axx♥Qxxx♦KQxx♣Kx? If the doubler has only threespades you probably want to play in 3NT.
On this hand, we’ve made a takeout dou-ble with four spades and five hearts. Partnerobviously doesn’t have four hearts but heshould have either have four spades or ahand where he doesn’t want to play 3NTopposite a singleton. ♠KQx♥AKx♦Jxxx♣Jxx is a possibility where you need to playa 4-3 major suit.
Four experts agree with me and ask part-ner to choose another strain. 4♣ is betterthan 4♠ since partner could be 33 in themajors with a weak club stopper.
HHooppkkiinnss:: “4♣—I play a cue bid fol-lowed by 3NT offers a choice, as partnercould have immediately bid 3NT initiallywith ♠Axx♥Jx♦AJxx♣AQxx or ♠xx♥Jx♦AQJxxx♣AQx to end the auction. I pic-ture a hand with one club stopper and eithera good diamond suit or giving me the optionto play in my five-card major, say ♠Axx♥x♦AQxxxx♣Kxx or ♠Axx♥KJx♦AJxx♣Kxx.”
KKiinngg:: “4♣—If partner unequivocallywanted to play 3NT he would have bid itdirectly. To bid like this he should havedoubts or another place to play. I want himto choose another strain.”
PPaarrkkeerr:: “4♣—Partner would have bid3NT immediately if they good stoppers. Hemust have a major to bid 3NT, so I will nowbid 4♣ to see if he has four spades or threeor hearts or five diamonds.”
AAddaammss:: “4♣—We do not know partner’smajor suit shape? What would he do with♠xxx♥AKx♦QJx♣Axxx? We do know thatpartner has a desire for something other thanNT, therefore so do we. Maybe partner hasfour spades and is offering choice. 4♣ letshim bid his spades.”
Six experts unilaterally bid 4♠. Doesn’ttake into account the possibility of partnerbeing 3-3 in the majors.
CCaappppeelllleettttii:: “4♠—When partner bid 2♣instead of 3NT, he indicated interest in othercontracts. So he probably has four spades.”
Probably means 15 % of the time hedoesn’t have four spades. If he doesn’t havefour spades, maybe he has three hearts. Youcan bid 4♠ if he always has four spades.
AAbbeellooww:: “4♠—First reaction was to pass3NT since partner heard his RHO bid Clubstwice and should have two stoppers. On fur-ther review with no major suit support, part-ner would just bid 3NT therefore his cue bidmust be support for at least one major. Hecouldn’t afford to bid 3♠ himself since thatwould bypass 3NT.”
PPaauulloo:: “4♠—Bidding 3 NT after the cue-bid, partner shows some doubt about thiscontract.”
SScchhwwaarrttzz:: “4♠—Partner is likely to havespades for this bidding. Would like to bid4♣ just in case partner doesn’t have fourspades, but that could be taken as a cue bidwith slam interest.”
Likely means 15 % of the time he does-n’t have four spades. If he doesn’t have fourspades, maybe he has three hearts.
RRoommaann:: “4♠—Partner has asked me tochoose between 4♠ and 3NT, and withstrong spades, a singleton club, weak longsuit, and no aces, I have an obvious prefer-ence.”
LLaannddeenn:: “4♠—Partner doesn’t guaranteefour spades for his cuebid, but he usuallyhas them. I can’t afford to play 3NT when4♠ rates to be a superior contract, even ifboth make.”
Usually means 15 % of the time he does-n’t have four spades. If he doesn’t have fourspades, maybe he has three hearts.
Two experts pass 3NT.SScchhooeennffeelldd:: “Pass—With no eight-card
major fit likely, 3NT offers our best chancefor game. Partner likely has long diamondsand a double club stopper.”
WWoooollsseeyy:: “Pass—I would not have bid3♥ if I didn’t have five hearts, since I could
have passed and given partner a chance tobid his major. If he had four spades he sure-ly would have bid 3♠ rather than 3NT, sinceI wouldn’t be making a takeout double withfive hearts and fewer than four spades — Iwould have overcalled instead. Therefore wedo not have an eight-card major-suit fit, so3NT it is.”
I don’t agree that 3♥ shows five hearts.2♣ asks you to bid a major. Your first prior-ity is to bid a major. After showing yourmajors, your second priority is to bidnotrump with a stopper in opponent’s suit.
Cue bids should be choice of games.
22)) IIMMPPss,, NNoonnee VVuullnneerraabbllee
♠AKQ95♥54♦Q2♣AKQ10
SSOOUUTTHH WWEESSTT NNOORRTTHH EEAASSTT1♠ 2♥ Pass 3♥
?????
AAccttiioonn SSccoorree VVootteess SSoollvveerrssDbl 100 7 584♣ 70 3 1453♠ 70 3 43Pass 40 0 334♠ 30 0 064♦ 20 0 026♠ 20 0 01
You have a very good hand with no clearaction. A new suit at the four-level such as4♣ shows at least a five-card suit. MaybeAKQ10 will play like a five-card suit.Rebidding a major at the three-level showsat least a six-card suit. Maybe AKQ9x willplay like a six-card suit. Double is a takeoutdouble asking partner to bid his longest suit.If partner bids diamonds, maybe Qx will begood enough support. A good partner willhave six diamonds to the J10. Of course, youcan always chicken out and pass. I’ve saidbefore that this is a bidders game so pass isout. When you have a choice among calls,none of which are clear, make the cheapestand most flexible call.
Six experts join me and double. Fourexperts will correct 4♦ to 4♠.
SScchhooeennffeelldd:: “Double—With as little asone red suit trick and a jack, there are game
chances either in 3NT or 4♠. See what part-ner bids.”
CCaappppeelllleettttii:: “Double—Too powerful forany other action. I would bid 4♠ over theexpected 4♦.”
WWoooollsseeyy:: “Double—Over 4♦ I can affordto bid 4♠, which shows a flexible handsince I didn’t rebid spades immediately. Thedouble brings clubs into the picture as wellas 3NT or the outside possibility that partnercan pass 3♥ doubled. It is worth taking aslight overbid in order to maximize thechances of getting to the best strain.”
AAbbeellooww:: “Double—Will bid 4♠ overfour-of-minor. The diamond card and spadeJack will make 4♠ ok and a good partnerwill hold at least that.”
If you’re going to bid 4♠ over 4♣, whynot jump directly to 4♠.
Two experts will pass 4♦. Could be asilly contract if partner is 2344 but could beright if partner is 2263. The reason why youshould pass 4♦ is that with 2344, partnermight just bid 3♠.
SScchhwwaarrttzz:: “Double—Partner shouldhave at least a decent five-card suit to biddiamonds and I have to leave 3♠ as a rest-ing place.”
LLaannddeenn:: “Double—I’m too strong not toact. I could bid 4♣, but that gives up on3NT. If partner bids 4♦, I’ll pass. It could bethe right contract and partner, with equalminor suit length, will bid clubs.”
Three experts bid 4♣. Partner willexpect you to have at least five clubs.Hopefully AKQ10 will play like a five-card suit.
HHooppkkiinnss:: “4♣—I am bidding what Ihave. I do not picture this as forcing on part-ner as I did not open a strong 2♣. I don’texpect partner to trot out Diamonds unlesshe is showing his presumably six+ card suiton the way to a preference of 4♠.”
PPaauulloo:: “4♣—With only four losers I canbypass their security level.”
PPaarrkkeerr:: “4♣—I don’t want to be shut outand no one is going to double since I havesuch good suits. Partner needs the DiamondKing and three little spades to make a game
-- 1111 ---- 1100 --
so I bid.”Three experts rebid their spades. Partner
will expect you to have at least six spades.Hopefully AKQ9x will play like a six-cardsuit. If partner has two little spades, there isa chance, probably small, that you have nospade losers.
KKiinngg:: “3♠—I could make this oppositea flat Yarborough from partner. I would notlike to double and have him pass or biddiamonds. “
If I doubled and partner passed I wouldbe ecstatic. I wouldn’t be very happy if hebid 4♦.
RRoommaann:: “3♠—Partner is likely broke, soI see no reason to introduce the club suit. Icould easily make 3♠ opposite aYarborough, so pass is out.”
AAddaammss:: “3♠—Double is not going to getpartner to pass with diamond values. I sus-pect partner is broke, so game unlikely.Pass hoping both Hearts and Spades godown is silly, as the gain is small whenright. 3♠ may well push them to 4♥, whichwe rate to beat. 4♣ rates to have the samelosers, less maybe a trump trick, so 4♣ hasno advantage.”
When you have choice of bids, all ofwhich have faults, make the cheapestfaulty call.
33)) IIMMPPss,, TThheerree’’rree VVuullnneerraabbllee
♠AK1032♥J9♦A53♣A72
SSOOUUTTHH WWEESSTT NNOORRTTHH EEAASSTTPass Pass 2♦
2♠ 3♦ 3♥ Pass?????
AAccttiioonn SSccoorree VVootteess SSoollvveerrss4♥ 100 8 1194♦ 90 5 113♠ 50 0 123NT 40 0 914♠ 30 0 05Pass 20 0 464NT 20 0 014♣ 20 0 03
You have enough strength to be in gamebut which game? Since 3♥ shows at least
five hearts, you have at least a 5-2 heart fit.Partner could easily have two spades andthen you would have a 5-2 spade fit.Assuming two 5-2 major suit fits, you want toplay in the fit with the strongest middlecards. If partner’s spades are Q9 and hishearts are AK432 you want to play inspades. If his spades are 54 and his heartsare AQ1087 you want to play in hearts.There’s a call that wasn’t made. Responsivedouble. Partner is not 5-5 or 5-4 in heartsand clubs. There are two possibilities for noresponsive double. Partner has six hearts orhe is 2533. If he’s 2533, you need partner’shelp in finding which is the stronger major-suit fit. Bidding 4♦ will get partner tochoose the best game. Over your cuebid, heshouldn’t rebid a bad heart suit especially ifhe has two spades. If he has honor doubletonin spades and only five hearts he’ll prefer-ence spades. Using a cuebid as a choice ofgames is more important then using it as aslam try.
Four experts join me and bid 4♦.Whatever partner bids over 4♦ will be OKwith me.
CCaappppeelllleettttii:: “4♦—Will be the popular,obvious, choice - does everything and choiceof games.”
HHooppkkiinnss:: “4♦—Partner shouldn’t haveboth Hearts and Clubs as he would havemade a responsive double. The questionbecomes why didn’t partner open 2♥? I amgoing to show a good hand and let partnerplace the contract.”
KKiinngg:: “4♦—Even though partner is apassed hand and didn’t open 2♥, slam isstill possible and I will make one try for it. “
AAddaammss:: “4♦—Expecting a singleton dia-mond. If 3NT makes, then 4♥, 4♠, or 5♣,also makes. Partner likely 2515, but othershapes possible. Give partner a decent handthat is not good enough to open, such as♠xx♥K109xx♦x♣KQJxx. We have eighttricks in NT, and 4♥ or 5♣ are good spots.Give partner a spade honor, and 4♠ is OK.”
Eight experts make the final decision.Assuming the opponents are sane, partnershould have at least six hearts. However,
have you ever opened a five-card weak twoin third seat? I would open 2♦ with♠xx♥xx♦KQJ10x♣Qxxx, assuming, ofcourse, I was playing weak 2♦. Have youever raised partner’s vulnerable weak twowith a doubleton? I would bid 3♦ with♠xx♥xxx♦Ax♣KJ10xxx. So maybe partneris 2533 which is the reason why he didn’topen 2♥ or make a responsive double.
SScchhooeennffeelldd:: “4♥—EW bidding tells youabout North’s singleton diamond. Withpoints in the other suits, game has a goodchance.”
AAbbeellooww:: “4♥—-If you trust the vulnera-ble opponent’s bidding, partner shouldhave a stiff diamond but only five hearts (noweak two opener). Most likely distributionis 2515. I think with diamond taps threat-ening both major suit contracts, partnermay be able to scramble more tricks inhearts. 4♦ could lead to a better 5♣ con-tract if partner is 1516 but a worse 4♠ if hehas two spades.”
If partner were 2515, he would have dou-bled 3♦.
PPaauulloo:: “4♥—With controls, a suit to setup and some fit, I envisage game.”
SScchhwwaarrttzz:: “4♥—Prefer raising heartseven with a choice-of-games cue bid avail-able.”
WWoooollsseeyy:: “4♥—Yes, it’s probably a 5-2fit since partner didn’t open 2♥. But it’s stillprobably better than 4♠ in a 5-2 fit sinceentries to partner’s hand would be a problemin spades and the spade suit has secondarylosers.”
LLaannddeenn:: “4♥—Even if partner only hasfive, 4♥ rates to play well and 3NT doesn’tlook to be better.”
RRoommaann:: “4♥—This is a tough onebecause I’d like to make a slam try, but Ihave bad hearts and even if I was willing toignore that, the meaning of our various pos-sible continuations such as raising to 5♥, orbidding 4♦ and then bidding 5♥, areunclear. Does 5♥ ask for a diamond control?I think it’s just invitational, but partner maythink differently. 4♦ would be a choice ofgames cuebid, so what does it mean when I
then bid 5♥? On this hand I’m interested instrong hearts, but could I be looking for aclub control?”
Cue bids below game when two suits arein the picture ask partner to choose.
PPaarrkkeerr:: “4♥—I know partner did notopen a weak two but he can still haveQ10xxxx and my aces will do nicely in a suitcontract rather than 3NT.”
Cue bids should be choice of games.
44)) IIMMPPss,, YYoouu’’rree VVuullnneerraabbllee
♠9♥A53♦AKJ5♣AK872
SSOOUUTTHH WWEESSTT NNOORRTTHH EEAASSTTPass Pass
1♣ 2♠ Pass 3♥?????
AAccttiioonn SSccoorree VVootteess SSoollvveerrssDouble 100 10 170
3NT 50 1 013♠ 40 1 21Pass 40 1 494♦ 30 0 354♥ 30 0 034♣ 30 0 044NT 20 0 034♠ 20 0 015♥ 20 0 01
In the above sequence West bid 2♠,partner passed and East bid 3♥. There aretwo possible explanations of this auction.One is that East is also short in spades andis running to hearts. A second possibility isthat East has a spade fit and is making a fit-showing lead-directing bid. What optionsdo we have? Double of 3♥ is an extra-strength takeout double of spades. Whenyou double spades for takeout, you general-ly have at least three hearts. If your major-suit holding were reversed, this would be aharder problem.
Nine experts join me and double.CCaappppeelllleettttii:: “Double—Much too power-
ful for any other action and partner mightpass with misfits.”
HHooppkkiinnss:: “Double—This should show agood hand. I am hoping for a pull to 3NTwhen partner has a reasonable, as opposed
-- 1133 ---- 1122 --
to desperation/nowhere to go penalty pass of2♠. And if partner is not short in Hearts♠K10xxxx♥Jxx♦xx♣xx, then perhaps wecan defend.”
AAbbeellooww:: “Double—-Partner will pull withlength in either minor - I may have to guesswhether to bid game over a minimumresponse- possible partner has a penaltypass of 2♠- with two or more hearts, weshould do well against 3♥ doubled.”
KKiinngg:: “Double—Willing to defend orplay a high level minor, depending on part-ner’s input.”
PPaauulloo:: “Double—If opponents are inmisfit, partner can convert; if not, he hassome clubs or diamonds.”
SScchhwwaarrttzz:: “Double—Double might betaken two ways. Its either takeout, or a heartcard trying to get to 3NT. Luckily I have both.”
WWoooollsseeyy:: “Double—I’m way too strong tosell out. Anything partner does will be fine.”
Good reason to double when anythingpartner does including pass will be fine.
LLaannddeenn:: “Double—Clearly takeout.Partner will expect primary clubs and sec-ondary diamonds. For once, I have what mybid shows.“
RRoommaann:: “Double—Utterly routine. I havea fine hand, and I’ll be happy with whateverpartner does.”
One expert bids 3♠. Not sure what 3♠means but it is forcing.
SScchhooeennffeelldd:: “3♠—If partner has a spadestopper, three notrump will be the game ofchoice. Otherwise retreat to a minor.”
One expert fails to follow the ‘when indoubt bid rule’.
PPaarrkkeerr:: “Pass—They are probably introuble so why disturb them? A doubleshould be for penalty, but I will settle for asmall plus rather than have partner pull witha bad hand and three or four clubs.”
If partner passes the double, why do youthink you won’t beat them? You do havewhat looks like five tricks.
One expert bids what he thinks he canmake. Partner promises a spade stopper onthis auction. The question is, does he have aminor-suit queen? He needs more than just
the queen of diamonds and a spade stopper.♠Qxxxx♥xxx♦Qxx♣xx is not enough forgame to be made.
AAddaammss:: “3NT—Our most likely makinggame is 3NT, and Double does not get usthere. 3♥ is probably fit showing/leaddirecting (by passed hand), thus I expect aheart lead, and I expect to have a minor-suitfit. I also expect that many players here, witha spade fit, will save over 3NT. Why double3♠, when we might get to double 4♠, or wemight get to make 3NT. Let them make thelast guess.”
Takeout doubles are flexible bids
55)) IIMMPPss,, NNoonnee VVuullnneerraabbllee
♠A654♥3♦QJ10765♣87
SSOOUUTTHH WWEESSTT NNOORRTTHH EEAASSTT1♠ Pass
?????
AAccttiioonn SSccoorree VVootteess SSoollvveerrss4♠ 100 9 1083♠ 70 3 762♠ 40 0 182♦ 40 1 384♥ 40 0 091NT 40 0 133♦ 30 0 144♦ 20 0 013♥ 20 0 023♣ 20 0 052♣ 20 0 023NT 20 0 01Pass 20 0 01
You could treat this as a limit raise andbid 3♠. Opposite ♠KQxxx♥KQJx♦xx♣Qxyou could easily be held to eight tricks. Youcould treat this as a preemptive raise andbid 4♠. You go down two in 4♠ opposite theabove example but make slam opposite♠KQxxx♥Axxx♦Kxx♣A. You could bid4♥. Jumping to 4♥ over 1♠ shows a game-forcing four-card spade raise with a single-ton or void in hearts. All of these construc-tive bids could be correct assuming if it wereguaranteed that the opponents would notenter the auction. But there are opponentsout there and they do bid. The main reason
SSOOLLVVEERRSS’’ SSCCOORREESS
Dave Abelow 4♠ Dbl 4♥ Dbl 4♠ 500John Adams 4♠ 3♠ 4♦ 3NT 4♠ 410Mike Cappellett 4♠ Dbl 4♦ Dbl 3♠ 460Robbie Hopkins 4♣ 4♣ 4♦ Dbl 3♠ 420Fred King 4♣ 3♠ 4♦ Dbl 2♦ 390Steve Landen 4♠ Dbl 4♥ Dbl 4♠ 490Steve Parker 4♣ 4♣ 4♥ Pass 4♠ 400Manuel Paulo 4♠ 4♣ 4♥ Dbl 4♠ 470Steve Robinson 4♣ Dbl 4♦ Dbl 4♠ 480Jeff Roman 4♠ 3♠ 4♥ Dbl 4♠ 470Alan Schwartz 4♠ Dbl 4♥ Dbl 3♠ 470Brian Schoenfeld Pass Dbl 4♥ 3♠ 4♠ 390Kit Woolsey Pass Dbl 4♥ Dbl 4♠ 450
AAddaammss:: “4♠—3♠ does not preemptenough, and might miss magic game ♠KQxxx♥xxx♦Kx♣Axx. Would not surprise me togo minus, but might be OK anyway. Minorrisk of missing slam, but showing my single-ton likely will not help in that evaluation,and might get us too high when partnerexpects nine+ HCP.”
Three experts bid 3♠. If partner has♠KQxxx♥xxx♦Kxx♣Ax, he will pass 3♠and you’ll miss a cold game. You might evenmake it possible for the opponents get totheir cold 5♥contract.
CCaappppeelllleettttii:: “3♠—The infamous “tacti-cal limit raise” is just about right here.”
HHooppkkiinnss:: “3♠—About right on values.And too good for 4♠.”
SScchhwwaarrttzz:: “3♠—Game unlikely to becold if partner passes and other bids are toomisdescriptive.”
One expert bids 2♦. Give partner ♠KQxxx♥KQJx♦Ax♣Ax and you’ll end up in a50% slam Bidding two-over-one with onlyseven HCP could easily get you too high.
KKiinngg:: “2♦—I won’t stop short of game,so I might as well bid where I live.”
This problem has two good points.When you can give partner a minimumhand, and game is cold, game should bebid. When you can give partner a minimumhand and the opponents can make game,game should be bid.
for bidding 4♠ was to preempt the oppo-nents. If you bid 3♠, they could make atakeout double or bid 4♥.
Eight experts join me and bid 4♠.AAbbeellooww:: “4♠—-Lots of minimum hands
will give us play for 4♠ and keep opponentsfrom finding their Heart fit if they have it.”
SScchhooeennffeelldd:: “4♠—Although I likeBergen, with two suits, LHO may bid
Hearts or double the artificial bid andfind a sacrifice. Make it as hard as possi-ble!”
PPaauulloo:: “4♠—The six diamonds shouldcompensate the lack of the fifth trump.”
WWoooollsseeyy:: “4♠—It doesn’t make sense totry to be scientific with a hand such as this,since the success or failure of 4♠ by us orpossibly 4♥ by them depends on the dia-mond fit which we can’t find out. This handcould be a double game swing, and it is bestto force the opponents to guess at a highlevel. The best game try is to bid game andtry to make it.”
LLaannddeenn:: “4♠—A trump short, but com-pensating distribution.”
RRoommaann:: “4♠—I don’t know who canmake what, but I do know that lefty won’t bebidding 4♥.”
Main reason for bidding 4♠ is that leftywon’t be bidding 4♥.
PPaarrkkeerr:: “4♠—Either it is their hand orwe can make a game so I bid it now.”
LLoovveennbbeerrgg1 103.75 Alfred Steinberg2 101.40 Steve Robinson3 101.20 William Cole4 80.07 Mark Shaw5 70.11 Peter Boyd6 69.78 Arnie Frankel7 67.72 Noble Shore8 67.58 Leo LaSota9 65.92 Michael Gill
10 65.58 Robert Bell11 63.78 James Geist12 63.66 David Ruderman13 63.32 Benjamin Brill14 62.31 John Adams15 55.70 Earl Glickstein16 53.26 William Hacker17 51.19 Angeliki Magklara18 48.53 Lloyd Rawley19 48.23 Barry Bragin20 47.26 Fred King21 46.70 Richard Wegman22 45.92 Clyde Kruskal23 42.19 Alan Tenenbaum24 42.09 Donna Rogall25 34.97 Linda Marshall
The Lovenberg Race is open to all WBL members; the Izzy CohenRace is open to all WBL members who started the calendar year with lessthan 1500 masterpoints; the Tubbs Race is open to all WBL memberswho started the calendar year as aNon-Life Master with less than 500masterpoints; the Woolridge Raceis open to all WBL members whostarted the calendar year with lessthan 20 masterpoints.
Winners in each category willreceive four sessions of free plays.Second place gets two and thirdplace gets one.
This list is up to date throughJune 28. All points are subject toaudit by the WBL Director.
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IIzzzzyy CCoohheenn1 65.92 Michael Gill2 51.19 Angeliki Magklara3 48.53 Lloyd Rawley4 48.23 Barry Bragin5 34.97 Linda Marshall6 30.72 Steven Schatzow7 28.09 Arun Guha8 26.73 Shyamalendu Pal9 25.51 Ellen Rosenthal
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TTuubbbbss1 34.97 Linda Marshall2 28.09 Arun Guha3 26.73 Shyamalendu Pal4 24.22 Mirsad Mujezinovic5 22.61 Calvin Konner6 21.22 William Kingery Jr7 18.99 Alfred Liepold8 17.11 Daniel Koch9 16.92 Larry Moran
10 16.63 Namik Haverich
WWoooollrriiddggee1 28.09 Arun Guha2 26.73 Shyamalendu Pal3 15.11 Garry Grossman4 13.57 Frank Hatten5 13.08 John Horner6 9.61 Alan Walter7 9.58 Jeanne Ferraro8 9.50 Beth Wisinski9 8.28 Andrew Jacknain
10 8.26 Elizabeth Nash
-- 1144 --
UUNNIITT GGAAMMEE CCAARRPPOOOOLL AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE
To arrange a carpool, contact Don Berman, Carpool Coordinator, at301-776-3581 or [email protected]. ....Or log on to the WBL’snew OOnnlliinnee CCaarrppooooll NNoottiicceess at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.
MMAAPP TTOO CCHHRRIISSTT TTHHEE KKIINNGG CCHHUURRCCHH
♣ UUNNIITT GGAAMMEE ♦ WWBBLL ♥ UUNNIITT GGAAMMEE ♠ TTHHUURRSSDDAAYY NNIIGGHHTT ♣ UUNNIITT GGAAMMEE ♦ WWBBLL ♥ UUNNIITT GGAAMMEE ♠ TTHHUURRSSDDAAYY NNIIGGHHTT
WWBBLL GGUUAARRAANNTTEEEEDD
PPAARRTTNNEERR PPRROOGGRRAAMM
You never need to miss theunit game because you don’thave a partner at the lastminute! The WBL has a guaran-teed partner (GP) program forplayers who occasionally need apartner for the unit game. Here’show it works: we provide astandby partner; if an odd num-ber of people in need of a part-ner arrive, we match the playersas best we can, and the GP playswith the one who is left. (If thereis an even number of playerslooking, the GP goes home). Youcan always get a game.
Players in search of partnersshould try to arrive between7:00 and 7:15 (or call ahead).The partnership desk closes at7:25. You can call the WBL cellphone ((330011)) 339955--22776600 at the lastminute if are on your way andknow you’ll be at bit late.
To find a partner at least aday in advance, contact BBaarrbbaarraaDDoorraann (see below). or log on tothe OOnnlliinnee PPaarrttnneerrsshhiipp BBuulllleettiinnBBooaarrdd at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.
You might want to volunteerfor the GP program yourself. It’sa great way to meet people. Ifyou play on the night you’re theGP, you play free. If you volun-teer, you receive a free play forany future unit game whether ornot you play that night.
Email BBaarrbbaarraa DDoorraann [email protected] or [email protected],or call her at (301) 608-0347between 9am and 10pm.
PPaarrttnneerrsshhiippss CClloossee AT 77::2255ppmmTO START THE GAME PROMPTLY
AT 7:30PM. CALL IF YOU’RE LATE,OR YOU MAY NOT BE ACCOMMODATED.
∼ ♣ ♦ SSCCHHEEDDUULLEE ♥ ♠ ∼AAllll GGaammeess hheelldd aatt CChhrriisstt tthhee KKiinngg CChhuurrcchh
07/26/2007 ......StrataFlighted Unit Championship08/02/2007 ......StrataFlighted NAP08/09/2007 ......WBL Sectional08/16/2007 ......StrataFlighted Club Championship08/23/2007 ......StrataFlighted Unit Championship08/30/2007 ......StrataFlighted NAP09/06/2007 ......NVBA Sectional09/13/2007 ......StrataFlighted Unit Championship09/20/2007 ......StrataFlighted Unit Championship09/27/2007 ......Stratified STaC Pairs10/04/2007 ......WBL Sectional10/11/2007 ......StrataFlighted A/X BAM; B/C/D Swiss10/18/2007 ......NVBA Sectiona10/25/2007 ......StrataFlighted Appreciation Pairs11/01/2007 ......StrataFlighted GNT Swiss Teams11/08/2007 ......StrataFlighted Unit Championship11/15/2007 ......StrataFlighted Unit Championship11/22/2007 ......Closed Thanksgiving11/29/2007 ......StrataFlighted Unit Championship12/06/2007 ......StrataFlighted GNT Swiss Teams12/13/2007 ......Holiday Party Stratified STaC
FFoorr aa LLaasstt--MMiinnuuttee PPaarrttnneerr,, ttoo tteellll ssoommeeoonnee yyoouu’’llll bbeellaattee,, ttoo hheeaarr aannnnoouunncceemmeennttss,, oorr ttoo ccoonnttaacctt tthhee UUnniitt GGaammeeffoorr aannyy rreeaassoonn,, ccaallll tthhee WWBBLL CCeellll PPhhoonnee::
((330011)) 339955--22776600
UUPPCCOOMMIINNGG
SSEECCTTIIOONNAALLSS
August 9-12Silver Spring, MD
♣September 6-9
Fairfax, VA♦
October 4-7Silver Spring, MD
♥October 18-21
Fairfax, VA♠
January 3-6, 2008Silver Spring, MD
♣February 21-24, 2008
Fairfax, VA
∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼
-- 1177 ---- 1166 --
Last issue, we began consideration of anappeal from the first qualifying session of theBlue Ribbon Pairs in Hawaii last November.Recall the auction:
West North East South1♥ Dbl 2NT(1) Pass3♣ Pass 3♥ All Pass
(1) Explained as a relay to 3♣and what occurred: North led the ♣A against
CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE AACCTTIIOONN#5566
PPaarrtt 22
bbyy RRiicchh CCoollkkeerr,, [email protected]
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IITT TTAAKKEESS AA VVIILLLLAAGGEE TTOO
RRUUNN AA BBRRIIDDGGEE LLEEAAGGUUEE
bbyy BBaarrbbaarraa SSuummmmeerrss,, VVoolluunntteeeerr CCoooorrddiinnaatteerr,,[email protected]
Behind the scene volunteers are helping keepthis game we love alive and thriving. This month:SSPPRREEAADDIINNGG TTHHEE WWOORRDD!!
Try convincing others that duplicate players are notall exceptionally skilled, but that bridge is a fun expe-rience for all ability levels. The FFoorrssyytthheess,, SStteevvee aannddSSaannddyy,, give a lesson followed by a teaching duplicategame in a side room of Christ the King Church. Thisgame is limited to players with under 20 masterpointsand has a separate stratum for players with under 5masterpoints. Our regular unit game has sections forplayers with less than 50 masterpoints, less than 100masterpoints, and less than 299 points and allows eachplayer to play against their peers. Our unit hosts threeseparate games each week on Thursday evening. Oneseparate Open game has strata for players with over3000 masterpoints (Flight A) and players under 3000masterpoints (Flight X). A second Intermediate gamehas strata for players under 1500 masterpoints (FlightB), under 1000 masterpoints (Flight C) and under 500masterpoints (Flight D). And then we have a separategame only for players that have not yet achieved lifemaster, with strata for non-Life Master (NLM), for play-ers under 100 masterpoints and another for playersunder 50 masterpoints.
We have ready to distribute a pamphlet, “EnjoyPlaying Bridge in the Washington Area” written byAAlliiccee WWeeggmmaann with drawings by her daughter. The flyerexplains why we love duplicate and where to go andwhom to contact for all the games in the area. I will beasking you each to take some flyers to your friends,doctors, lawyers, Indian chiefs, business friends, co-workers, organizations to which you belong. The flyershave been distributed to the Montgomery County libraries and Mary Jane Von Mossreports that one player came to her game after reading the flyer. We need all playersto be informed and your help in distributing the flyers. Call me at 301-598-5838 oremail [email protected] with your offer of help.
DDOO YYOOUU HHAAVVEE AANNYY
MMUUSSCCLLEE OORR BBRRAAIINNSS
TTOO SSPPAARREE??
The Washington BridgeLeague could use a little ofeither! In order to keep eventsexciting and entry fees low, theWBL relies on the goodness ofour members to volunteer forsmall jobs at the Unit Gameand Sectional Tournaments.Some jobs require brains whileothers require muscle. We’ll behappy to employ either.
From setting up andbreaking down tables, to pub-licity and events develop-ment, a little effort from youwill make our bridge commu-nity even better. Busy sched-ule? No worries. Most volun-teer assignments take only 15minutes to 1 hour a month.HHeerree’’ss hhooww ttoo hheellpp::
1. Reply by email, phoneor in person if you are willingto help in any way.
2. Please indicate if you canoffer any special skills (such asmarketing or a strong back).
3. Someone will contact youshortly with a choice of assign-ments you can pick from.
BBOONNUUSS – You will be invit-ed to the summer VolunteerGathering and BBQ Party.
Thank you in advance forany assistance you can provide.
BBaarrbbaarraa SSuummmmeerrss,, Volun-teer Coordinator, 301-598-5838, [email protected],
-- 1188 -- -- 1199 --
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MMiicchhaaeell CChheellssttVViiccee PPrreessiiddeenntt ooff
FFiiddeelliittyy aanndd TTrruusstt
TTiittllee CCoommppaannyy AAddvvaannttaaggee:: MMiicchhaaeell ggiivveess ffrreeee aapppprraaiissaall
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330011--225544--77663366
This past February I was in Australia toedit the daily bulletins at the Gold CoastCongress (the equivalent of a regional tour-nament) held on Australia’s Gold Coast, afamed resort area just south of Brisbane. (Forthose unfamiliar with Australia Brisbane isin Queensland, located on Australia’s North-East coast.) The final event of an excitingweek of bridge was the Ivy Dahler OpenSwiss Pairs, a Butler-scored event won thisyear by Ron Klinger and Jamie Ebery. Myreward for kibitzing the next-to-last sessionwas being asked to serve on the Committeethat heard the following appeal. (Well, atleast I got a column out of it.)
Bd: 3Dlr: SouthVul: E/W
North♠ K107652♥ —-♦ AJ107♣ 982
West East♠ J98 ♠ AQ3♥ AKQ94 ♥ J10653♦ 9 ♦ 3♣ AK64 ♣ J1053
South♠ 4♥ 872♦ KQ86542♣ Q7
West North East South3♦
Dbl 6♦ Dbl(1) Pass6♥ Pass Pass Pass
(1) BIT (as much as 1 minute)
CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE AACCTTIIOONN#5577
bbyy RRiicchh CCoollkkeerr,, [email protected]
6♥ made six, +1430 for E/W. TheDirector was called to the table during theauction and told that East had taken asmuch as 1 minute to double 6♦. E/W agreedto the BI. The Director decided that the BITsuggested bidding 6♥ (he assumed the dou-ble was penalty and did not inquire as to itsmeaning) and that pass was a LA. He adjust-ed the contract to 6♦ doubled down two,–300 for N/S.
E/W appealed the Director’s ruling. Eastsaid her double of 6♦ was takeout (respon-sive) and that during her hesitation she wasthinking that she would have bid 4♥ over4♦—maybe even 5♥ over 5♦—but thatbidding 6♥ was a bit much. She also saidthat a pass by her over 6♦ would havemeant only that she had nothing to say; inthese types of auctions her partnershipplayed all doubles for takeout so neitherpartner could have doubled 6♦ for penaltybut either could have passed partner’s take-out double. She added that the 6♦ bid wasmade quickly, almost before West’s doublewas written on the bidding pad. (InAustralia they use bidding pads, not bidboxes, with each player writing his/her callin the appropriate space on a pad located inthe center of the table.) N/S declined to addanything to what they had told the Directorat the table: namely, that there had been aBIT and that they believed passing the dou-ble was a LA.
Well, how would you have decided thiscase? Think about it and when you’re ready,read on.
The Committee determined that there
-- 2211 ---- 2200 --
with the West cards rather than bidding 6♥.
Indeed, West’s 6♥ contract was a terribleone: For starters, he needed the ♣Q to falldoubleton (or to be onside doubleton ortripleton) plus he needed to be bring in thespades (J98 opposite AQ3) for no losers—i.e., he needed both the ♠K and ♠10 to beonside. All of this made 6♥ a very low per-centage proposition (probably somewhere inthe low to mid single-digit range).
The bottom line is that East’s “BIT” herewas more-or-less normal and tended to sug-gest values in a relatively balanced hand,which is precisely what East’s doubleshowed. Therefore, the Committee restoredthe table result of 6♥ by West making six,+1430 for E/W.
was nothing at all about the BIT that sug-gested bidding with the West hand. A BIT byEast was not unexpected in an auction thathad reached the six level before East hadmade her first call. Indeed, in such a situa-tion an in-tempo (or quick) pass would havebeen much more cause for concern.Moreover, whatever E/W claimed their dou-bles meant in this type of auction East mustdouble with any hand that is not a unilateralslam bid (i.e., a distributional hand with agood suit and reasonable high-card struc-ture). In fact, a double tends to imply usefulhigh cards (i.e., transferrable values) andprobably not a very distributional hand. TheCommittee believed the BIT suggested val-ues in a more-or-less balanced hand—thatis, in a hand that is not suitable for a takeoutdouble—and if anything suggested passing
spades plus diamond stopper)
• bid 3♥ game invitational, 6-card suit
• higher suit bids are splinters with a6-card suit
• 3NT is 4-card suit, game values, withdiamond stopper
• 4♥ is a balanced slam try (use Texasfor game only hands)
• 2♥ shows 4 spades or 6 spades with atleast invitational values; over partner’s2♠ response:
• pass with minimum
• bid 2N with a diamond stopper, invi-tational
• bid 3♣ with 5 clubs, invitational
• bid 3♦ game force no diamond stopper
• bid 3♥ game force 4-4 in majors, nodiamond stopper
• bid 3♠ game invitational, 6-card suit
• 3NT is 4-card suit, game values, withdiamond stopper
• higher suit bids are splinters with a6-card suit
• 4♠ is a balanced slam try (use Texasfor game only hands)
• 2♠ shows a balanced 11-12 without adiamond stopper or game forcing handwith clubs; doubler bids 2NT with mini-mum and stopper, 3NT with extras andstopper, or naturally without a stopper;responder bids on w/club hand.
• 2NT shows a balanced 11-12 with a dia-mond stopper.
• 3♣ is standard: invitational with clubs,no 4-card major.
• 3♦ shows exactly 5 hearts with 10+HCP. Doubler must bid beyond 3♥ withanything above minimum. Respondercontinues with game going hand (3♠ isnatural, 4/5).
In my last article, I described how to usetransfer responses to a take-out double of1♣. Just by giving up the natural meaning of1♦, you can accrue such benefits as:
• Making the stronger hand declarer moreoften,
• Show both majors and invitational valuesat the 1-level,
• Right-side no-trump when appropriateand avoid it with no stoppers,
• Describe those difficult hands with a 4-card major, longer minor and invitationalstrength without going overboard.
This article will lay out similarsequences for auctions that begin with adouble of 1♦, 1♥, and 1♠. Because bid-ding a major at a low level is too important togive up, the transfer responses, for the mostpart, begin with opener’s suit.
GGRROOUUNNDD RRUULLEESS::
• As before, these methods are on only whenthe auction begins 1x – double – pass
• NT responses are standard
• An immediate 4♦ or 4♥ response is aTexas transfer
• 3♠ shows a solid 6-card suit (doublercan figure it out) and nothing else(xx/AKQxxx/xxx/xx); doubler sets thefinal contract
OOvveerr aa ddoouubbllee ooff 11♦::• 1♥/1♠/2♣ = natural 0-8 HCP
• 2♦ shows 4 hearts or 6 hearts with atleast invitational values; over partner’s2♥ response:
• pass with minimum
• bid 2♠ w/4-4 in majors, invitational
• bid 2N with a diamond stopper, invi-tational
• bid 3♣ with 5 clubs, invitational
• bid 3♦ game force (may still have 4
TTHHEE GGAADDGGEETT--MMAATTIISSTT
TTrraannssffeerr RReessppoonnsseess ttoo TTaakkeeoouutt DDoouubblleess,, PPaarrtt 22
bbyy BBaarrrryy BBrraaggiinn,, [email protected]
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-- 2233 ---- 2222 --
• 2♣ shows
• a weak hand with diamonds (pass 2♦or re-transfer over doubler’s 2NT) or
• invitational with 4 diamonds and nospade stopper (pass 2♦; didn’t bid1NT; if opponents compete, double todistinguish from above hand)
• invitational with 6 diamonds (raise to 3♦)
• invitational 5-5 in minors (bid 3♣)
• forcing 5-5 in minors (bid 2NT)
• forcing with 5+ diamonds and 4hearts (bid 2♥)
• forcing with 6 diamonds (splinter or bid3NT – does not show spade stopper)
• 2♦ shows
• any weak hand with hearts (pass 2♥or re-transfer over 2NT)
• invitational with 4 hearts, balanced,no spade stopper (pass 2♥; if oppo-nents compete, double to distinguishfrom above hand)
• invitational with 4 hearts, balanced,with spade stopper (bid 2NT)
• invitational with 4 hearts and 5+minor (bid 3 of your minor)
• invitational with 6 hearts (bid 3♥)
• forcing with 4 hearts, balanced, nospade stopper (bid 2♠)
• forcing with 4 hearts, with spadestopper (bid 3NT)
• forcing with 6 hearts (splinter or bid 4♥)
• 2♥ shows balanced 11-12 with no spadestopper
• 2♠ shows clubs, either weak (I told younot to pick up this hand!) or forcing (pass3♣ or convert 2NT to 3♣; bid beyondwith forcing hand: 3♦/3♥ natural, 3♠asks for stopper, 3NT shows stopper)
• 2NT shows balanced 11-12 with a spadestopper
• 3♣ is standard: invitational with clubs,no 4-card heart suit
• 3♦ shows exactly 5 hearts with 10+ HCP(doubler must bid beyond 3♥ with extras)
• 3♥ shows a balanced game force with nostopper (likely 2344 or similar); 3♠ bydoubler asks for ½ stopper
• 3♥ shows exactly 5 spades with 10+HCP. Doubler must bid beyond 3♠ withanything above minimum. Respondercontinues with game going hand (4♥ isnatural, 5/4).
OOvveerr aa ddoouubbllee ooff 11♥((wwoorrkkss eexxaaccttllyy aass oovveerr 11♦))::
• 1♠/2♣/2♦ = natural 0-8 HCP
• 2♥ shows 4 spades or 6 spades with atleast invitational values; over partner’s2♠ response:
• pass with minimum
• bid 2N with a heart stopper, invitational
• bid 3♣ with 5 clubs, invitational
• bid 3♦ with 5 diamonds, invitational
• bid 3♥ game force no heart stopper
• bid 3♠ game invitational, 6-card suit
• 3NT is 4-card suit, game values, withheart stopper
• higher suit bids are splinters with a6-card suit
• 4♠ is a balanced slam try (use Texasfor game only hands)
• 2♠ shows balanced, 11-12 HCP, no stopperor 10+ HCP hand w/clubs; will next pass,bid 3C over 2NT w/invite or higher withforcing club hand; doubler bids 3m to play.
• 3♣ shows 5+ diamonds, 10+ HCP. Willpass 3♦ response with minimum or bidon w/game-going hand (3♥ w/no stopper,3♠ natural 4/5, 3NT w/stopper).
• 3♦ shows a balanced game force, no heartstopper (perhaps 3334 or 3244 etc.).
• 3♥ shows exactly 5 spades with 10+HCP. Doubler must bid beyond 3♠ withanything above minimum. Respondercontinues with game going hand.
OOvveerr aa ddoouubbllee ooff 11♠::Here is where you have to make a deci-
sion. If you are willing to give up the natural,weak 2♣ response, you can gain all the ben-efits alluded to above. If you do pick upxxx/xx/xxx/Jxxxx, you may end up in 3♣doubled rather than 2♣. My advice is: playthe system and don’t pick up that hand (ormaybe RHO will bid).
NORTHERN VIRGINIA BRIDGE ASSOCIATION
SEPTEMBER SENSATIONSSECTIONAL TOURNAMENTAt our New Location:The Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge #21888421 Arlington Boulevard,Fairfax, VA; 703-560-2213
♣ Arlington, VA ♦ SEPTEMBER 6-9, 2007 ♥
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA (NVBA)Christ the King Church, one block south of East-West Highway onColston between Washington and Grubb, Chevy Chase, MD (WBL) NVBA (Beth El) WBL**Novice/Intermediate Lecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 p.m.**STRATAFLIGHTED OPEN PAIRS (A/X=3000+/3000; B/C=2000/750) . . .7:00 p.m. . . . .7:30 p.m.NVBA 199ER PAIRS (200/100/50/20); WBL NLM PAIRS (NLM/100/50) . .7:00 p.m. . . . .7:30 p.m.NEWCOMER PAIRS (0-5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 p.m.
...REST OF TOURNAMENT AT ELKS LODGE...FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
STRATIFIED OPEN PAIRS (2000+/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 p.m.299ER PAIRS (300/200/100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 p.m.49ER PAIRS (50/20/5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 p.m.STRATIFIED OPEN PAIRS (2000+/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.299ER PAIRS (300/200/100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8STRATIFIED OPEN PAIRS (2000+/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.STRATIFIED SENIOR PAIRS (2000+/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.299ER PAIRS (300/200/100) and 49ER PAIRS (50/20) . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.0-5 PAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.FLIGHT A/X PAIRS (3000+/3000; 2-session Play-thru event) 2 & 7:30 p.m.
—Single session pairs accommodated during the evening sessionSTRATIFIED B/C PAIRS (2000/750; 2 single sessions) . . . .2 & 7:30 p.m.STRATIFIED SIDE GAME (3000+/3000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 p.m.299ER PAIRS (300/200/100; 2 single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . .2 & 7:30 p.m.49ER PAIRS (50/20/5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 p.m.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9**Novice/Intermediate Lecture (Jeff Roman) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:15 a.m.**FLIGHTS A/X (3000+/3000) & B/C (2000/750) SWISS TEAMS . .11:00 a.m.
Both Flights are 2-session events, with one break—information concerning mealoptions available in August
299ER SWISS TEAMS (300/200/100; Single session) . . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m.49ER SWISS TEAMS (50/20/5; Single session) . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m.299ER SWISS TEAMS (300/200/100; Single session) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3:30 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: (NEW!) From Route 50/Arlington Boulevard heading west from DC and Arlington AND from Route495/Beltway: Continue on/Take Route 50 West about one mile outside the Beltway, and turn left at Javier Road (the secondstoplight after the intersection of 50 and 495). Take an immediate right onto the access road that runs parallel to Route 50. TheElks Lodge will be two buildings down on your left—parking on the side and in the rear. From Fairfax, heading East on Route50: Pass the intersection of Route 50 and Prosperity Avenue—the Prosperity Medical Center will be on your right. Between thefirst and second lights after Prosperity, turn right into the access road that runs parallel to Route 50 and look for the Elks Lodgeimmediately to your right—parking on the far side of the building and in the rear.
COME CELEBRATE WITHUS AT OUR NEW SITE!
Plenty of freeparking! On-site
snack bar plus lots of freetreats! Many greatrestaurants nearby!
___________Championship Eventsand a Full Schedule of
299er Events for Novice andIntermediate Players!
Players with 0-5 Masterpointsplay FREE in ALL games!
___________Mid-Chart Conventionspermitted in all A/X &Open Stratified Events___________Tournament Chairs
Margot Hennings,703-560-0245Kathryn Kiley,703-758-0366
Partnership ChairMary Ann Kral,
703-437-0342 orNVBA cell: 703-869-0852
...or check out ourOn-line Partnership “Desk”
at www.nvba.org___________Next NVBA Sectional
Oct 18-21 '07 at Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge(Thurs at Beth El)
-- 2255 ---- 2244 --
AAwwaarrddss . . . . . . . . .Fred King, Barbara ShawBBrriiddggee iinn SScchhoooollss . . . . . . . .Ellen Rosenthal,
Shawn Stringer, Elaine ConwayBBuulllleettiinn EEddiittoorr . . . . . . . . . . . .Donna RogallBBuulllleettiinn CCoommmmiitttteeee . . .Don Berman (Chair),
Richard Ferrin, Donna Rogall, Steve Robinson, Nadine Wood
CCaalleennddaarr ooff OObblliiggaattiioonnss . . . . . . .Don BermanCCaarr PPooooll AAssssiissttaannccee . . . . . . . . . .Don BermanCChhaarriittyy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Linda MarshallCChheeeerr && SSyymmppaatthhyy . . . . . . . .Frances BurkeCClluubb RReellaattiioonnss CCoommmmiitttteeee . . . .Ellen Cherni-
avsky (Chair), Carole Banks CCoonndduucctt && EEtthhiiccss CCoommmmiitttteeee . . . . . .Richard
Ferrin (Chair), Carole Banks (Board),Ellen Cherniavsky (Board), JamesGeist (elected ‘07), Noble Shore(elected ‘07), Peter Boyd (elected‘07), Jerry Miller (elected ‘06), MarkFeldman (elected ’06), Kathy Hilbers(elected ’06).
EEdduuccaattiioonn . . .Steve Forsythe, Clyde KruskalEElleeccttiioonnss . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Allen (Chair),
Richard Ferrin, Shlomit Rind EElleeccttrroonniicc CCoommmmuunniiccaattiioonnss . . . . . . . . .Steve
Robinson, Don BermanEExxeeccuuttiivvee CCoommmmiitttteeee . . . . .Fred King, Steve
Robinson, Don Berman, RichardFerrin
HHiissttoorriiaann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Peter BoydMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CCoommmmiitttteeee . . . . .Ellen Cherni-
avsky, Frances Burke, Ed BurkeMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp GGrroowwtthh . .Dick Wegman (Chair),
Shlomit Rind, Barbara Summers,Ellen Rosenthal, Carole Banks
MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp SSeeccrreettaarryy . . . . . .Frances BurkeNNoovviiccee PPrrooggrraamm . . . . . . . . . . .Steve ForsytheOOmmbbuuddssmmaann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ann LindleyPPaarrlliiaammeennttaarriiaann . . . . . . . . . .Richard FerrinPPllaayyeerr AAcchhiieevveemmeenntt (Trophies) . .Don BermanPPuubblliicciittyy aanndd MMaarrkkeettiinngg . . .Ellen Rosenthal,
Linda Marshall, Charity SackRReeccoorrddeerr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don Berman
RRoouunndd RRoobbiinn CCoommmmiitttteeee . . . .Richard Ferrin(Chair), Steve Robinson, JohnAdams, Barbara Doran, EarlGlickstein, Dave Ruderman, FredKing, Bill Cole, Arnie Frankel
SScchheedduulliinngg . . .Fred King, Don Berman, TedYing, Carole Banks (ABA Liaison)
SSppeecciiaall EEvveennttss CCoooorrddiinnaattiioonnGNT (unit level) . . . .Ellen CherniavskyNAP (unit level) . . . .Ellen CherniavskyOTHER . . . . . . . . . . . .Ellen Cherniavsky
SSTTAACC CCoooorrddiinnaattiioonn . . . . .Ellen CherniavskyTToouurrnnaammeennttss
COMMITTEE . . . . . .Nadine Wood (Chair),Richard Ferrin, Kitty Gottfried
CADDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kitty GottfriedCHIEF DIRECTOR . . . . .Millard NachtweyHOSPITALITY . . . . . . . . . . .Kitty GottfriedPARTNERSHIPS . . . . . . . . .Barbara DoranVOLUNTEERS . . . . . . .Barbara Summers,
Shlomit Rind, Clyde KruskalUUnniitt GGaammee
COMMITTEE . . .Fred King (Chair), ClydeKruskal, Don Berman
CADDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kitty GottfriedCHIEF DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . .Ted YingCHURCH LIAISON . . . . . . . . . . .Fred KingFACILITY OPERATIONS . . . .Clyde KruskalHOSPITALITY . . . . .Kitty Gottfried, Ellen
CherniavskyANNUAL MEETING . . . . . .Kitty Gottfried,
Nadine Wood, Millard Nachtwey,Ellen Cherniavsky
HOLIDAY PARTY . . . . . . . .Kitty Gottfried,Nadine Wood, Millard Nachtwey,Ellen Cherniavsky
MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ted YingPARTNERSHIPS . . . . . . . . .Barbara Doran
WWaayyss aanndd MMeeaannss . . .Fred King (Chair), DonBerman, Barbara Ames, SteveRobinson
WWeebbmmaasstteerr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don Berman
WWAASSHHIINNGGTTOONN BBRRIIDDGGEE LLEEAAGGUUEE
BBOOAARRDD && MMEEMMBBEERR RREESSPPOONNSSIIBBIILLIITTIIEESS
MMaayy 22000077 -- MMaayy 22000088NVBA FALL SECTIONAL
TOURNAMENTAt our New Location:The Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge #21888421 Arlington Boulevard,Fairfax, VA; 703-560-2213
COMEPLAY BRIDGEWITH US AT
OUR NEWSITE!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA (NVBA)(NVBA)Christ the King Church, one block south of East-West Highway onColston between Washington and Grubb, Chevy Chase, MD (WBL) NVBA (Beth El) WBL**Novice/Intermediate Lecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 p.m.**STRATAFLIGHTED OPEN PAIRS (A/X=3000+/3000; B/C=2000/750) . . .7:00 p.m. . . . .7:30 p.m.NVBA 199ER PAIRS (200/100/50/20); WBL NLM PAIRS (NLM/100/50) . .7:00 p.m. . . . .7:30 p.m.NEWCOMER PAIRS (0-5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 p.m.
...REST OF TOURNAMENT AT ELKS LODGE...FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19STRATIFIED OPEN PAIRS (2000+/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 p.m.299ER PAIRS (300/200/100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 p.m.49ER PAIRS (50/20/5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 p.m.STRATIFIED OPEN PAIRS (2000+/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.299ER PAIRS (300/200/100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20STRATIFIED OPEN PAIRS (2000+/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.STRATIFIED SENIOR PAIRS (2000+/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.299ER PAIRS (300/200/100) and 49ER PAIRS (50/20) . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.0-5 PAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.STRATAFLIGHTED PAIRS (A/X=3000+/3000; B/C=2000/750) . .2 p.m.299ER PAIRS (300/200/100; 2 single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . .2 & 7:30 p.m.49ER PAIRS (50/20/5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 p.m.STRATIFIED OPEN PAIRS (2000+/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21**Novice/Intermediate Lecture (Jeff Roman) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:15 a.m.**FLIGHTS A/X (3000+/3000) & B/C (2000/750) SWISS TEAMS . .11:00 a.m.
Both Flights are 2-session events, with one break —Look for more info about lunchin upcoming issues.
299ER SWISS TEAMS (300/200/100; Single session) . . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m.49ER SWISS TEAMS (50/20/5; Single session) . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m.299ER SWISS TEAMS (300/200/100; Single session) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3:15 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: (NEW!) From Route 50/Arlington Boulevard heading west from DC and Arlington AND from Route495/Beltway: Continue on/Take Route 50 West about one mile outside the Beltway, and turn left at Javier Road (the secondstoplight after the intersection of 50 and 495). Take an immediate right onto the access road that runs parallel to Route 50. TheElks Lodge will be two buildings down on your left—parking on the side and in the rear. From Fairfax, heading East on Route50: Pass the intersection of Route 50 and Prosperity Avenue—the Prosperity Medical Center will be on your right. Between thefirst and second lights after Prosperity, turn right into the access road that runs parallel to Route 50 and look for the Elks Lodgeimmediately to your right—parking on the far side of the building and in the rear.
♣ Arlington, VA ♦ OCTOBER 18-21, 2007 ♥
Plenty of freeparking! On-site
snack bar plus lots of freetreats! Many greatrestaurants nearby!
___________Championship Eventsand a Full Schedule of
299er Events for Novice andIntermediate Players!
Players with 0-5 Masterpointsplay FREE in ALL games!
___________Mid-Chart Conventionspermitted in all A/X &Open Stratified Events___________Tournament Chairs
Margot Hennings,703-560-0245Kathryn Kiley,703-758-0366
Partnership ChairMary Ann Kral,
703-437-0342 orNVBA cell: 703-869-0852
...or check out ourOn-line Partnership “Desk”
at www.nvba.org___________Next NVBA Sectional
Feb. 21-24 '08 at Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge(Thurs at Beth El)
-- 2277 ---- 2266 --
CCAALLLL FFOORR NNOOMMIINNAATTIIOONNSS FFOORR TTHHEE
MMAACCHHLLIINN TTRROOPPHHYY
Last year, with our 75th Anniversary, the WBL initiated a new annualaward, the MMaacchhlliinn TTrroopphhyy ffoorr SSppoorrttssmmaannsshhiipp.. The trophy isnamed in honor of JJeerrrryy MMaacchhlliinn,, whom many of you will remember as oneof the greatest directors the game has ever known. Jerry served as ChiefDirector for games in the Washington area during the 1950’s, 1960’s and1970’s and probably contributed more to the growth of tournament bridgein our area during the three decades following World War II than any othersingle individual. Jerry also founded the Mid-Atlantic Bridge Conference(the organization that hosts all of the regionals in our area), and he organ-ized and staged matches in which Members of Congress competed againstcorporate leaders and members of the British Parliament. These matcheshelped to promote the game among the country’s political and corporateleadership and demonstrated the wide appeal of tournament bridge.
In 2006, the award went to DDrr.. CChhaarrlleess SStteennggeerr a worthy choice as thefirst recipient and someone who sets an example that we all should striveto emulate.
A committee has been appointed to consider this year’s nominees andmake a selection for this second year of the trophy. The criteria for award-ing the trophy are as follows:
“The candidate should (1) demonstrate strong ethical standards and acommitment to active ethics (i.e., full disclosure of systems and agreementsto opponents, etc.); (2) behave graciously at the table after bad results orgood results; (3) exhibit exemplary behavior at all times toward partner andopponents; (4) demonstrate an ability to get along with multiple partners;and (5) demonstrate a willingness to help mentor other players in the game.A player wouldn’t necessarily have to satisfy all five, but these are the mainthe criteria that the selection committee will consider.”
We welcome nominations from the membership of the WBL. Pleasesend your suggested candidate to FFrreedd KKiinngg at [email protected] orin person at the unit game or the August Sectional. It would be appreci-ated if you would indicate in two or three sentences why you think yournominee is a good candidate for the award. We would like to hear from youby September 1, 2007.
points. Everyone was given informationabout bridge clubs in the area and about theJuly Regional. It was the hope of Leslie,Charlie and the Unit that many of the stu-dents would be inspired to attend theRegional in North Bethesda, a location veryclose to where most of Leslie’s students live.
The festival was designed to resemble anovice section at a Regional. The eventshad a partnership table, a selling table,trophies and section top prizes, refresh-ments, pre-duplicated boards with handrecords, a flyer table, decorations andmuch more. There were also two 50-50 raf-fles that raised almost $400 for IICCAARREE, acancer research organization and the des-ignated charity of the festivals. Many of the
students vis-ited theICARE infor-mation boothwhich wasrun by DDrr..DDaavvee HHaannkkiinnssfrom JohnsH o p k i n s .Their website
is www.icare.orgUnit 147 lent
the tables, biddingboxes, sanction,boards and sup-plies. Many boardmembers and otherUnit members vol-unteered their timeand ideas to makethe events a suc-cess. FFrreedd KKiinngg,,DDiicckk aanndd AAlliicceeWWeeggmmaann,, SScchhlloommiittRRiinndd,, TTeedd YYiinngg,,SStteevvee RRoobbiinnssoonn,,FFrraanncceess BBuurrkkee,,BBaarrbbaarraa SShhaaww,, CCllyyddeeKKrruusskkaall,, SStteevvee aannddSSaannddyy FFoorrssyytthhee,, JJiimmCCoolleemmaann,, MMiikkeeHHeennddeerrssoonn and AAllaannCCrraannkk all deserve around of applausefor their efforts.
Sunday, September 30 at the Southern site.Three pairs in each flight will qualify for
the National Finals, to be held at the Spring2008 NABC in Detroit, MI. The qualifierswill be subsidized (to various extents) fortravel expenses and hotel rooms by theACBL and/or District 6. Membership duesor Life Master service fee must be currentand continuous from the start of the DistrictFinal to the completion of the NorthAmerican Pairs Final at the NABC in orderto play in the National Final.
For more details visit districtsix.org orcontact BBaarrbbaarraa DDoorraann by phone at (301) 608-0347 or by email to [email protected].
LLEESSLLIIEE SSHHAAFFEERR’’SS BBRRIIDDGGEE
FFEESSTTIIVVAALL AA SSUUCCCCEESSSS
As a way to intro-duce many of theirstudents to tourna-ment bridge, LLeesslliieeSShhaaffeerr and CChhaarrlliieeWWiilllliiaammss hosted twoduplicate games tocelebrate the endingof Leslie’s springclasses. The Tuesdaynight game had atotal of 20 tables andthe Wednesdaymorning game had19 tables. Sincemany of the studentswere new to dupli-cate, they were intro-duced to biddingboxes, keeping scoreand the excitementof winning master-
BBiittss && PPiieecceess,, continued from p. 5...
SSUUMMMMEERR BBRRIIDDGGEE
CCLLAASSSSEESS
LLeesslliiee SShhaaffeerr and her husband, CChhaarrlliiee""SSttuuddmmuuffffiinn"" WWiilllliiaammss,, will be offering sev-eral summer classes this year! All of themwill be on a "drop in" basis (pay as you go)of $20 per class.
We will be offering morning, afternoonand evening "brush up bridge" for beginner,intermediate and advanced levels.
Because everyone has so many schedul-ing conflicts during the summer, it isimpractical to offer a course that has a 4-, 6-or 8-week commitment to attend. This is whywe will be going on a "drop in" basis for allof the classes. If you're in town and want toparticipate, then we invite you to attend. Youdo not have to notify me in advance, justshow up!
Visit our website for times and location:www.bridgeteacher.com. You may also email meat [email protected] or call 301-977-0314.
— Leslie Shafer
-- 2299 ---- 2288 --
NLMasterPointersby I/N Columnist, Sandy Forsythe, [email protected]
““TTHHEE RREESSTT AARREE MMIINNEE””
IISS NNOOTT AA CCLLAAIIMM!!
When you’re the declarer and you knowyou’re going to take the rest of the tricks, oryou know exactly which tricks you’re goingto take and which you’re going to lose, youcan claim. Claiming speeds up the game andgives you more time to play the next deal, ortake a break. Not even your partner enjoyswatching you continue to play when every-one knows you have nothing but winners inyour hand!
But, as with just about everything induplicate bridge, there are rules about theproper way to claim. “The rest are mine” isnot a proper claim. The laws of duplicaterequire you to state a line of play. Thatmeans you must tell the opponents whattricks you’re going to take and in what orderyou’re going to take them. If you don’t sayhow you plan to play the rest of the hand,you might end up having to give up a trickthat you didn’t need to lose.
TThhee mmeecchhaanniiccss ooff aa ccllaaiimmWhen you’ve decided to claim, wait
until it’s your turn to lead, either from yourhand or the dummy. Show the opponentsyour cards and tell them how you plan toplay the rest of the tricks. All play mustcease at that point. If the opponents ask youto explain further, you can restate yourclaim trick by trick, but you’re not allowedto change your plan once you’ve made yourclaim. Most of the time everyone will agree,but if the opponents still have objectionsafter you’ve explained your claim, youshould call the director. You are notallowed to “play it out” once you’veclaimed, even if the opponents ask.
The director will listen to your claim anddecide whether or not your line of play willwork. What if you made a mistake? Maybeyou forgot there was a high spade out, orthere’s still a trump out that you forgot topull. The director will sort it out and deter-mine how many tricks each side gets. Youwill almost always get the same tricks youwould have gotten if you’d played it out. Theonly time you might run into trouble is ifyou’ve claimed without stating your line ofplay. In that case, if there’s a way to play thecards that would allow the opponents toscore another trick, the rules say the direc-tor must give it to them. If there’s no “possi-ble rational” way that you could play so as tolose a trick you didn’t expect to lose, thenyour claim stands.
MMaakkee ssuurree yyoouu’’vvee aaccccoouunntteedd ffoorr tthhee ttrruummppIf the opponents still have trump, make
sure you say exactly what you’re going to doabout them. “I’ll pull all the trump and thenplay the top diamonds and top clubs,” is agood claim. (“Pulling trump” implies thatyou’ll play your trumps from the top, notfrom the bottom.) It’s also okay to say, “I’mgoing to run the hearts from the top, and thenplay my top clubs, and you can take yourhigh trump whenever you want to.”
If there are any outstanding trump andyou don’t mention how you’re going to dealwith them, the director is apt to give a trumptrick to the opponents if there’s any reason-able way they could get one. Sometimes it’seasier just to pull all the trump before youclaim. If you’re not sure whether or not thereare any trump still out, you might pull onemore round just to make sure, unless youneed all your trump to carry out your plan.
SSUUNNDDAAYY
BBRRIIDDGGEE FFIIEESSTTAA!!
♣♦♥♠As we went to press, this popular game, start-ed by Steve and Sandy Forsythe, was look-ing for a new home and parents. Pleasecheck the WBL website: districtsix.org/WBLor washingtonbridgeleague.org for the latestinformation. We will miss Steve and Sandyand the great contributions they make forbridge in our area. They are leaving for anew home themselves, but we are glad toreport that we will continue to hear fronSandy in the NLMasterPointers column.
♣♦♥♠
JJuunniioorr MMaasstteerrss ((55 MMaasstteerrppooiinnttss))Rosalie A CaltabianoAlan M WalterMrs Christa StormIsabelle M ThabaultMs Sandra J Thompson
CClluubb MMaasstteerrss ((2200 MMaasstteerrppooiinnttss))Mr John R HornerMs Suzanne K KilczewskiFernando LecarosCatherine McHughMr Tom PalaganoMr Herbert RubinsteinMr James A Summers Jr
SSeeccttiioonnaall MMaasstteerrss ((5500 MMaasstteerrppooiinnttss))Mr Jerome GumbinerNoah R CalhounMs Louisa DuemlingDamian Kulash Marjorie KulashMs Sylvia J Miller Stephen R SalitrikMrs Mary Anne Shull
RReeggiioonnaall MMaasstteerrss ((110000 MMaasstteerrppooiinnttss))Mrs Joan M Anania Mrs Amy J BloomMrs Roberta FeldmanMr Robert J Smigal
NNAABBCC MMaasstteerrss ((220000 MMaasstteerrppooiinnttss))Juanita F Beeson
SSTTEEPPPPIINNGG UUPP TTOO NNEEWW HHEEIIGGHHTTSS::
As of July 1, 2007
AA)) Contract: 4♠ BB)) Contract: 4♠
Dummy Dummy♠ 983 ♠ KJ9♥ — ♥ 765♦ AKQ964 ♦ —♣ — ♣ —
Declarer Declarer♠ KQ4 ♠ QT8♥ 75 ♥ —♦ T532 ♦ 9♣ — ♣ 87
In example A, your diamonds are sure torun, since there are only three missing andyou’ve got the top three honors. A properclaim would be: “I’ll cash the trump king topull your last trump, then run the diamondsfrom the top, unblocking the suit by drop-ping the ten under the ace.”
In example B, suppose you’ve alreadyplayed your side suit winners but youhaven’t pulled the trump and you’re notplanning to: you need all of your trump tocross-ruff the rest of the hand. You can showthe opponents your hand and say, “I’m goingto cross-ruff the rest. You’ll get your ace oftrump, but the rest of my trumps are high, soyou only get one more trick.”
““BBeeaamm mmee uupp,, SSccoottttiiee!!””There’s no transporter in bridge, so make
sure your claim accounts for transportation.For example: “I’m going to run all the clubs,ending in dummy, then cash the top spades.”Sometimes it’s important to take your tricksin the right order so as not to block your suit,or play the suits in the right order to makesure no winners are stranded in the dummy.Be careful when you claim!
It’s courteous and smart to claim whenyou can… you give yourself more time for thetough deals, and your opponents will appre-ciate the chance to give their brains a rest!Why would you want to give them a break?Because soon they’ll be playing at the nexttable against your real opponents: the peoplewhose scores will be compared to yours!
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