P - District 6

w w w. Wa s h i n g t o n B r i d g e L e a g u e . o r g
March/April 2015
L
¨
E
©
T
§
ª
N
3710 Mitchell St., Kensington, MD 20895
—including Thursday night—
The 2015 Potomac Valley Tournament features:
§ a full schedule of Intermediate & Novice events
¨ Friday Night Special: Play at 2pm and the
evening Triple Nickel Swiss is half price!
© Win Upgraded (more) Masterpoints on Saturday!
— $1 additional fee supports Grass Roots events.
ª More team games on Sunday—
Bracketed Teams — 8 teams in
each bracket (except the top bracket)
means you play every other
.
ils..
team in your
deta
e
h
t
ll
bracket.
for a
Check out the
Annual Meeting, Elections &
StrataFlighted Pair Game on May 14
19
page
See
Complimentary Desserts . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:30 p.m.
Meeting and Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 p.m.
StrataFlighted Pair Game . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.
During the evening, we will recognize our 2014 MiniMcKenney and Ace of Clubs winners for their achievements.
Details on page 3
I
at the
KENSINGTON TOWN HALL/ARMORY
See page 5 for the full tournament schedule...
ª
directly to page 3
L
APRIL 9-12, 2015
Would you rather be reading this in print?
©
Go
U
68th Annual
City of Washington
Tournament
Would you rather be reading this in print?
§
Come on out to the
Washington Bridge League’s
See how on page 3
B
Would you rather be reading this in print? Answers on page 3
Would you rather be reading this in print?
contents
WBL omBudsman
suggestion Box
Do you have a suggestion that
might help to increase membership or
otherwise improve the Washington
Bridge League? Give any and all ideas
to Don Berman, 301-776-3581,
[email protected], 13707 Engleman Dr., Laurel, MD 20708, or
www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.
Any player with helpful director issues
including criticism or praise of the directing staff may contact the Ombudsman,
Adrienne Kuehneman and be assured
that the source of the information will remain confidential. Information should be
provided in writing and may be handed
to her at any game, or mailed to her at
6333 Tone Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817-5811.
§¨©ª ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ §¨©ª
deadline:
may 18, 2015
to submit new articles to the editor for the may/June 2015 issue
Washington Bridge League BULLETIN (usps #861-240)
VOL. 73, #2— SUBSCRIPTION $12 PER YEAR FOR MEMBERS OF UNIT #147 . NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION RATE
IS $18 PER YEAR. PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE AT 14517 PERRYWOOD
DRIVE, BURTONSVILLE, MD 20866. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BURTONSVILLE, MD. POSTMASTER: SEND
ADDRESS CHANGES TO WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE BULLETIN, ACBL, P.O. BOX 289, HORN LAKE, MS
28637-0289. 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]
I/N Columnists — Shawn Stringer, [email protected] and Ron Zucker, [email protected]
Columnists — Steve Robinson, Richard Colker, Richard Ferrin, Chris Miller, Barry Bragin
The 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.
Richard Ferrin, President — (202-265-0718), [email protected]
Ellen Cherniavsky, Vice President — (301-649-1350), [email protected]
Rose Berman, Treasurer — (301-776-3581), [email protected]
Linda Marshall, Secretary — (301-320-6057), [email protected]
UNIT DIRECTORS
Carole Banks — (301-622-0923), [email protected]
Clyde Kruskal — (301-927-1023), [email protected]
Melissa Price — (301-464-1261), [email protected]
Lloyd Rawley — (301-513-5338), [email protected]
Bob Stearns — (301-657-2353), [email protected]
Ollie Thomas— (301-951-0138), [email protected]
SOME KEY VOLUNTEERS
Leslie Shafer & Julie Marquette — NLM Tournament Chairs, (301-642-9197), [email protected]
Steve Schatzow — Sectional Tournament Chair, (202-332-3729), [email protected].
Shawn Stringer — Regional Tournament Chair, (301-275-6363), [email protected]
Adrienne Kuehneman — WBL Ombudsman (301-229-2022)
Don Berman, Webmaster — (301-776-3581), [email protected]
Alex Gretsinger, e-List Administrator — (410-949-4834), [email protected]
Frances Burke — Membership Secretary (301-384-6103)
Peter Boyd — Historian [email protected]
Chris Miller — Unit Game Chief Director & Club Manager (301-318-6083), [email protected]
Clyde Kruskal — Unit Game Chair (301-395-0480)
Barbara Doran — Unit Game & Tournament Partnerships (301-608-0347), [email protected]
Kitty Gottfried — Unit Game and Sectional Hospitality Chair Emeritus
Margarett Whilden — WBL School Bridge Coordinator, (301-641-4200), [email protected]
Barry Bragin — Unit Recorder (301-598-6853)
WBL WEBSITE:
DISTRICT 6 SITE:
www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org
www.districtsix.org
To geT on an email lisT for Bridge neWs & Bridge proBLems, send a
noTe To sTeve robinson aT [email protected] requesTing such.
articLe
page
President’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Richard Ferrin 2
Bits and Pieces...
Welcome to the Washington Bridge League; Help Wanted:
Membership Secretary Assistant; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Advertise? New Lower Low Rates!; 2014-2015 WBL/NVBA
Player of the Year; Kensington Parking Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Youths 25 and Under are Half Price; The WBL is on Facebook!;
WBL Educational Foundation; The WBL Online . . . . . . . . . . . .27
WBL Bulletin & WBL eNews
—Would you rather be reading this in print? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
68th Annual City of Washington Tournament: April 9-12, 2015 . . . . . . . 5
70th Annual Potomac Valley Tournament: July 30-August 2, 2015 . . . . 6
WBL Solvers’ Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Steve Robinson 7
Thursday Night Unit Game...
2014 FINAL Trophy Race Standings . . . . . . . . . . . .by John Adams 14
0-20 Game & Lesson Thursday Nights, Carpools . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Schedule, WBL Cell Phone, Map, Guaranteed Partner Program . . .15
The Unit Game—Why is Everyone Hanging around Barb?; Spare Brains or
Muscles?; Upcoming Sectionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
The Longest Day Bridge-a-Thon is coming! — June 21, 2015 . . . . . . . . .18
At the Table: ASurvival Manual — Part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .by Rich Colker 19
Our Kitty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Annual Meeting, Elections and StrataFlighted Pairs—May 14, 2015 . . .23
Come Join the 2015 WBL Round Robin! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
NLMasterPointers . . . . . .I/N columnists: Shawn Stringer & Ron Zucker 28
Bring a Friend to the 0-20 or NLM Unit Game!; Stepping Up to New
Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Need a Partner or a Ride to the Unit Game? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
Solvers’ Club’s New Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
-1-
president’s Letter
WBL BuLLetin & WBL e-neWs
by WBL President, Richard Ferrin
Would you rather be reading this in print?
Printed mail subscriptions are reasonably priced:
[email protected]
A crucial part of keeping duplicate bridge
going strong in the Washington area is recruiting new members to the game. We are
lucky to have some tremendous bridge teachers in our area to help introduce people to the
game we love.
As part of that effort, we have launched
the WBL Educational Foundation, which is
a 501(c)(3) organization that accepts taxdeductible contributions toward funding
our bridge education efforts. The big
mover and shaker behind this launch is former WBL President Dick Wegman, who
also has taught group bridge lessons for intermediate players, both in the Washington
area and in Florida. Dick is President of
the WBL Educational Foundation. Barbara
Ames also has been instrumental in setting
this up, both in terms of putting together
the IRS application, and serving as Secretary of the Foundation.
Starting this year, the WBL Bulletin has ceased free mail distribution. The
The board of directors of the Foundation
are seeking ideas from the bridge community how best to promote the teaching of
bridge in the area, both in terms of improvements to our Bridge in Schools program, as well as to education for new
retirees, college students, and other age
groups. We also welcome financial contributions to this effort, because it will take
money to launch and grow these teaching
programs. If you have any ideas or would
like to contribute funds or your time in
making this all possible, please contact
Dick Wegman, myself, or any other member
of the WBL Educational Foundation. We
welcome your input.
washingtonbridgeleague.org. You can be notified when the new issue is avail-
bulletin will continue to be available free online through our website:
able online if we have your email address—see below.
¨Yearly (6 issues), Printed Mail Subscriptions are available:
WBL members . . . . . . . . $12.00/year.
Non-member . . . . . . . . . $18.00/year.
The bulletin comes out six times a year. ☛ To subscribe to the bulletin, give
or mail a check to “Washington Bridge League” via WBL Treasurer, Rose
Berman, at: 13707 Engleman Dr., Laurel, MD 20708-1325. Please include
your full name and address (and player number if you are a WBL member).
Bits and pieces
WeLcome to tHe
WasHington Bridge League
The WBL welcomes the following new
ACBL members: Ms Debbie Cowan, Mr Michael
P, Patrice Feinstein, Judith D Fried, Mr Richard
Hakes, Mr Joe S Toland, Bobbie Wolf, Mrs Lois
V Boylan, Ms Beatrice Fuller, Christine M Leahy,
Mr Robert L Lewis, Mr Lewis Rumford, Sandra
Sundlof, Jack A Yanovski, Mrs Jacqueline E
Yates, and Paul Zucker.
In addition, we welcome the following transfers from other units: Carol A Crawford, James B
Mentzer, Mr Elihu Nemiroff, Mrs Rhona P Prensky,
Mrs Jacalyn K St Andrie, and Bari H Younce.
Please join us at our weekly Unit Game on
Thursday evenings and frequent the local
bridge clubs in the area. Information can be
found at www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.
-2-
¨We are establishing a WBL Unit Membership Email Database.
HeLp Wanted!
memBersHip secretary
assistant
The WBL is looking for an assistant
to Frances Burke, our WBL Membership
Secretary since 1987! The main thing she
does is send letters to new members, plus
send the occasional get well or sympathy
card. She also prepares the ballots for the
elections, prepares a list of eligible voters,
and sends the unit a list of new life masters for the annual recognition party.
Please contact Rose Berman if
you're interested in helping at 301776-3581 or [email protected] .
...continued on p. 4
The emailings will be used for occasional bridge news only.
One use will be to inform you when the bulletin is available online.
There will be no advertising, sharing or publishing of the addresses.
☛ Send your email, name and player number to WBL e-List Administrator, Alex Gretsinger, at:
[email protected]
Please also indicate if you would like to be included on Steve Robinson’s
email list in order to receive additional bridge news, bridge problems, and
other tidbits. You will be able to unsubscribe from either list.
-3-
advertise?
neW LoWer LoW rates!
Advertisements are welcome in the
WBL Bulletin which is published every
other month. Starting with this issue,
printed and mailed subscriptions are no
longer included with membership. Paid
mailed and printed subscriptions are
available: $12/year WBL members;
$18/year non-members. (See p. 3.) The
WBL Bulletin continues to be posted online with an email message sent to notify
members of its posting,. In recognition
of this change, the WBL has reduced
the already low advertising rates which
have remained the same since 2009.
The new rates are:
$90 $125 for a full page ad
$50 $75 for a half page ad
$35 $50 for a quarter page ad
$20 $25 for an eighth page ad
The sixth appearance of an ad in one
calendar year runs free.
Bits & Pieces, cont. from p. 2...
2014-2015 WBL/nvBa
pLayer of tHe year
To be eligible, a player: (1) Must be a mem-
()#$
th
al
Annu
68
ber (or pending member) of either the NVBA
or the WBL; (2) Must attend all but one
NVBA sectional and all but one WBL sectional during the contest period (August,
2014 through June, 2015). Points won on
Tournament Thursday evenings are included
in the totals, but do not count towards eligibility; (3) Must be a member in good standing of the ACBL and a local affiliate
throughout the contest period and remain so
through the award presentation.
~
at the
&*#&!+'& '-& $$ )%').
3710 Mitchell St, Kensington, MD ~ (except where noted)
",)*
Standings: Here are the standings after six
of eight sectionals. The asterisk* indicates that the player has met eligibility
requirements.
Friday Night Special!
—Play at 2pm and the Triple Nickel is half price!—
()#$
)#
.
()#$
*StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (2000/1000/500)(single sessions) 10:00am, 2:00pm
Stratified Triple Nickel Swiss Teams (unlim/2000/750) . . . Post-Game Party! . . . 7:15pm
—5 rounds, 5 boards a round, 5 minutes a board.
with beer, wine & desserts
Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am, 2:00pm, 7:15pm
...continued on p. 25, column 2, midway
+,)
parking map for kensington
.
()#$
Win upgraded (more) masterpoints today! $1 additional fee supports Grass Roots events.
*StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) or B/C/D Pairs (2000/1000/500) . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am, 3:00pm
Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100) or Newcomer Pairs (50/20/5)(single sessions) 10:00am, 3:00pm
,&
Paid Notice
Mid-chart allowed in all events except I/N
Wanted:
Bridge pLayers
-4-
.
StrataFlighted Open (unlim/2000) or 1000/500/300 Pairs . . . . . . . .11:15am
Rockville Duplicate Bridge Club, 301-503-3348 (Mark Lavine) NO ENTRY
St. James Episcopal Church, 11815 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville TILL 11AM
StrataFlighted Open Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C/D Separate 2000/1000/500)
(both sites); Stratified NLM Pairs (NLM/100/50) & 0-20 Pairs (Kensington
Armory only); Stratified 199er Pairs (Beth El only)
Beth El Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria . . . . . . . . .7:00pm
Kensington Town Hall/Armory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30pm
Awards: Two trophies will be awarded at the
July 4th Regional: Open and Non-Life Master.
Looking for bridge players to
play on Saturday afternoons in my
home near Democracy Blvd. and
Democracy Lane. Please contact:
Kathy at [email protected]
or 301-502-1629.
~
.
()#$
Bracketed Teams, (2 session playthru w/break—lunch available for purchase)11:00am & TBA
Check out this format! Each bracket of eight teams (by average masterpoints) plays all of the other
teams in its bracket! The top bracket will hold an unlimited number of teams and will play a Swiss format. Your team may choose to play up—but only into the top bracket.
300/100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:00pm
Lots of Intermediate & Novice Events with Silver Points!
Separate I/N events & strata as advertised as attendance allows. (Director's discretion.)
Hospitality includes snacks, drinks, & Friday lunch & evening party. Sunday lunch available for purchase.
Chair: Steve Schatzow, 202-332-3729, [email protected]. Volunteer Coordinator: Barbara Summers,
301-598-5838, [email protected]; Hospitality Chair: Mike Zane, 301-653-1215, [email protected];
Partnerships: Barbara Doran, 301-608-0347, [email protected]
*StrataFlighted if attendance warrants—otherwise combined into Stratified Pairs (unlim/2000/500)
Stratification by avg. masterpoints of the team or pair. No individual may exceed the event’s upper limit.
Directions to the Kensington Town Hall/Armory: 495 Beltway Exit 33, Connecticut Avenue North (Rt.
185N—to Kensington). 1.5 miles, right at light—Knowles Ave. 1st right at stop—Armory Ave. 1st left at
stop—to 3710 Mitchell St. & parking lot on right. Additional parking in nearby lots—see website maps.
-5-
.'0
WBL soLvers’ cLuB
.$.,-
Moderated by Steve Robinson
Take a Summer
Holiday in the
Potomac Valley!
[email protected]
Congratulations to John Miller, Barry Bragin and Mike Richey who tied for first with a
at the #),&)$-*) */) !'' +(*+0
3710 Mitchell St, Kensington, MD ~ (except where noted)
score of 480. They win a free entry to the Unit
Game. Tied for fourth were Mike Canes, Rex
%.+,"!0 .'0
StrataFlighted Open (unlim/2000) or 1000/500/300 Pairs . . . . . . . .11:15am
Rockville Duplicate Bridge Club, 301-503-3348 (Mark Lavine) NO ENTRY
St. James Episcopal Church, 11815 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville TILL 11AM
StrataFlighted Open Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C/D Separate 2000/1000/500)
(both sites); Stratified NLM Pairs (NLM/100/50) & 0-20 Pairs (Kensington
Armory only); Stratified 199er Pairs (Beth El only)
Beth El Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria . . . . . . . . .7:00pm
Kensington Town Hall/Armory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30pm
th
70 Annual
Mid-chart allowed in all events except I/N
+&"!0 .'0
*StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (2000/1000/500)(single sessions) 10:00am, 2:00pm
Stratified Triple Nickel Swiss Teams (unlim/2000/750) . . . Post-Game Party! . . . 7:15pm
—5 rounds, 5 boards a round, 5 minutes a board.
with beer, wine & desserts
Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am, 2:00pm, 7:15pm
Win upgraded (more) masterpoints today!
!-.+"!0 .$.,$1 additional fee supports Grass Roots events.
th
12 Annual: Washington Bridge League Trophy Pairs
awarding the Steve Robinson Trophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am & 3:00pm
Two session Open Pairs (unlim/3000), qualifying and final. Single session entries available.
*StrataFlighted B/C/D Pairs (2000/1000/500) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am
*StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) or B/C/D Pairs (2000/1000/500) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:00pm
Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100) or Newcomer Pairs (50/20/5)(single sessions) 10:00am, 3:00pm
(A/X BAM and Flight B Bracketed Teams:: 2-session playthru with
.)"!0 .$.,break—lunch available for purchase)
A/X Board-A-Match Teams, (unlim /5000, 2 session playthru w/short break) . . . . . . .11:00am & TBA
Flight B (3000) Bracketed Teams: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am & TBA
Brackets of 8 teams (by average MPs—no individual over 3000) play all of the other teams in its
bracket! The bottom bracket may hold 9-15 teams and play a Swiss format.
300/100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00am, 3:00pm
Lots of Intermediate & Novice Events with Silver Points!
Separate I/N events & strata as advertised as attendance allows. (Director's discretion.)
Hospitality includes snacks, drinks, & Friday lunch & evening party. Sunday lunch available for purchase.
Chair: Steve Schatzow, 202-332-3729, [email protected]. Volunteer Coordinator: Barbara Summers,
301-598-5838, [email protected]; Hospitality Chair: Mike Zane, 301-653-1215, [email protected];
Partnerships: Barbara Doran, 301-608-0347, [email protected]
*StrataFlighted if attendance warrants—otherwise combined into Stratified Pairs (unlim/2000/500)
Stratification by avg. masterpoints of the team or pair. No individual may exceed the event’s upper limit.
Directions to the Kensington Town Hall/Armory: 495 Beltway Exit 33, Connecticut Avenue North (Rt.
185N—to Kensington). 1.5 miles, right at light—Knowles Ave. 1st right at stop—Armory Ave. 1st left at
stop—to 3710 Mitchell St. & parking lot on right. Additional parking in nearby lots—see website maps.
-6-
Settle, Tom Musso, John Arnett Sr, Bob Landry,
Bryan Geer, Oleg Dolgikh, Daniel Korbel, Mel
Yudkin, Prahalad Rajkumar and Chris Marks
with a score of 470. Tied for fifteenth were
William Adams, Sven Pride, Albert Lauber,
Dave Smith, Fred Gramlich, Marlys Moholt,
Allen Moon, Chris Moll, Merril Hirsh, Terry
Jones, Bob Krueger, Vince Wilmot, Peter Van
Zijl, Robert Stone, Karen Heath, Harry Gellis,
Tracy Brines, Jeff Yutzler, Fred Allenspach, Tom
Vinson, Joan Steinbach, Jim Villanueva, Frank
Guido, Fred Wagner, Molly Tinsley, Gerald
Lerner, Judy Haney, Mike Lawrence, Debra
Gardner, George Parkins, Ryan Connors and
Arnie Frankel with a score of 460. The average score of the 164 solvers was 414. The average score of the experts was 458.
All readers are encouraged to send answers and/or new problems to Steve Robinson,
2891 S. Abingdon St. #A2 Arlington, VA,
22206-1329. In addition to the winner receiving a free play at the WBL Unit Game, Steve
will play with anyone who gets a perfect score
or who exactly matches all five of his answers.
If you send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the above address along with your answers, I will send you a copy of the new
problems to ensure that you can meet his next
deadline. You can pick up a copy of the problems at the WBL Unit Game in Maryland, and
can send answers or requests for problems to
[email protected]. You can also see and answer the problems at the WBL web site. WBL
Solvers Club uses Washington Standard as
published July 1996. I accept only the first
answer from each solver unless it is clear that
the solver wants to correct his answer.
I personally score all the problems. If a
majority of the solvers vote for an answer, and
the answer is reasonable I will give that answer 100 points. I will not give 100 points to
an answer that I consider bad no matter how
many experts vote for it. There are times
when I want to make a point. I will give that
answer 100 points and will therefore give the
majority answer 90 points. For the other answers I consider how good the answer is and
how many experts vote for it for its score. If
you submitted an answer that got 20 points,
that bid would get a bad score at the table. A
good exercise would be to figure out why I
gave your answer 20 points. You might have
misread the problem.
The book Washington Standard second
edition is out. If you are a serious bridge
player, this book is a must. You can purchase
a copy from Steve for $25.00 whenever you
see him or can send him a check for $30.60
which includes $5.60 for priority mail.
1) IMPs, None Vulnerable
ª7©AJ109¨543§AKQ102
SOUTH
WEST
Pass
NORTH
1¨
3©
EAST
Pass
Pass
1©
?????
Action
3ª
4§
4NT
4ª
6©
4©
3NT
Pass
Score
100
90
80
80
70
30
30
20
Votes
2
4
3
2
1
0
0
0
Solvers
30
78
35
7
1
9
3
1
We have a good hand and we are in the
slam zone. There’s a wide range for partner’s
3©-jump. He could have a hand that’s not
quite a 4©-bid or he could have a hand
that’s a tad better than a 2©-bid. Give partner ªAxxx©KQxx¨Axxx§x and slam is
good. Give partner ªAKJx©KQxx¨QJxx§x
and slam is bad. So how do we find out if
-7-
...continued on p. 9
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(English only)
• Learn Conventions allows you to practice each convention in Bridge Baron. LPBC teaches you six conventions in depth using the interactive Bridge Baron
Teacher architecture, and allows you to practice
these conventions as well. • LPBC teaches you and allows you to practice responses and rebids for conventions, while Learn Conventions does not offer
practice of responses and rebids for conventions. • LPBC 2 and 3 are also
availabe. They each contain seven convtions.
Paid Advertisement
-8-
pinpoint my strong clubs.”
WBL Solvers’ Club, cont. from p. 7...
Great Game Products
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partner has a diamond control and a good
3©-bid? Suppose we bid 3ª, which is a cue
bid trying for slam. If partner bids 4©, he
doesn’t have a diamond control and we can
forget about slam. Cue bids below game show
either first or second round control. If partner
bids 4§, we can bid 4¨, again looking for
a diamond control.
Five experts don’t worry about a diamond
control and bid Keycard. Can’t partner have
ªAK©KQxx¨Qxxxx§xx for his 3©-bid?
They can lead a shoe and 6© can’t make.
Lublin: “4NT—Bid Keycard Blackwood
for hearts.”
Woolsey: “4NT—Or 4ª if that is the
Roman Keycard call. If we have all the keycards I will ask for kings. If partner has the
king of diamonds I’ll take my chances on the
clubs running, giving us five hearts, five
clubs, two diamonds, and one spade — with
the diamonds being good in reserve.“
Shi: “4NT—If partner is 4=4=4=1 with
terrible cards for us, this could be bad. Don’t
see how cue bidding would help.”
Two experts jump to 4ª which is keycard
for hearts in their book. Using 4ª as keycard
for hearts gives you the same room as 4NT
keycard for spades. Notice that if you had
ª7©AK32¨543§AKQ102, bid 4NT and
partner bid 5¨ showing one keycard, you
can’t ask for the queen of hearts and you could
get to a slam off one keycard and the queen of
trumps. Using 5§ to show one key-card would
work here but what if you held ª7©AK32¨A43
§AKxxx? Now partner’s 5¨-call showing zero
keycards would leave you in the same position.
Chen: “4ª—This is Kickback for hearts
which is far better than 4NT RKC since we
have room to ask for trump queen. We have
the values for slam and I will put us in five,
six, or 7© depending on what key cards are
missing. If we are off one key card but the opponents can cash the AK of diamonds, it will
be hard for them to lead diamonds unless the
opening leader has both honors.”
Adams: “4ª—Slam likely to be no worse
than a finesse if they don’t lead diamonds.
Not really wanting to cue bid a singleton, nor
Four experts bid 4§ which in my book denies a spade control. Suppose North holds
ªQxx©KQxx¨AKQxx§x. Since 4§ denies
a spade control, North should sign off. Over
4§, 4¨ should show a spade control since responder denies a spade control.
Parker: “4§—I want to get a diamond
cue bid from partner before I launch into
Blackwood. It is unlikely but possible we are
off the AK of diamonds if partner holds
ªAKQx©KQxx¨QJxx§x for instance.
McEnearney: “4§—Then 4NT if north
shows a diamond control.”
Theurer: “4§—I like this better than taking
control with 4ª Kickback, since if I get a response showing we are off one keycard, slam
could still go down off the AK of diamonds since
partner could have ªAKx©KQxx¨QJxxx§x
for his 3©-bid. The question is, if partner bids
4¨ over 4§, is that Last Train or a diamond cue
bid, and if it is Last Train, should it guarantee
or at least imply a diamond control? He can’t
take over and use Kickback himself, for fear of
me having my actual hand or similar. But, I still
think 4§ is better than Kickback so I will bid
it and hope for the best in the later bidding. If
3NT is a “serious slam try” in Washington Standard, then perhaps that’s the best bid since now
4¨ would clearly be a cue bid and I could then
bid 4ª-Kickback.”
Hopkins: “4§—I will reserve my options
by cue bidding 4§. A return cue bid of 4¨
would be enough for me to check that we have
sufficient key cards.”
One expert gives up on seven.
Schwartz: “6©—If I can avoid a diamond
lead 6© should have at least reasonable play.
If I futz around cue bidding or bidding Blackwood, it will be easier to find that lead. RHO
can’t even double for a diamond lead as I can
easily be short. BTW, I object to the initial
1©-response as that makes it near impossible
to find a 5-3 club fit. “
One expert agrees with me and cue bids his
lowest control. Some players play a convention
where 3NT is an artificial mild slam try and
cue bids are stronger slam tries. If you’re playing that convention and hearts is the trump
suit, then 3ª should be the artificial mild
-9-
slam try and 3NT should be spade control with
a strong slam try.
Sontag: “3ª—If opener has something
like ªAKJx©KQxx¨Qxxx§x, the five-level
is too high. 3ª gives him a chance to sign off
with that hand opposite a singleton spade in
my hand. 3ª shows a control over 3©.”
When partner sets trump at the three-level,
cue bid your lowest control.
2) IMPs, None Vulnerable
ªA5©AKJ¨AK1097§J64
SOUTH
WEST
Pass
NORTH
Pass
EAST
1¨
Score
100
80
80
70
40
30
20
20
20
20
20
Votes
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Solvers
103
11
15
14
1
1
12
2
1
3
1
?????
Action
Double
1NT
3NT
Pass
3¨
1©
2NT
2¨
4¨
4NT
2§
How do you show a 20-point balanced
hand? You could double and when partner
bids one-of-either-major, bid 1NT. This shows
a hand that’s stronger than a 1NT overcall.
1NT overcall shows 15-18 HCP. Therefore,
double followed by 1NT shows 19-21 HCP.
You could pass and hope to penalize the opponents and you might if the opponents were vulnerable. You don’t get rich at 50 a trick. You
have two spades so if partner insists on playing
in spades you have some support and are very
strong. If you only had 13 HCP, you couldn’t
double 1ª holding two spades.
Parker: “Double—And then bid
notrump. I don’t believe in a trap pass since
it might go 1ª — Pass — 2ª. Second
choice is 1NT.”
Theurer: “Double—The first decision is
whether to bid or pass, hoping partner can
double if LHO passes. If the opponents
were vulnerable and we are not vulnerable,
I would probably pass since even if partner
doesn’t reopen, we might get them for
enough undertricks to compensate for a potential non vulnerable game or, LHO might
have enough to respond, leaving partner
with next to nothing. But with the opponents
not vulnerable, the decision is closer. Pass
works whenever partner can double or he
passes and we have no game, but bidding is
better when partner has a scattered seven
count enough for 3NT and we get them for
only +100 or +150 in 1¨. It’s a bidder’s
game, so... I choose to bid.”
Lublin: “Double—And bid 2NT over partner’s response.”
Woolsey: “Double—I plan on bidding
2¨ if partner bids 1©, which shows threecard support and a good hand. If partner
bids 1ª, I’ll bid 2NT, which shows about
this strength.”
Chen: “Double—I plan to double and then
bid 2NT to show a balanced 20-21 HCP. This
is a 20 count that I would upgrade to 21.5
HCP (Google Rubens Hand Evaluator) so I
would bid the same way without the jack of
hearts or jack of clubs.”
If a 1NT overcall shows 15-18 then double
followed by 1NT should show 19-21. No reason
to jump to 2NT when 1NT shows your hand.
Shi: “Double—Planning to rebid notrump.”
Schwartz: “Double—Followed by minimum notrump. With the diamond spots, it’s
too strong for initial 1NT. There’s nothing
wrong with having a doubleton spade.”
Adams: “Double—Too strong for 1NT or
pass.”
Double followed by 1NT shows a better
hand then a 1NT overcall.
3) IMPs, None Vulnerable
If I knew that LHO would bid 1ª, I would
change my vote to pass. Then, double of whatever
East bid would be a takeout double of spades.
McEnearney: “Double—Planning to rebid
notrump.”
- 10 -
ªKJ1063©AQJ¨-§J10975
SOUTH
1ª
?????
WEST
NORTH
EAST
1©
Pass
Pass
4§*
Pass
*splinter raise of spades
Action
5¨
4¨
6ª
4©
6©
4NT
5©
5ª
Pass
4ª
6§
5§
Score
100
90
70
70
70
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
Votes
7
3
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Solvers
25
90
8
16
2
14
1
1
1
3
1
2
Partner has shown four spades, short clubs
and enough strength to bid game. He could
have ªAQxx©Kxxxx¨AKx§x and you have
play for 6ª. ªAQxx©Kxxxx¨AKQx§- and
you have play for 7ª. The problem is to find
out if partner has first round club control. If
he has first round club control, you probably
should be in 7ª. If he doesn’t 6ª is enough.
4NT is not the answer since a two-keycard answer will not tell you which of the three keycards is missing. It also won’t tell you if he has
a void in clubs since I recommend using the
DONT convention to show voids over 4NT.
DONT show the void.
I can’t figure out how to ask the following
question. Please ignore diamond honors and
tell me what you have in the black suits. Exclusion will tell if partner has the ace of clubs
but won’t tell me if he’s void.
Seven experts jump to 5¨. When you jump in
a suit which is higher than keycard, it’s Exclusion. Exclusion asks for keycards excluding keycards in the Exclusion suit. In other words,
partner is not supposed to count the ace of diamonds as a keycard. The problem is what is partner supposed to do with a void in clubs? What
would be his answer to 5¨ holding ªAQxx
©Kxxxx AKQx§- and would it be different if he
held ªAQxx©Kxxxx¨AKQ§x? At least 5¨
will get you to seven if partner has the Ace of clubs
and the AQ of spades. The basic rule on using
keycard is that it is only used to keep you out of
slam if you’re off two keycards. Since partner’s answer might not help you, maybe you shouldn’t be
using keycard or in this case Exclusion.
McEnearney: “5¨—Asking for keycards
outside of diamonds. If north bids 5ª showing one keycard, I will bid 6ª. If north bids
5NT showing two keycards, I will bid 6¨ to
ask for the spade queen.”
Theurer: “5¨—This should be exclusion
Roman Keycard Blackwood for Spades.
There’s no reason to think I have to show
heart support here, since we have a nine-card
spade fit and that strain should play nicely.
As little as ªAQxx©KTxxx¨xxx§x give us
some play for slam and partner will certainly
have quite a bit more than that. Only fly in
the ointment could be if partner is void in
clubs since the exclusion bid takes up space
for him to conveniently show that void plus
the appropriate number of keycards. But that
concern is not enough to dissuade me from
making a bid that gives me the best information about non-diamond keycards.”
Woolsey: “5¨—I assume this is exclusion. If partner shows one key I’ll bid the
slam, and if I have to guess the queen of
spades I will. If he has two keys I’ll bid the
grand, which might be laydown and doesn’t
figure to be worse than the heart finesse.”
Chen: “5¨—This should be Exclusion
RKC asking partner to show keycards but
don’t count the diamond ace Similarly to
problem one, we have the values for slam and
I will put us in five, six, or 7ª depending on
what key cards are missing. I only cue bid
when I need to find out if partner has extras
or if I am concerned about two quick losers
in an unbid suit.”
Shi: “5¨—5¨ should be exclusion. We
could be laydown for seven.”
Schwartz: “5¨—Exclusion Blackwood,
seems perfect. BTW, should play standard and
not 1430 responses to avoid getting too high.”
I recommend that you never play 1430 responses. 1430 responses reverse the zero/three
and the one/four responses to keycard. 5§ =
one/four and 5¨= zero/three. You don’t need
1430 responses if you use Kickback.
Two experts cue bid 4©. When partner
splinters, spades are trump and 4© is a cue
bid. But one should cue bid his lowest control.
Parker: “4©—I am not sure where 12
tricks are coming from but I owe him at least
one encouraging move. Not 4¨ since partner
has length in diamonds and may think they
are a source of tricks.”
Lublin: “4©—I bid 4© hoping partner
- 11 -
can bid 5§. If partner does not bid 5§, I bid
6ª. If partner bids 5§, I bid 5NT.”
Two experts join me and make the cheapest
cue bid. I expect to end up in at least 6ª and
maybe cue bidding will allow us to get to seven.
I can’t use RKC or Exclusion because the answer won’t help me get to the best contract.
Hopkins: “4¨—The cheapest cue bid. I really hope partner can show me a Club void.”
Adams: “4¨—Tough hand. If I can get
partner to cue bid 5§, I will try 5NT to ask
about trumps. Robinson’s inclusion system
might be nice here.”
Don’t use Keycard if the answer won’t help
you get to the best contract.
4) IMPs, None Vulnerable
ª82©AQ¨10976§AQ1075
SOUTH
WEST
1©
NORTH
1ª
EAST
Pass
Score
100
90
90
80
40
40
40
20
Votes
2
2
4
4
0
0
0
0
Solvers
2
42
66
50
1
1
1
1
Lublin: “2NT—Invitational.”
Theurer: “2NT—Some play this as a
four+ card limit-or-better raise, but I checked
Washington Standard and by unpassed hand
and with RHO passing, it’s natural My other
option is to bid 2§ which is non-forcing/constructive, reasonable and if I had only one
heart stopper that’s what I would bid, planning to bid 2NT if partner rebids 2¨ or 2ª
and 3NT if partner bids 3§. But with two
probable stoppers I prefer to steer us towards
the most likely game which is 3NT.”
Schwartz: “2NT—With RHO passing and
a source of tricks, too strong for 1NT. Don’t
like 2§ with lack of six-card suit and two
heart stoppers.”
If I had to bid some number of notrump,
I’d bid 1NT which increases the chances of
getting a plus score.
One expert joins me and cue bids. If partner has an opening bid we will get to game.
With an opening bid he’ll bid higher than 2ª.
Over any three-level bid we can bid 3NT. We
might get to the wrong game but we will get
to game. If partner has less than an opening
bid, we can play in 2ª.
?????
Action
2©
1NT
2§
2NT
3§
3NT
2ª
2¨
Four experts jump to 2NT. How will 2NT
play opposite my seven-point 1ª overcalls?
Partner overcalled and you have 12 HCP.
He’s allowed to have an opening bid when he
overcalls 1ª. An opening bid opposite an opening bid means that you should be in game. Of
course partner could have only seven HCP for
his 1ª overcall.ªAQJ109©xx¨xxx§xxx and
ªAxxxx©xx¨Axx§xxx are 1ª-overcalls with
the former more popular.
Two experts respond 1NT. Will partner bid
again with a balanced 13-count? If partner
does rebid his spades or bids 2¨, does he have
a seven-count or an opening bid?
Parker: “1NT—High enough with no
source of tricks.”
Adams: “1NT—Pretty good one, but I show
something close to this. Partner could have
AKxxx of spades and out so not jumping.”
He could also have ªAKQJx©xxx¨xx§Kxx
or ªKQJ109©xxx¨Ax§Kxx
Woolsey: “2©—I plan on passing 2ª, but
bidding 3NT over most other things. If partner has a minimum, 2ª is probably high
enough.”
Four experts bid 2§. 2§ is non-forcing
and partner is allowed to pass it, even with an
opening bid. I might bid 2§ without the AQ
of hearts.
Chen: “2§—2§ shows values but is nonforcing constructive. It allows us to get out in
2§ if partner has a light overcall. 2NT or 2§
could be right, but I like to make the cheapest bid when I’m not sure. For example, bidding 2§ instead of 2NT will allow us to get
out in 2ª.”
Shi: “2§—Options are 1NT, 2NT and
2§. 2§ is most flexible. We may need to buy
a club fit in order to make 3NT anyway, so if
we play 2§ it’s not so bad.”
Hopkins: “2§—This gives us the most
room for partner to describe his hand and I am
well poised if the opponents compete further.”
- 12 -
Cue bids after an overcall don’t necessarily
promise great support.
spond 2© and if he hasªxx©Qxx¨AKQxx
§AQx, he might bid 4© over West’s 3ª-jump.
5) IMPs, Both Vulnerable
ª82©AK7¨983§K5432
Hopkins: “Double—I will tell partner I
had a Diamond in with my Hearts. If we do
end up in Hearts, the ruff will come in my
hand and I have good honors to help draw
trumps as necessary.”
I’d rather tell my partner that I had a heart
in with my diamonds.
Parker: “Double—Can’t pass and 4-3 heart
fit may play well with my doubleton spade.”
Lublin: “Double—I make negative double
and get hand played from partner’s side.”
Adams: “Double—I know I show four
hearts, but just seems like I can pass partner’s rebid if I double.”
SOUTH
WEST
NORTH
1¨
EAST
1ª
Score
100
90
90
30
30
20
20
Votes
2
5
5
0
0
0
0
Solvers
5
36
96
10
3
13
1
?????
Action
2¨
Dbl
2§
1NT
2ª
Pass
5¨
A negative double over 1ª shows four
hearts. Sometimes partner is forced or chooses
to respond in a three-card heart suit and the
3-3 fit doesn’t usually play well. 2§ is forcing
for one round does show five or more clubs but
you only have ten HCP and what are you
going to do over partner’s rebid? Your clubs
are so weak that you can’t rebid them. Opener
will rebid 2NT on hands that will make 3NT
ªAxx©Qxx¨Jxxx§AQx for instance, or will
be lucky to make 1NT ªQxx©Jxx¨AKxx
§Qxx for instance. You could pass, however,
partner with three or four spades will be conservative and also pass and you might lose a
partscore swing.
One expert joins me and underbids. We like
to have four hearts when we make a negative
double so we don’t double unless there is no
other choice. We like to have a better club suit
or a better hand to bid 2§. We also like to
know what we’d do over opener’s possible rebids. We don’t like to pass with ten HCP. The
best or the poor choices are to bid 2¨.
Woolsey: “2¨—Partner doesn’t have a
strong notrump, so if he is balanced he has
12-14 or 18-19. With more he will bid again,
with 12-14 2¨ should be fine.”
Five experts double. This will work well if
partner does not have four hearts and could
work out even if partner does have four hearts.
This negative double might even have five
hearts. With five hearts you need at least 11
points to bid 2© over 1ª. However, if partner
has ªxxxx©Qxx¨AKxx§Ax, he might re-
Five experts make a free bid. I like my
free bids to be a tad stronger or at least be a
suit that could be rebid, AKJ10xx for instance. What are they going to do if partner
bids 2¨ or 2©? I would think that 2§
would promise a rebid. What would you do
if opener bids 2©?
Theurer: “2§—Not an easy problem
since if I pass here I may have trouble
catching up later. A negative double is possible but if partner bids 2© I won’t know
whether we belong in that suit with partner
having 3=4=4=2 shape?, or diamonds with
partner being 4-5 in the reds or clubs
where partner could have only three. Or it
could go 2ª by LHO, 3© by partner and
now I have the same dilemma one level
higher. Perhaps at matchpoints double
would have a bit more appeal since if
hearts is “right” there’s a bigger potential
reward, but here at IMPs I think I will just
show my longest suit and yes it isn’t a great
suit but I don’t promise a great suit, only
that I have at least five of them and
10+HCP or a little less if I have greater
playing strength.”
Chen: “2§—I have a bad suit but with ten
prime points, this should qualify for a 2§bid. Some alternatives such as bidding 1NT
with no stopper or bidding 2¨ with poor support are much worse. The only other bid I
would consider is a three-card negative double. The 4-3 heart fit may play ok and this al-
- 13 -
...continued on p. 17
§ unit game ¨ WBL © unit game ª tHursday nigHt § unit game ¨ WBL © unit game ª tHursday nigHt
2015 finaL tropHy race standings
www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org
Updated by John Adams
The Lovenberg Race is open to all WBL members; the Izzy Cohen Race
is open to all WBL members who started the calendar year with less than 1500
masterpoints; the Tubbs Race is open to all WBL members who started the
calendar year as a Non-Life Master
Izzy Cohen
with less than 500 masterpoints; the
1 68.03 James Berry
Woolridge Race is open to all WBL
2 67.65 Terry Klein
members who started the calendar
3 66.79 Alexander Prairie
4 57.36 Myron Goldstein
year with less than 20 masterpoints.
5 54.36 Ajit Thyagarajan
Winners in each category receive
6 51.28 Guillaume de Decker
four sessions of free plays. Second
7 50.65 Michael Kuehl
place gets two and third place gets one.
8 49.38 Charles Dearolf
This list is final for 2014. All
9 47.38 James Wisman
points are subject to audit by the WBL
Director. Congratulations 10 46.15 Kiyomi Shiba
11 44.87 Barry Tash
to the 2014 Winners!
12 44.60 Leon Masiewicki
Lovenberg
13 42.13 Prem Garg
1 196.00 Steve Robinson 14 41.90 Margaret Cooke
2 158.85 John Adams
15 41.17 Peter Isard
3 142.68 Donna Rogall
Tubbs
4 135.86 Steven Schatzow
1
67.65
Terry
Klein
5 125.20 Brad Theurer
2 57.36 Myron Goldstein
6 120.61 Clyde Kruskal
3 50.65 Michael Kuehl
7 118.80 David Genne
4 49.38 Charles Dearolf
8 109.94 James Geist
5 44.87 Barry Tash
9 97.28 Barry Falgout
6 41.90 Margaret Cooke
10 94.99 Lloyd Rawley
7 41.17 Peter Isard
11 90.40 William Pettis
8 40.97 Norman Kittrell
12 89.71 Linda Marshall
9 37.60 Mary Ourand
13 89.11 Larry Kahn
10 33.48 Shala Panbechi
14 84.44 Michael Richey
Woolridge
15 80.46 Vincent Wilmot Jr
1 25.69 Marc Zlotnik
16 80.26 H John Edmonds
2 23.81 John Goon
17 78.44 Ronald Zucker
3 19.22 David Narrow
18 78.13 William Cole
4 18.20 Stephen Baldwin
19 78.03 Fred King
5 18.20 Kate Baldwin
20 74.53 Richard Wegman
6 17.89 David Handwerker
21 74.35 Barry Bragin
7 14.17 Carole Smith
22 74.31 David Ruderman
8 11.63 Barbara Teng
23 71.10 Andrew Gofreed
9 11.31 Carl Barth
24 68.03 James Berry
10 10.93 Nathan Tash
25 67.80 Mark Shaw
unit game carpooL avaiLaBLe
To arrange a carpool, contact Melissa Price, Carpool Coordinator, at 301-464-1261 or [email protected].
- 14 -
0-20
Lesson
& game
guaranteed
partners!
7:00pm
Lesson
7:30 -10isH
game
Join anytime
The cost is $5. This
includes a 30 minute
lesson followed by fun,
enjoyable bridge for
players with 0-20 masterpoints.
Lessons will cover
slam bidding, weak
twos, 3 level+ preempts,
overcalls,
takeout doubles, negative doubles, opening
leads,
and
signaling. Each lesson will be tailored to
the needs and interests of the players.
This is a great program for beginners as
well as experienced social bridge players!
Partners will be provided if needed. For
more information, contact Bryan or Lois Geer
at 301-236-0014 or by
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~ §¨©ª ~
~ § ¨ scHeduLe © ª ~
Most games held at Ohr Kodesh
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Check website for any schedule changes. Bold dates held at
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UnitGamePartner@DistrictSix.
org or [email protected],
or call 301-608-0347 between
9am and 10pm. To find a partner for the NLM game, contact
Shawn Stringer at 301-2756363 or [email protected] .
You might want to volunteer for
the GP program yourself. It’s a great
way to meet people. If you play on
the night you’re the GP, you play
free. If you volunteer, you receive a
free play for any future unit game
whether or not you play that night.
Partnerships Close
ALERT! The Unit Game is now played at Ohr Kodesh.
NO OUTSIDE FOOD IS ALLOWED. Snacks and drinks
will be provided.
- 15 -
AT
7:25pm
TO START THE GAME PROMPTLY
AT
7:30PM. CALL
IF YOU’RE LATE,
OR YOU MAY NOT BE ACCOMMODATED.
Solvers’ Club, cont. from p. 13...
tHe unit game
Please contact Chris Miller, Club Manager and Chief Director, at [email protected] if you have any questions about how the WBL Unit Game is
run. This column answers some frequently asked questions.
WHy is everyone Hanging around BarB?
—Because she has the free play box!
Winning your section (not strat) at the WBL Unit Game entitles you to a free play
for a Unit Game session. The free plays expire three years from date of issue and may
be used for any Thursday night that isn’t part of a WBL or NVBA Sectional tournament.
The free plays are worth eight dollars, the cost of a normal Unit Game. They may be
used for eight dollars of the ten dollar cost of special games (Grand National Team
qualifiers, North American Pairs qualifiers, STaCs…).
Check with Barb Doran at the partnership desk to see if you’ve won a free play before you buy your entry the next time you play on a Thursday night.
Earn even more free plays! Join the Guaranteed Partner program. Volunteer to be the
Guaranteed Partner at a Unit Game session. If you are needed, you will play free with
someone who needs a partner; if you are not needed, you don’t play. In either case, you get
a free play for another unit game. Volunteering even once a year is a huge help to the WBL.
Contact Barb Doran barb,[email protected] or (301) 608-0347 to join the program.
ª April 9-12, 2015, WBL, Kensington, MD
§ April 23-26, 2015, NVBA, Fairfax, VA
¨ July 30-Aug 2 2015, WBL, Kensington, MD
ª Sept 10-13, 2015, WBL NLM, Kensington, MD
© Sept 24-27, 2015, NVBA, Fairfax, VA
ª October 8-11, 2015, WBL, Kensington, MD
§ October 22-25, 2015, NVBA, Fairfax, VA
¨ January 7-10, 2016, WBL, Kensington, MD
© February 19-22, 2016, NVBA, Fairfax, VA
~ §¨©ª ~
Before you make a bid, know what you’ll
do over partner’s worst possible rebid.
soLvers’ scores
John Adams
Mark Chen
Robbie Hopkins
Glen Lublin
Mark McEnearney
Steve Parker
Steve Robinson
Alan Schwartz
Sylvia Shi
Brad Theurer
Alan Sontag
Kit Woolsey
4ª
4ª
4§
4NT
4§
4§
3ª
6©7
4NT
4§
3ª
4NT
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
Dbl
do you Have any
muscLes or Brains
to spare?
The Washington Bridge
League could use a little of either!
In order to keep events exciting
and entry fees low, the WBL relies
on the goodness of our members to
volunteer for small jobs at the Unit
Game and Sectional Tournaments.
Some jobs require brains while
others require muscle. We’ll be
happy to employ either.
From setting up and breaking down tables, to publicity and events development, a little effort from you will make
our bridge community even better. Busy schedule? No worries. Most volunteer assignments take only 15 minutes to 1 hour a month.
1NT
2§
2§
2NT
2§
1NT
2©
2NT
2§
2NT
2NT
2©
Dbl
2§
Dbl
Dbl
2§
Dbl
2¨
2§
2§
2§
Dbl
2¨
450
460
460
440
470
440
480
440
460
460
470
500
Paid Advertisement
Here’s how to help:
1. Reply by email, phone or in person if you are willing to help in any way.
2. Please indicate if you can offer any special skills (such as marketing or a strong back).
3. Someone will contact you shortly with a choice of assignments you can pick from.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.
Barbara Summers, Volunteer Coordinator, 301-598-5838, [email protected],
- 16 -
4¨
5¨
4¨
4©
5¨
4©
4¨
5¨
5¨
5¨
5¨
5¨
Paid Advertisement
upcoming sectionaLs
lows us to get out in 1NT if Opener has 1214 balanced. However, we’re likely to make
3NT if Partner has as a nice-fitting 14 count
so I’m bidding 2§.”
Shi: “2§—I just make the normal bid.
Maybe we have to play 2NT. Partner still has
a chance to rebid diamonds. I also don’t mind
1NT followed by 2NT to pick a minor if they
complete in spades.”
Schwartz: “2§—Suit is lacking but shows
my values well. Might consider double at
matchpoints but at IMPs I’d want the fourth
heart. What should be agreed upon is what is
2§ forcing to.”
- 17 -
at tHe taBLe:
a survivaL manuaL
It’s Father’s Day, plus:
by Rich Colker, [email protected]
tHe Longest
day
—PART 1—
This is the first in a series of articles that
originally appeared in the ACBL Bulletin
(appearing from February thru December,
2002). I have rewritten portions to make them
consistent with recent changes in the Laws of
Duplicate Bridge (Revised, 2008) and ACBL
regulations.
of 2015 —
Sunday,
June 21
Join the ACBL and our
local team, BRIDGE
HEROES UNITED
in a
Bridge-a-Thon
The
Longest Day
is a sunrise-to-sunset event to raise funds to fuel the
care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Asto fight Alzheimer’s!
sociation. Held on the summer solstice, the longest day
of the year, this event challenges participants to push
their limits and complete approximately 16 hours of a
consecutive activity – such as playing bridge. It’s one day to honor the strength, heart and endurance displayed by people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers every day.
BRIDGE HEROES UNITED celebrates and promotes bridge for all ages in Northern VA and MD.
A super alliance between NVBA, WBL and RBA raised over $23,000 for Alzheimer's
Research last year!
On June 21, Bridge Heroes United is participating in The Longest Day, holding a 3 session bridge-a-thon to raise funds to support Alzheimer's research. There will be pizza and
upgraded Masterpoints! Each game is 18 boards. This event is held at Beth El Hebrew
Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304. There is no charge to play.
We welcome your generous contributions.
This is also a culmination of the school year for FCPS students from Sunrise Bridge, a
year round enrichment program with a service learning component. Play bridge. Do good.
It doesn't get any better than that.
RSVP to Livingston Johnson at [email protected]
Like us:
https://www.facebook.com/BridgeHeroesUnited
Bring a friend. Join us:
http://act.alz.org/site/TR/?pg=team&fr_id=6650&team_id=256784
- 18 -
with these problems more effectively should
they arise.
The suggestions presented here are intended to define proper procedure, minimize
disruptions and improve the playing environment for the serious tournament player as
well for as the casual club player. Every suggestion offered may not be appropriate for
players at all levels. For example, some of the
advice is not intended for novices, or those
playing in events with an upper masterpoint
limit, while others may need to be modified
for the more socially-oriented game, including many club games. While the emphasis of
bridge should always be on fun, enjoyment
and relaxation, when the game involves serious (or even semi-serious) competition it will
be to everyone’s advantage to avoid those
practices which can cause problems or illfeelings among the players.
The ideas presented here benefitted
greatly from discussions with Sol Weinstein,
who for many years has been one of the
ACBL’s top National Directors, and Gary
Blaiss, who in 2002 headed the ACBL’s Tournament Division. Their contributions greatly
improved what follows but any deficiencies
which remain are solely my own.
The following is offered in the hope that
the next time a problem arises you can turn
it into an amusing dinner anecdote rather
than a lingering irritant. Bon appétit.
While most problems at the bridge table
occur infrequently and most sessions are
completed without incident, you’ll find that if
you play often enough you will encounter a
situation that you wish you could have
avoided, or at least knew how to handle better. Someone hesitates, bids too quickly (or
slowly), asks a suggestive question, Alerts
partner’s natural bid as conventional, fails to
Alert an Alertable bid, gives a wrong explanation, makes a bad claim, or commits any of
the other acts which inevitably lead to the
plaintive cry, “DI-REC-TOR!” What should
you do now? Could you have avoided the
problem? Are the opponents’ questioning
your ethics; are you questioning theirs? So
many questions. So little time.
Based on my experience as ACBL
Recorder, ACBL Appeals Administrator, Appeals Committee member and bridge player
it is clear that many of us could use advice
on how to conduct ourselves at the table to
avoid or minimize problems. In what follows
I’ve tried cover the most common problems
that occur at the table, explain the issues
which underlie them and describe how best General Attitude
to avoid or deal with them when they arise.
Principle: Different people play bridge
Each section begins with a brief principle,
for
different reasons; they have a variety
followed by a discussion of how and why that
of
outlooks
and approaches to the game.
principle applies. In many cases the discusBe
tolerant
when your opponents’ goals
sion will presume a certain amount of bridge
are
different
from your own, and don’t
experience and sensitivity to the demands
expect them to bid and play according
that certain situations place upon us as playto your own personal standards.
ers. If you do not yet have this experience or
Some people play bridge for recreation,
sensitivity, do not despair. The discussion is
aimed at helping you develop in these areas others for social reasons, others for the probwhile offering practical advice on how to deal lem-solving challenge, and still others for the
- 19 -
competition. While these different goals need
not conflict, it is hard to imagine those wishing
to play hard-nosed competitive bridge enjoying playing against opponents who are primarily interested in social chatter. Similarly, it is
not hard to imagine that a player with primarily recreational goals will be offended when a
hard-nosed competitor stands on the letter of
the law and calls the Director over a huddle or
a sloppy claim. And what of the avid tournament player who lives to play against strong
opponents whose skills rival his own? Will he
have fun competing against the casual player
who can’t wait to try out a new convention and
then proceeds to screw it up? Until we have
different games (or at least sections) for people
with different goals, and Laws which recognize
these differences, we all need to exhibit tolerance and understanding for those we encounter at the bridge table. After all, without
opponents we’d all be playing solitaire.
But that’s not all. Even players with similar
goals and skills may display different approaches to the game. Some players are scientists, who love sophisticated and complex
bidding systems. Others are naturalists, who
love pitting their raw judgment and card-play
skills against all comers, mano a mano, employing only simple agreements. Still other
players are gamblers, who love to shoot out
slams or back their “table feel” by psyching as
often as possible. And still others think the object of the game is to follow “the bidding rules”
as set out by their favorite bridge guru: Goren,
Kaplan, Kantar, Lawrence, Stewart. Members
of this rule-oriented group often display disdain
for those who they perceive make up their own
rules as they go. Regardless of your approach,
we’re all here to have fun. Remember, if it
weren’t for the opponents (and their divergent
styles), bridge would be a crashing bore.
There is room for everyone, regardless of
his goals, outlooks and abilities. There is no
room for rudeness or intolerance. There is no
room for those who insist on imposing their
personal view of the game on everyone else,
partner and opponent alike. The opponents
are not there to ensure your bridge success.
They are there to do well, to have fun, and to
try to win for themselves. So relax, enjoy the
game, and remember that your fun and success are no more important than anyone else’s.
What is Proper Tempo?
Principle: Calls and plays, even those
which are easy or “automatic,” should
always be made in a deliberate tempo:
Look at your cards for a few seconds,
give the appearance of thinking about
your action, then make your call or play.
Although the Laws describe the proper
procedure for making calls and plays (see, for
example, Law 73D), most problems in this
area, especially in tournament play, occur
when a player takes some actions (the “easy”
ones) quickly, without apparent thought, while
pausing, sometimes considerably, before taking more difficult actions. “But aren’t most
problems created by hesitations?” you ask.
Well, yes and no. While it is certainly true that
hesitations precede most Director calls, in the
majority of cases the hesitation is not the ultimate source of the problem. Here’s why.
A break in tempo does not automatically
occur every time a player takes more than a
certain amount of time (say 3-5 seconds) to
make a call. If I take, say, 10 seconds to make
every one of my calls, then the next 10-second
call seems in normal tempo—for me. In order
to have a break in tempo, normal tempo must
first be established. (This is why a player’s very
first call or play, even if slow, rarely causes a
problem.) When players make some of their
calls or plays quickly they establish that easy
actions require little or no thought or that they
can think very quickly. Then later, if they require some extra time for thought before a particularly difficult call or play, it becomes
apparent that they have a problem and have
broken tempo. If they had just taken a few extra
seconds (even, say, 2 or 3) for each of those
“easy” actions and given the appearance of
thinking, the time taken to make those difficult
decisions would seem more normal.
Here’s a good way to think about it: The
problem is not that the other players (especially
partner) know that you are thinking, it’s that
they know you are thinking about this action
when you do not normally think about most
other (easy or routine) actions. This emphasizes
that you had choices available. But if you always think, even if for just a few seconds, all the
other players will know is that you are considering your action (as usual); the few extra sec- 20 -
onds may not even be that noticeable. By always
giving the appearance of having something to
think about, you reduce the possibility that anyone can read something into it when you really
need those extra seconds. There will be no
unauthorized information conveyed to your
partner and no signs of reluctance or uncertainty for your opponents to take advantage of.
While it’s not easy or even possible to make
difficult calls or plays in tempo (at least not
without limiting your ability to evaluate various
actions available and select the best one), it’s
always possible, even if it takes a bit of self
control, to make easy or automatic calls and
plays in a deliberate tempo. You should strive
to make all your calls and plays in an even and
deliberate tempo. Pause, look at your cards,
and give the appearance of considering your
action for, say, 2-4 seconds (adding a bit of random variation can help), regardless of whether
you are actually thinking. This conceals how
easy or difficult your action is. When all of your
calls and plays come under your control and
appear thoughtful, minor variations in the
length of thought become unrevealing.
It is also important to be aware that players
who fail to maintain a deliberate tempo in their
own calls and plays may not receive favorable
consideration by a Director or Appeals Committee when an out-of-tempo action of theirs
contributes to a problem—even if the opponents were primarily at fault. The few extra
seconds you take to make your call or play will
also provide the next player with a bit of extra
time to consider his action. When you act
quickly, even a modest pause by your LHO becomes magnified and increases the potential
for a problem. Avoiding this is an important
aspect of being a good bridge citizen.
There is a flip side to all of this. Once your
calls and plays start to come under your control
and become more deliberate, if you then take a
quick action, without apparent thought, it is
subject to the same provisions of unauthorized
information that slow calls or plays invoke. Note
that if you take most of your actions quickly you
are not doing anything illegal. However, your
occasional slow action will then raise valid concerns and place your side at risk for transmitting
unauthorized information. Similarly, if most of
your actions appear deliberate, a quick action
will stand out as a break in tempo. Adopting a
consistently deliberate tempo will give you the
greatest control and protection.
When I suggest a deliberate approach to
players who habitually complain about their
opponents using the rules to gain an unfair
advantage, say by calling the Director when
an opponent thinks for a few seconds, they
usually offer one of the following objections,
to which I respond:
(1) “Thinking about every action will slow the
game down to a crawl.”
Not really. Let’s assume the average auction contains about ten calls, including the
final three passes. If instead of taking 1-2
seconds per call you take 3-4 seconds, the
time per auction would increase by about 20
seconds, a two-board round by about 40 seconds, and a 24-board session by about 8 minutes. (That’s about 8 minutes in a 3- or
3½-hour session.) On the other hand, a Director call probably takes about 3-5 minutes.
If this procedure reduced the number of Director calls at your table by one or two per
session, it would more than pay for itself in
both time and wear and tear on your nerves.
(2) “It’s illegal to hesitate intentionally and
unnecessarily.”
Yes, but that is not what I’m suggesting
here. Law 73D2 makes it illegal to attempt to
deceive an opponent “by the haste or hesitancy
of a call or play….” But we’re not introducing
tempo variations here and certainly not trying
to deceive an opponent. Quite the opposite, in
fact. We’re trying to prevent the communication
of unauthorized information to partner by
evening out the tempo, an act which is consistent with Law 73D1 (“It is desirable, though
not always required, for players to maintain
steady tempo and unvarying manner.”).
Over the years I’ve kibitzed and played
against many of the best players the game has
ever seen. One of them, Hugh Ross, stands out
in my mind as having the best tempo I’ve ever
witnessed. If Hugh opened one notrump and his
partner raised to three notrump, Hugh would
pause for 4-5 seconds before passing, even
though, as we all know, no player ever bids again
in such an auction. And Hugh was universally
recognized as having the best tempo in the game.
So why not try it yourself. Who knows? After
a bit of practice, you might even get to like it!
- 21 -
Our Kitty
Kitty
Gottfried
passed away on November 24, 2014
after 16 months in hospice care for
her liver problems. Members of her
family, friends and bridge family gathered together
at a memorial to remember and celebrate her life.
2014 recipient of the Nadine Wood Volunteer of the
Year, an ACBL-wide award established to recognize
outstanding accomplishments by ACBL volunteers,
Kitty selflessly served the WBL for the past 40-odd
years as Hospitality Chair and Caddy Master. Her
tireless service was marked with long hours of
preparation, a determined frugal budgeting,
shopping, transporting and cleaning. As Fred
King, past WBL and MABC President, recalled, "She did all this in a true volunteer
spirit, never asking for or expecting compensation and she even seems embarrassed with the
compliments she received. Physically she was
a very small person, but her generosity and
spirit were enormous.”
Many stories abound about the great
lengths Kitty would take to make sure hospitality ran smoothly. Kitty also led a very interesting personal life. She was born in Tokyo,
Japan, in 1926 as a premature baby —lucky to
survive... Lucky for all of us!
Anecdotes and more about Kitty’s life can
be found in the Jan/Feb and Mar/Apr 2014 issues of the WBL Bulletin (online at www.wash
ingtonbridge league.org),
Thank you, Kitty!
—The WBL
......may 14, 2015......annuaL meeting......eLections......
......and stratafLigHted pairs game......
This year’s Annual Meeting and Elections will be held on Thursday, May 14,
at Ohr Kodesh, the site of our Unit Game,
prior to play. There will be complimentary desserts at 6:30 p.m. The meeting
and elections will take place at approximately 7:00 p.m. All WBL members
whose dues are paid as of April 1 are eligible to vote. The congregation will be
open early for ballot casting to those
players who will be unable to attend the
elections. Copies of the WBL Policies
and Treasurer’s Report will also be available. A StrataFlighted Pairs Game will
begin when the meeting concludes.
2014 masterpoint races
During the evening, we will recognize
our 2014 Mini-McKenney and Ace of Clubs
winners for their achievements.
eLections
The election portion of the meeting will
begin with our Elections Chairperson, Jim
Allen, introducing the candidates before they
each speak briefly to the membership. Nominations will be accepted from the floor. The
four officer positions are one-year terms.
Three of the four Unit Director positions are
two-year terms; one is a one-year term.
Candidate
for President
Ellen Cherniavsky, has
served as a volunteer
for the WBL continuously since 2004, when
she became a member
of the Conduct &
Ethics
Committee,
which she now chairs.
A Board member since
2006, she held the of-
fice of Secretary for three years, and the office
of Vice-President for three years. Since 2009
she has acted as the Board’s GNT and NAP
coordinator, and has taken responsibility for
maintaining the database and producing the
documentation on seeding that help make the
GNT Open and 0-6000 premier events. As
chair of the Club Relations Committee, she
has facilitated the clubs’ participation in split
championships, affording their members the
opportunity to compete in wider fields and
win more masterpoints.
If elected President, she would focus on
helping our Tournament Chair restore our
sectionals to profitability while insuring enjoyment of the game for all players. Obtaining
and keeping good playing sites (she initiated
the contact that got us back to Ohr Kodesh)
would be a priority.
Ellen started playing duplicate bridge in
college, but quit shortly thereafter to pursue
graduate studies (she holds a Ph.D. in Operations research) and have a family. She worked
for the MITRE Corporation in support of the
Federal Aviation Administration for 28 years.
Candidate
for Vice-President
Linda Marshall has
been a WBL member
since 2003, when she
started playing bridge
again after learning from
friends in college and
then taking a long break
from bridge to practice
law and raise two boys.
She has participated
regularly in WBL activities since 2005.
Linda joined the WBL board in 2007 and
has served as Secretary since 2012. She
would like to serve on the board as Vice President supporting WBL activities in a variety
of ways, helping to attract, retain, and support
- 23 -
Candidate
for Secretary
?
Your Name Here
Candidate
for Treasurer
Rose Berman began to
play bridge about 28
years ago, when she
met her husband Don.
Her family had always
played cards, but not
bridge. She’s been a
member of the WBL
for over 27 years, and
has played in the Unit
game most Thursdays. Rose appreciates being
a member of a well-run unit with a competitive game, and hopes to contribute whatever
she can to the smooth running of the Unit.
She grew up in Pittsburgh, and attended
Pitt. After moving to this area in the late 70s,
Rose attended graduate school at George
Mason. She worked for many years in various
Social Service jobs, but burned out and turned
to accounting. For over 20 years, she has
worked as an accountant for a small printing
business. She is delighted to report that she
retired last year.
Rose is a club director, and regularly directs at the Laurel Bridge Club. She has been
WBL Treasurer since 2012.
If re-elected, Rose intends to provide accurate and timely financial information to the
Board and to the Unit as a whole.
Carole Banks,
and Internal Control
for the Department of
Treasury. She has been
a member of the WBL
since 2000. Carole’s
enthusiasm for bridge
stems from her mother
who was a long-time
duplicate
bridge
player and member of
the American Bridge Association (ABA).
Carole began playing bridge at an “Easy
Bridge” class taught by Charlie Williams
and Leslie Shafer, and has been “hooked”
ever since. She says, “Since playing bridge,
I have gained a new family of close friends
and strong supporters.” Carole strongly supports efforts that promote new members of
all ages, while strengthening the enthusiasm
and commitment of the WBL’s existing membership base.
Candidate
for the Board
By day, Alex works as a defense contractor, specializing in data mining, software development, and database administration. He
lives in Northeast D.C
Did You Know?
The Rockville Duplicate Bridge Club
has a game almost every day!
Candidate
for the Board
Clyde Kruskal is an
Associate Professor of
Computer Science at
the University of
Maryland. He doesn’t
remember ever learning how to play bridge,
but it was sometime as
a young child. He has
one step child, Eric
Foskett, who used to play and direct. His
three younger children (triplets), Justin, Rebecca and Alexander, used to caddy. Once in
a while, he could even drag them out to a
game. Clyde is happy to be an insane voice
on a sane board.
—Paid Advertisement—
newer players, and helping the WBL to make
bridge more enjoyable for all of its members.
Linda has been an attorney with the Internal
Revenue Service for 25 years.
Join us often and spread the word!
DAY
TIME
LOCATION
*
11:15 AM
St James
Tuesday
7:00 PM
Rockville S. C.
Monday
Wednesday 10:30 AM Temple Beth Ami
*
11:15 AM
St James
*
Saturday*
11:15 AM
St James
1:00 PM
St James
Thursday
Friday
*0-1000 game in addition to the open game
——as attendance allows——
www.rockvilledbc.com
Need a Partner? Call Mark Lavine: 301-503-3348
Locations:
St James Episcopal Church
11815 Seven Locks Road
Potomac, MD
Rockville Senior Center
1150 Carnation Dr
Rockville, MD
Temple Beth Ami, 14330 Travilah Rd, N. Potomac, MD
Alexander Gretsinger
started playing bridge
in 2009, and joined the
WBL that same year.
He graduated from the
University of Maryland
with a BS in Computer
Science in 2006. One
of Clyde Kruskal's former students, he joined
a board gaming group with Clyde and other
long-time bridge players. A few years of interesting-sounding bridge discussions at the
gaming table led Alex to the ACBL's excellent online resources, with which he taught
himself the game. As a result, he has the
somewhat unique experience of having
played dozens of hands on Bridge Base Online before ever playing in person.
Today, Alex serves as the WBL's e-List
Administrator and helps run the WBL web
site. If elected, he will work to expand the
game's popularity with younger generations
through social media and online presence.
Candidate
Alex would be honored to give the Board his
for the Board
unique perspective on how to grow the WBL
CPA, is Director of Finance and the game generally for years to come.
- 24 -
Candidate
for the Board
Bob Stearns is a long
Bits & Pieces, cont. from p. 4...
time Federal retiree
and former college professor who spends
1
much of his spare time
2
now as a volunteer tax
preparer for AARP. He
3
learned bridge with his
4
brother when he was
5
eight years old; by col6
lege and graduate school he and his brother
Dick played a four person version of duplicate
7
bridge with their parents every day of every
8
home-from-school vacation. He began playing
9
with the WBL in 1991 when old friend Ben
10
Laden told him it was time to “get serious.”
Since then he has learned that “getting serious”
11
means to enjoy both the challenges of bridge
12
and the friendships that are inevitable among
13
people who see each other almost every week.
14
As a current Board member, he is guided by
15
his conviction that many people work hard to
keep bridge the best entertainment bargain in
town and those people deserve our support.
- 25 -
Open Leaders
Player
Points
Mark Shaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109.27
Steve Robinson . . . . . . . . . . .97.76
Steven Schatzow . . . . . . . . . .97.66
Leo LaSota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95.45
Linda Marshall . . . . . . . . . . .92.17
Kenneth Davis . . . . . . . . . . . .91.14
William Cole . . . . . . . . . . . . .80.70
Barry Falgout . . . . . . . . . . . . .71.45
William Pettis . . . . . . . . . . . .70.15
Robert Bell . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68.44
Peter Boyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67.14
Fred King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65.57
Alexander Prairie . . . . . . . . .61.71
Lloyd Rawley . . . . . . . . . . . . .60.68
Robert Hopkins Jr . . . . . . . . .59.87
*
*
*
*
*
...continued on p. 27, column 1, midway
come Join
tHe 2015 WBL round roBin!
sign up By may 14 (...or by May 7 if possible)
It’s time to get a round robin team together. Round Robin Coordinator, Steve Robinson,
Bits & Pieces, cont. from p. 20...
16
17
18
19
20
Vincent Wilmot Jr . . . . . . . . .58.94
Donna Rogall . . . . . . . . . . . . .58.30 *
Ai-Tai Lo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57.37
Monique Smith . . . . . . . . . . .55.67
Michael Richey . . . . . . . . . . .54.40
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Player
Points
Terry Klein . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26.60
Dean Baird . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.90
Shiang Chen . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.51
Deborah Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . .21.91
Ed Krest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20.67
Norman Kittrell . . . . . . . . . . .18.47
Mary Ourand . . . . . . . . . . . . .17.74
Michael Kuehl . . . . . . . . . . . .16.13
Barbara Teng . . . . . . . . . . . . .16.09
Jane Dolkart . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.97
Kay Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.93
Margaret Cooke . . . . . . . . . . .15.86
David Marshall . . . . . . . . . . .15.69
Sheila Kaplan . . . . . . . . . . . .15.41
Peter Isard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14.36
Eleanor Linde . . . . . . . . . . . .13.86
Rick Bingham . . . . . . . . . . . .13.61
Sharon Sutten . . . . . . . . . . . .13.27
Alice Ling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13.10
Francesca Mazarella . . . . . . .12.93
will gladly help you to form or join a team of four to six players to play in the A/X or B/C/D
NonLM Leaders
Flights. The NLM Flight Coordinator, Bryan Geer will do likewise. League play runs from May
17 through the summer to determine qualifiers for the knockout portion of the event. This fun
event can be played in a relaxed home setting or at a club. Sign up with Steve Robinson by
phone: (703) 379-4371, by email: [email protected], or use the entry form to sign up by
mail or in person. The final deadline is May 14 but it would be appreciated if teams register
by May 7 as it will facilitate administration of the event. First place in each flight will win their
entry fee back!
We invite NVBA, MBA and other unit's players to participate! Leagues normally consist of 5-7 teams with a playoff after completion of round robin play. Matches should be scheduled to complete round robin play by the second week in September. To the extent feasible,
leagues will be designed to minimize travel for all participants.
2015 WBL round roBin entry form
Enclose check (made out to the WBL) for $50 for Flight A/X, $40 for Flights B/C/D or
the NLM Flight which will all be stratified or bracketed depending on the number of
entries and number of teams that fall into different brackets. Players looking for teammates in Flight A/X or Flight B/C/D should contact Steve Robinson who will help you
form a team. Those looking for teammates in the NLM Flight should contact the NLM
Coordinator, Bryan Geer at [email protected].
All Flights: Return entry and entry fee by May 14 to
Steve Robinson, 2891 Abingdon St. #A2, Arlington, Virginia 22206-1329
“ Open (A/X) Flight “ Flight B/C/D “ NLM Flight
Name
ACBL #
E-Mail Address
________________________, captain
____________
________________
________________________________
____________
________________
________________________________
____________
________________
________________________________
____________
________________
________________________________
____________
________________
________________________________
____________
________________
- 26 -
*
*
*
*
WBL educationaL
foundation
Thanks to Dick Wegman and Barbara
Ames, for bringing this project about!
The Washington Bridge League has established a new WBL Educational Foundation. The
Foundation will promote bridge in the Washington area by developing teaching programs in D.C.
and suburban Maryland schools, and expanding
opportunities for adults to learn bridge or improve
their bridge-playing skills. In September, the IRS
approved the tax exempt status of the Foundation. All contributions are tax-deductible.
To support the Foundation, Dick Wegman is
teaching six-session bridge workshops for WBL
players who are interested in improving their
game. Participants have generously contributed
the tuition for the workshops to the Foundation. If
you would like to participate in future workshops,
please get in touch with Dick at [email protected].
If you would like to contribute to the Foundation, please contact Rose Berman, WBL Treasurer, at [email protected]. If you are
interested in the bridge-in-schools program, and
would like to teach or help encourage schools to
participate, please contact Richard Ferrin, WBL
President, at [email protected].
tHe WBL
onLine
The Washington Bridge League is providing two online services:
*
1. The WBL Online Bulletin Board
youtHs 25 and under
pLay for HaLf price
in aLL WBL events
On an OPT IN basis only, this service will
include an online directory of members. Send
any of the following information that you’re
willing to have posted to the WBL webmaster,
Don Berman, at [email protected] or
call him at 301-776-3581.
Name, Email Address, up to two Phone
Numbers, ACBL Number
tHe WasHington
Bridge League
is on faceBook!
2. The WBL Online Partnership Desk
Check it out at washingtonbridgeleague.org
Contact Clyde Kruskal at [email protected]
or 301-395-0480 with any questions.
https://www.facebook.com/
washingtonbridgeleague
- 27 -
NLMasterPointers
I/N Columnists:
tHe reopening douBLe
Shawn Stringer, [email protected]
Ron Zucker, [email protected]
3. Should you reopen with shortness in the
unbid major?
Last time, we discussed what to do after
partner has made a negative double of one
spade. We knew what partner had shown and
needed to decide what to do next.
This month, we want to talk about
what to do after partner passes instead of
making that negative double. When the
auction goes 1 ¨ – 1 ª – P – P, responder
may have passed because he has no
points or because he has no appropriate
bid. It is frequently right for Opener to reopen the bidding. Opener can reopen in
various ways, and it is important to know
when to rebid a suit or reopen with a double. The following concepts should be
considered:
1. Opener is short is spades (opponent’s suit:)
Logic (and basic math) tells us that
the fewer spades opener has, the more
support he has for the other suits. Even
with a minimum hand, if opener has a
singleton spade, he should reopen with a
double.
2. Should you reopen with length in spades?
If Responder has passed and Opener is
the one with length in opponent’s suit, then
Responder’s pass was far more likely to
have been due to lack of points than to
length in spades. So it is unlikely that
Opener will catch his partner with a
penalty pass hand that we discussed in an
earlier article where partner holds
ªKQJ9x. With a minimum flat hand, it is
better to pass and stay out of trouble than
reopen the bidding.
If Opener is short in the unbid major
(hearts, in our example) then he should be
cautious about reopening with a double.
Opener may well drive the opponents
from their 5-1 spade fit into a 4-4 or 5-4
heart fit!
With a 3154 shape, where Opener is very
short in the unbid major, Opener should
never reopen with a double. He is far more
likely to hurt his side and help the opponents
rather than the other way around.
4. What does Opener do with balanced hands?
When Opener has a balanced hand, he
needs to pay attention to his spade length.
With 12-14 HCP and 2 spades, he should
reopen with a double. With 3+ spades and
12-14 HCP, Opener just passes. Because
of his own length in spades, Opener knows
that partner cannot have a penalty pass.
With 18-19 balanced, Opener reopens
with 1NT which specifically shows 18-19
HCP after his partner has passed. Remember that with 15-17 balanced, opener
would have opened 1NT.
2. ªx ©Kxxx ¨AJxx §KJxx
5. ªxx ©Axxx ¨AQTx §ATx
Double. You are short in spades and can
support any of the other suits. Think about the
implications of partner’s pass: a) Partner may
have heart length but insufficient points to
make a negative double. When you reopen,
you rate to find your 8 or 9 card heart fit. b)
Partner may have some values but be short in
hearts so could not make the negative double.
Reopening gives you the best chance to find
your minor suit fit. With your spade shortness, you should be safe at the two level even
if partner is weak.
Double. You have a maximum hand for
your 1¨ opening bid, and your aces are
prime cards.
We hope this review helps you decide
when to reopen the bidding and
whether to do so with a double. As always, if you have questions, feel free to
contact us at [email protected] or
[email protected]. Have fun, and
we’ll see you at the table!
3. ªxxx ©x ¨AKxxx §AQJx
Bid 2§. You cannot make a reopening
double with shortness in an unbid major. If
partner prefers diamonds, you should be safe
with two good suits in the minors.
4. ªAQx ©Jxx ¨QJxx §Kxx
Pass. Do not be tempted to bid 1NT, because 1NT would show 18-19 balanced after
partner’s pass.
Bring a friend
to tHe 0-20 or nLm
unit game!
Bring a new player (who has not previously played at the WBL) to the
Unit Game to play in the 0-20 or
NLM game and you both will play
free that evening.
stepping up to neW HeigHts:
As of March 1, 2015
Junior Masters:
5 Masterpoints
Sectional Masters: 50 MPs
NABC Masters: 200 MPs
H Wesley Ashendorf
Mrs Joan M Anania
Joan Zlotnik
Judith A Riggs
David C Benson
Kate C Beardsley
Mr Timm Abendroth
Cheri Hayes
Gail Edie
Louise Deisseroth
Mr Blake Schwartzbach
Gilda Rotman
Phillip S Shapiro
T S L Perlman
Mr Robert W Snider
Eleanor Sontag
Mrs Karen Sprague
Club Masters: 20 MPs
Regional Masters: 100 MPs
What should you do holding these hands?
Ms Blair B Bourque
Ms Geri B Elias
1. ªxxx ©Qxx ¨AKJx §Kxx
Joseph F Colick
David Abraham
Mrs Philippa J Radin
Bob Lawrence
Advanced NABC Masters:
300 MPs (incl. color)
Ms Val A Lubbers
Dr Charles R Dearolf
Ted S Proxmire
Ms Rosemary Kuntz
The bidding goes:
1¨ – (1ª) – P – (P).
Pass. You have a minimum hand and partner has shown weakness. You have too many
spades to expect partner to have a penalty
pass with strong spades.
- 28 -
Frank B Wade
- 29 -
Mary Ann Wade
WEST
1ª
NORTH
Pass
March/April 2015
WEST
Pass
Pass
NORTH
1©
1NT
EAST
Pass
Pass
EAST
Pass
WEST
NORTH
Pass
SOUTH
1¨
?????
Good luck! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday evenings.
To arrange a carpool, contact Melissa Price, Carpool Coordinator, at 301-464-1261 or [email protected].
Contact Barbara Doran [email protected],
(301-608-0347 between 9am and 10pm) to find a partner
in advance. For a last minute partner, call the WBL cell
phone (301-395-2760).
WEST
3©
NORTH
Dbl
ªAK10©A¨J10952§J543
4) Matchpoints, You’re Vulnerable
?????
SOUTH
ªAKJ932©3¨5§109876
3) Matchpoints, They’re Vulnerable
need a ride or a partner
for tHe tHursday unit game?
SOUTH
1¨
1ª
?????
2) Matchpoints, Both Vulnerable
ªKQ43©A43¨AQ765§Q
?????
SOUTH
1) IMPs, Both Vulnerable
ª-©J109654¨AK3§AK32
EAST
Pass
EAST
1©
3ª
1§
?????
NORTH
Pass
Dbl
EAST
Pass
Pass
2891 S. Abingdon St #A2,
Arlington VA, 22206
[email protected]
Steve Robinson
Return answers by May 14 to:
WEST
SOUTH
5) IMPs Both Vulnerable
ªJ84©J5¨AJ6§KJ982
WBL soLvers’ cLuB’s
neW proBLems