THE HERALD

CHRISTMAS QUIZ - 2001

You are playing straightforward Acol in teams-of-four or rubber bridge.Weak (12-14) opening one no-trump, Stayman, Transfers, Blackwood, Sputnik doubles, double for take-out over weak opening two and three bids.

1.

What would be your opening bid as dealer with these hands?

a.S: Q642b.S:Q8642c.S: Q43d.S:AKQJ8432

H: Q752H: AKQ6H: KQH: 73

D: AKQ3D: AQD: QJ63D: none

C: 3C: A4C: AJ52C: AKQ

i.passi.1 hearti.1 clubi.2 clubs

ii.1 diamondii1 spadeii.1 diamondii.5 spades

iii.1 heartiii. 2 no-trumpsiii.1 no-trumpiii.4 no-trumps

2.

North-South Vulnerable

DealerEast
 

NORTH
S: AJ2

H:K4

D:AK32

C:AKQ4

WEST
S: K853

H: 72

D: J104

C: J1087

EAST
S: 6

H: QJ109865

D: Q987

C: 9

SOUTH
S: Q10974

H: A3
D: 65
C: 6532

You are South.East opens with a pre-emptive bid of three hearts.

i.Describe an auction that might occur with your favourite partner to reach six spades.

ii.Describe your plan of play in six spades, following a heart lead and a faultless defence.

iii.What is the best contract, assuming you have not peeked at the East-West hands?

iv.Describe an auction that might occur with your favourite partner to reach the best contract.

v.Describe your plan of play in the best contract, following a heart lead and faultless defence.

3.(Tie Breaker)

Complete the following limerick in the most apt and amusing (and printable!) way:

“There was a young lady called Bess

Who struck gold when she took a finesse.

…………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………

A china tea service will be awarded to the best entry received.

My decision is final.Send your entries to Malcolm Simpson, 82 Loyd Road DIDCOT, OX11 8JS, by FAX to 01235 210626, or by e-mail to simpson@malcrose.freeserve.co.uk.Closing date for entries is Friday, 4th January 2002.

(or just hand ‘em in to Malcolm!)

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BRIDGE AT THE BLUNT END is a book mainly about amusing events which have occurred at the Wallingford and Abingdon Bridge Clubs.It is humorous rather than instructive.It costs £10.95. It is not too late to book your copy for £8 (pay later).Make an old man very happy this Christmas.Give your name to Malcolm if you have not booked one already.