CHRISTMAS COMPETITION

 

The competition consists of two parts:-

 

PART ONE

During Christmas last year, my dear friend, Dr Blunt, was invited to play in a festive game of bridge, where the wine was flowing and a good time was had by all.  He gave me details of a remarkable deal that took place:-

 

1          He was sitting South.

2          West held the ace, king, queen, jack and two of spades.

3          Due to a bidding misunderstanding South ended up in three no-trumps.

4          West was capable of cashing his four top spades, but, due partly to shortsightedness and partly due to his intake of wine, he made an error in leading to the fifth trick.

5          As a result of all this, North-South were able to make the contract without winning any trick with a card higher than a NINE.

6                 None of the basic rules of the game were broken.

 

a.                What were the North-South hands?

b.                Contrive a bidding sequence, using any system and including any errors that took place which could

have landed South in his unlikely contract.  You can be as far-fetched and imaginative as you like!

c.                What was West's error that enabled the contract to be made?

d.                Give an account of how the play went.

 

PART TWO

 

Due to the success and popularity of the Limerick question in recent years, I am continuing the tradition yet again.  This time I will give you a choice of two, each with a national flavour.  I have also given you a choice of sexes:-

 

"There was a young man from Penzance

Who learned Bridge while staying in France.

……………………………..

……………………………..

…………………………………………"

 

"There was a young lady called Jane

Who learned bridge while staying in Spain.

……………………………

……………………………

…………………………………………"

 

Complete one of the Limericks in the most apt and amusing way.  Remember that this a family newspaper, so please make any "double entendre" subtle enough to be acceptable to the Editor!

 

Entries to Malcolm Simpson, 7 Kennet Court, Woosehill, Wokingham, RG41 3DB, or by e-mail to

Simpson@malcrose.freeserve.co.uk.   Closing date:  Friday 7th January 2005.

 

The winner will receive a bottle of wine and a selection of the best limericks will be published.  You may submit a limerick without completing Part One if you so wish.  New competitors whose limericks are published and do not possess a copy of my book  "Bridge at the Blunt End" may request one free of charge.

 

A very merry Christmas to all readers.