BRIDGE -byMalcolm Simpson

Game All

DealerWest
 

	NORTH S:J5 H:765 D:AKQJ742 C:3
WEST S:10842 H:Q8 D:853 C:J1042		EAST S:Q76 H:J1042 D:1096 C:987
	SOUTH S:AK93 H:AK93 D:none C:AKQ65

When I arranged the pre-season trial this year for Abingdon's teams-of-eight, who are preparing to do battle in the Wessex League, I nominated the above deal as the simplest of twenty deals, which I set to test the technical skills ofprospective participants.The deal was played at six tables (as three teams-of four matches) and only Gillian Lonsdale and Nigel Wilkes of the A Team passed the test.

It was assumed that North would open with a "gambling" three no-trumps, the standard Acol bid to show a solid seven card minor suit with no outside strength, one extra queen being the permitted maximum.Holding a void in the diamond suit, South should realise that no-trumps is not a good denomination to play in, because there is no guaranteed entry card to North's diamonds.Without careful play, even three no-trumps could be defeated, because two spades, two hearts and four clubs are the only tricks that North-South are entitled to by force, but a ninth trick should materialise when West is thrown in with his fourth club and finds that he has lead problems.As it is obvious to South that North has solid diamonds, then a diamond slam is the preferred contract.Although the grand slam is cold, I support Gillian Lonsdale's decision to bid only six, because partners have been known to open three no-trumps without the jack in the long suit.

At the other A Team table,South did at least realise that a no-trump slam would be a problem and passed the opening three no-trumps bid.East led a club and Declarer cleared the suit, leaving West on lead with the fourth club.When asmall spade was returned, a low card was played from North and East played the queen, leaving the jack of spades as an entry card to all those lovely diamonds.Twelve tricks made.

Three no-trumps was defeated by one trick in the second match (at least one pair in the Club can defend properly), with six no-trumps defeated by two tricks at the other table.In the third match the players were made of sterner stuff, because both sides reached seven no-trumps.At one table, the defence defeated the contract by four tricks.At the other table there was a more dramatic development, resulting in Declarer making all thirteen tricks.Yes, you've guessed it!Somebody chose a diamond for the opening lead.

LOCAL NEWSBlewburyLast month Yvonne Cocking and Ian Kemp won the Berks & Bucks Pat Husband trophy, having won the Lederer Salver (for the second time) earlier in the year.Yvonne and Ian also play regularly at the Phoenix Bridge Club, Abingdon.WantageStan and Andrea Powell came sixth in the English Bridge Union Autumn Simultaneous Pairs with a score of over 70%, out ofmore than 3000 entries. 

DidcotSocial Bridge players who would like to progress to duplicate bridge are invited to a Saturday Workshop.Cost £10 including buffet lunch.For details ring 01235 210732.Wessex League Results:

Wallingford B 7 Thame A 13,Blewbury 17 Frilford A 3,Wallingford C 19Bicester C1, 

Abingdon D14 Frilford B 6,Abingdon D 0 Menagerie B 20,

Wantage 18 Alternative Club 2,Wantage 20 Oxford E 0.