Dealer: E Vul: Nil
NORTH
♠ 105
♥ J109
♦ QJ9
♣ AJ732
WEST EAST
♠ QJ9432 ♠ A76
♥ 643 ♥ Q7
♦ 5 ♦ A107632
♣ 1096 ♣ Q4
SOUTH
♠ K8
♥ AK952
♦ K84
♣ K85
Readers who are not bridge players may wonder why previous articles have placed such emphasis is placed on making game. This is because extra points are awarded if a pair bids to the right level and wins the necessary number of tricks. What sets bridge apart from other card games is that not only does a bridge game start with an auction, but also the opposing pairs must use the language of bridge to exchange information about their hands with their partners. It is important that each pair judge the strength of their hands correctly. To reach game level nine tricks must be won in no-trumps, ten in hearts and spades, and eleven in clubs and diamonds. Each player holds thirteen cards. Ring Neil on 0408 361 482 to find more about how this works.
Let’s see how this works out on Board 30 from last Friday. East commonly opened the auction with one diamond (1D). The first six tricks are taken for granted, so this bid shows a willingness to win a least seven tricks with diamonds as trumps. South’s obvious overcall was one heart (1H), offering to win seven or more tricks. West would normally pass, leaving North to bid 2H. North is saying, “Your bid shows a five card suit, I have three hearts and can win two or more tricks.” The bidding is starting to get too high for East, but South has a stronger than average hand and so bids 3H, asking, “If you have a little bit extra for me, please bid 4H so that we will win the bonus of 300 points.” North agreed and South won the necessary ten tricks for 120 truck points plus the bonus to bring the total to 420. At the other tables, the bidders in hearts who failed to reach 4H scored no more than 230. This was at least better than the pair who attempted three no-trumps (3NT) and failed by one trick. Their score was minus fifty. Bidding to game level is only half the battle; you then must win the number of tricks for which you contracted.
Why not learn to play bridge, and so sharpen your mind, make new friends and impress your existing friends? Ring Neil on 0408 361 492 for information on lessons.
Results, Monday, 19/08/24 (5 & 1/2-table Mitchell): N/S J. Mobbs S. Goddard (55.4) 1; N. Collins M. Simpson (55.0) 2; R. Hart H. Price (50.3) 3. E/W P. Kelly J. Nankervis (57.0) 1; C. Duggan N. McGinness (50.0) 2; B. Reid D. Moran (49.5) 3. Friday, 23/08/24 (5 & 1/2-table Howell): T. Hinde J. Mobbs (63.9) 1; N. Bonnell B. Bonnell (63.4) 2; W. Milne J. Sipple (56.5) 3; L. James S. Head (56.) 4.
