Bridge with Paul Mendelson

Stayman’s party trick with Paul Mendelson

Over many decades, the Stayman convention has become a much misused gadget but, with correct application and good judgement, it can prove very benefi cial to your bidding.

West

S J85 H 1053 D KQ2 C A1074

North

S AK1062 H KJ42 D 9 S Q74 H 96 D A87653 C J9

C 532

South S 93 H AQ87 D J104 C KQ86

Dealer South N/S Game N E S W

1NT NB 2C NB 2H NB

East

4H

When you are 5-4 in the two major suits, you can use Stayman with any number of points, from zero upwards. Here, North employs Stayman to check for either a heart or spade fi t. If South has neither (replying 2♦), a game contract seems unlikely and North can settle for a quiet 2♠, or a game-invitational 3♠ (over which South would certainly pass). When South shows four hearts, however, North’s singleton can now be counted as valuable, and she is certainly worth the raise to 4♥.

There are many variations to fi nding the best way to play the hand but, probably, drawing all the trumps and then attacking the spade suit is simplest. South is likely to lose two clubs and a diamond but dummy’s spade suit can be established simply by playing ♠ AK and trumping a spade in hand. When East and West’s ♠ QJ both come tumbling down, it cannot help but bring a wry smile to your face. n

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COOK’S CORNER

Aubergine parmigiana

Ingredients (serves 4) 2 large aubergines cut into 5mm thick slices

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, diced

2 tins chopped tomatoes

2 garlic cloves, crushed

300g grated cheese made up of a mix of mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar or a combination of any of them.

1 dessert spoon tomato puree

2 teaspoons oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Slice the aubergine in approximately 5mm thick slices and brush with olive oil on both sides.

Cook the aubergine till golden brown – around 15 minutes in the oven at 180˚C or 7 minutes on a medium heat if using a griddle pan. Lightly brush the griddle pan or baking tray with olive oil before you begin to prevent the aubergines sticking.

Heat a saucepan with a little olive oil and fry the onions till golden brown, then add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper and simmer for around 5 minutes.

In a medium-sized roasting tin, spread a little of your tomato sauce on the bottom of the tin then add a layer of aubergine followed by a layer of your grated cheese then a layer of tomato sauce.

Repeat the layers till all the aubergine is used and add a last layer of tomatoes and cover with cheese.

Carole Cory

This Italian dish is so delicious and so versatile. Fantastic for vegetarians, it also is easy to create using dairy substitutes as well, so a perfect dish for any vegans in the house too. Simpler than a lasagna, just alternate the layers of aubergine with the tomato sauce and cheese for a fantastically tasty treat.

Head over to YouTube and subscribe to our channel Carole at Parties To Go for great recipe ideas and tips. 020 8947 5337 carole@partiestogo.co.uk | partiestogo.co.uk

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