24 minute read
Bridge
Michael O’Loughlin has enjoyed teaching bridge for over 40 years; his book, “Bridge: Basic Card Play” is available from the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland (01 4929666), price:€10.
Calling all Novices – Intermediates!
by Michael O’Loughlin
The Rule of Seven
When you as declarer hold just one certain stopper in the suit which a defender has led versus a No Trump contract, count the number of cards in that suit which yourself and dummy hold between you. Subtracting that total from seven guides you as to how many times to hold up. This act of holding up is often called ducking. Exercise: Declaring No Trumps, when do you win your Ace or King? (a). Win the uA on the third round. You have five Diamonds between your own hand and dummy’s. Subtract five from seven to give you two. Therefore, you hold up/duck twice and win your Ace on the third round. (b). Win the ♣A on the second round. 7 – 6 = 1.Hold up/duck just once. Basically what you’re concerned about is the situation where the person on lead has a 5-card suit. The rationale for holding up is to exhaust the partner of the person on lead of her cards in that suit – thereby making it impossible for her to return her partner’s suit because she will have no cards left in her partner’s suit. By holding up the recommended number of times you are cutting your opponents’ means of communication. (c). Like (a), win the uK (now a certain stopper) on the third round. (d). Win the ♠K straight away. Duck and you may never win it – if West holds the ♠A. Not a Rule of Seven position as you do not have a certain stopper. (e). Win the uA immediately to ensure a second stopper with the uJ10. Not a Rule of Seven position as you have more than one stopper. (1) Not strong enough to respond 2♣. (2) Invitational: Pass if you’re minimum, go onto 3NT if you’re maximum. (3) Near maximum with 8 points and a 5-card suit. Opening lead: ♠4. East plays the ♠Q and declarer has to decide whether to duck or not. Using the Rule of Seven, i.e., count the number of Spades in her own and dummy’s hand: 6. Then subtract
that number from 7, giving 1. This tells Bridge by Michael O’LoughlinBridge by Michael O’Loughlin Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin declarer how many times to duck: once. So when East returns a Spade declarer does not duck again but rather takes her Calling all Novices – Intermediates!Calling all Novices – Intermediates!Calling all Novices – Intermediates! Ace. If declarer were to duck again, then West could switch to a Heart and defeat The Rule of SevenThe Rule of SevenThe Rule of Seven the contract – the defence winning three The Rule of Seven: When you as declarer hold just one certain stopper The Rule of Seven: When you as declarer hold just one certain stopper in the The Rule of Seven: When you as declarer hold just one certain stopper in the in the Heart tricks to go with their two Spade suit which a defender has led versus a No Trump contract, count the number of suit which a defender has led versus a No Trump contract, count the number of suit which a defender has led versus a No Trump contract, count the number of tricks. cards in that suit which yourself and dummy hold between you. Subtracting th total from seven guides you as to how many times to hold up. This act of cards in that suit which yourself and dummy hold between you. Subtracting that total from seven guides you as to how many times to hold up. This act of cards in that suit which yourself and dummy hold between you. Subtracting that total from seven guides you as to how many times to hold up. This act of at After declarer wins trick two with the holding up is often called ducking.holding up is often called ducking. holding up is often called ducking. ♠A she must force out the uA in order Exercise: Declaring No Trumps, when do you win your Ace or King?Exercise: Declaring No Trumps, when do you win your Ace or King?Exercise: Declaring No Trumps, when do you win your Ace or King? to make her contract. Fortunately for declarer it’s East who holds the uA. (a)(a) (a) DummyDummy Dummy Because declarer held up the ♠A until ♦ ♦K led ♦75 Declarer ♦A82 ♦K led ♦75 Declarer ♦A82 K led ♦75 Declarer ♦A82 the second round, East is out of Spades and therefore is unable to return a Spade to her partner. Had declarer won the (b)(b) (b) DummyDummy Dummy opening lead with the ♠A on the first ♣ ♣K led ♣K led ♣754K led ♣754 ♣754 round of the suit, then East, when in DeclarerDeclarer Declarer with the uA, would still have a Spade ♣ ♣A82 A82 ♣A82 in her hand to return and the defence would defeat the contract, taking four (c)(c) ♥ (c) Dummy ♥5 led ♥73 East wins the ♥A Declarer & leads back the ♥K82 Dummy ♥5 led ♥73 East wins the ♥A Declarer & leads back the ♥J. ♥K82 Dummy 5 led ♥73 East wins the ♥A Declarer & leads back the ♥J. ♥K82 ♥J. spade tricks plus the uA. If East held 3 Spades in her hand then West would only have 4 cards in the Spade suit and the defence would only be able to take (d)(d) (d) DummyDummy Dummy 3 Spade tricks. This is why the Rule ♠ ♠4 led ♠73 East plays♠4 led ♠73 East plays the ♠Q.4 led ♠73 East plays the ♠Q. the ♠Q. of Seven works: When the Spades are Declarer Declarer Declarer divided 5-2, by applying the Rule of ♠ ♠K82 K82 ♠K82 Seven declarer cuts communication (e)(e) ♦ (e) Dummy ♦3 led ♦75 East plays Dummy ♦3 led ♦75 East plays the ♦Q. Dummy 3 led ♦75 East plays the ♦Q. the ♦Q. between the defenders because whenever East holds the uA she will be out of Declarer Declarer Declarer Spades when she gains the lead. ♦ ♦AJ10AJ10 ♦AJ10 If West holds the uA together with 5 cards in the Spade suit then declarer cannot make the contract. All declarer can ever do is give herself the best chance. More tips for Intermediate players can be found at:
https://www. andrewrobson.co.uk/ andrew/tips_for_ intermediates/
(a). Win the ♦A on the third round. You have five Diamonds between your own hand and dummy’s. Subtract five from seven to give you two. Therefore, you hold up/duck twice and win your Ace on the third round. (b). Win the ♣A on the second round. 7 – 6 = 1.Hold up/duck just once. Basically what you’re concerned about is the situation where the person on lead has a 5-card suit. The rationale for holding up is to exhaust the partner of the person on lead of her cards in that suit – thereby making it impossible for her to return her partner’s suit because she will have no cards left in her partner’s suit. By holding up the recommended number of times you are cutting your opponents’ means of communication. (c). Like (a), win the ♥K (now a certain stopper) on the third round. (d). Win the ♠K straight away. Duck and you may never win it – if West holds the ♠A. Not a Rule of Seven position as you do not have a certain stopper. (e). Win the ♦A immediately to ensure a second stopper with the ♦J10. Not a Rule of Seven position as you have more than one stopper. South Deals Vul None ♠ 7 5 2 ♥ A J 9 ♦ K Q 10 2 ♣ A Q J ♠ K J 9 4 3 ♥ K 8 7 4 ♦ 5 4 ♣ 10 8 N W E S
(a). Win the ♦A on the third round. You have five Diamonds between your own hand and dummy’s. Subtract five from seven to give you two. Therefore, you hold up/duck twice and win your Ace on the third round. (b). Win the ♣A on the second round. 7 – 6 = 1.Hold up/duck just once. Basically what you’re concerned about is the situation where the person on lead has a 5-card suit. The rationale for holding up is to exhaust the partner of the person on lead of her cards in that suit – thereby making it impossible for her to return her partner’s suit because she will have no cards left in her partner’s suit. By holding up the recommended number of times you are cutting your opponents’ means of communication. (c). Like (a), win the ♥K (now a certain stopper) on the third round. (d). Win the ♠K straight away. Duck and you may never win it – if West holds the ♠A. Not a Rule of Seven position as you do not have a certain stopper. (e). Win the ♦A immediately to ensure a second stopper with the ♦J10. Not a Rule of Seven position as you have more than one stopper. South Deals Vul None ♠ Q 6 ♥Q 10 6 2 ♦ A 8 7 3 ♣9 6 2 ♠ A 10 8 ♥5 3 ♦ J 9 6 ♣K 7 5 4 3 Dealer: North East-West Vul West North East South 1♦ Pass 1NT(1) Pass 2NT(2) Pass 3NT(3) Pass Pass Pass (1)Not strong enough to respond 2♣. (2)Invitational: Pass if you’re minimum,
♠ 7 5 2 ♥ A J 9 ♦ K Q 10 2 ♣ A Q J ♠ K J 9 4 3 ♥ K 8 7 4 ♦ 5 4 ♣ 10 8
N W E S
(a). Win the ♦A on the third round. You have five Diamonds between your own hand and dummy’s. Subtract five from seven to give you two. Therefore, you hold up/duck twice and win your Ace on the third round. (b). Win the ♣A on the second round. 7 – 6 = 1.Hold up/duck just once. Basically what you’re concerned about is the situation where the person on lead has a 5-card suit. The rationale for holding up is to exhaust the partner of the person on lead of her cards in that suit – thereby making it impossible for her to return her partner’s suit because she will have no cards left in her partner’s suit. By holding up the recommended number of times you are cutting your opponents’ means of communication. (c). Like (a), win the ♥K (now a certain stopper) on the third round. (d). Win the ♠K straight away. Duck and you may never win it – if West holds the ♠A. Not a Rule of Seven position as you do not have a certain stopper. (e). Win the ♦A immediately to ensure a second stopper with the ♦J10. Not a Rule of Seven position as you have more than one stopper. South Deals Vul None ♠ Q 6 ♥Q 10 6 2 ♦ A 8 7 3 ♣9 6 2 ♠ A 10 8 ♥5 3 ♦ J 9 6 ♣K 7 5 4 3 Dealer: North East-West Vul West North East South 1♦ Pass 1NT(1) Pass 2NT(2) Pass 3NT(3) Pass Pass Pass (1)Not strong enough to respond 2♣. (2)Invitational: Pass if you’re minimum,
♠ 7 5 2 ♥ A J 9 ♦ K Q 10 2 ♣ A Q J ♠ K J 9 4 3 ♥ K 8 7 4 ♦ 5 4 ♣ 10 8
N W E S ♠ Q 6 ♥Q 10 6 2 ♦ A 8 7 3 ♣9 6 2
♠ A 10 8 ♥5 3 ♦ J 9 6 ♣K 7 5 4 3 Dealer: North East-West Vul West North East South 1♦ Pass 1NT(1) Pass 2NT(2) Pass 3NT(3) Pass Pass Pass (1)Not strong enough to respond 2♣. (2)Invitational: Pass if you’re minimum,
More tips for Intermediate players can be found at: https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/andrew/tips_for_intermediates /
Bridge Last time we looked at one common way of winning tricks, i.e., by Force. For example, if you hold the KQJ10 of a suit, you can simply play one of those cards to drive out an opponent’s Ace thus promoting your other three cards in that suit into winners. We now look at a second way in which to win extra tricks:
1. BY LENGTH:
Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card(s) you have left in that suit become(s) a winner(s).
Example 1
South plays the •AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, the •2, is a winner.
Example 2
bridge. See and speak to your partner and opponents - just like face-to-face Connect with everyone at the table. Bid and play and go over the hands bridge. afterwards to learn from the post mortem. For absolute beginnersConnect with everyone at the table. Bid and play and go over the hands afterwards to learn from the post mortem. If you wish to try RealBridge for free, just email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com If you wish to try RealBridge for free, just email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com Example 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For absolute beginners --------------------------------For absolute beginners Last time we looked at one common way of winning tricks, i.e., by Force. For example, if you hold the KQJ10 of a suit, you can simply play one of those Last time we looked at one common way of winning tricks, i.e., by Force. For cards to drive out an opponent’s Ace thus promoting your other three cards in example, if you hold the that suit into winners. KQJ10 of a suit, you can simply play one of those cards to drive out an opponent’s Ace thus promoting your other three cards in that suit into winners. We now look at a second way in which to win extra tricks: This time North cannot win all 5 tricks no matter how favourably the opponents’ cards are divided. North has to lose at We now look at a second way in which to win extra tricks: 1. BY LENGTH: Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card(s) 1. BY LENGTH: you have left in that suit become(s) a winner(s). least 1 trick. A good tip is, if you have to lose a trick, lose it early. By doing so you are more in control and you can Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card(s) you have left in that suit become(s) a winner(s).Example 1 ¨543 Example 1 ¨J97 N¨543 N ¨1086 W E find out how the suit is behaving, i.e. dividing. This is especially important when there is no outside entry to the ¨J97 W S E ¨1086 North hand, i.e., when North does not have a high card in one of the other ¨ S AKQ2 three suits – Hearts, Diamonds or Clubs - as a means of accessing the remaining winning low Spades in the North hand. Therefore, initially a low spade should ¨AKQ2South plays the ¨AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, the ¨2, is a South plays the ¨winner. be played from both the North and the AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the South hands. After that, North expects to Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, the ¨2, is a winner. win the remaining 4 spades in the North hand provided the suit breaks in the Example 2 §AQ432 usual fashion: 3/2 initially. Example 2 N§AQ432 W EW E Example 5 §J97 §J97 W N SS E §108§108 §J97 S §108
This time, when South plays the ©AKQ West still has the winning ©J left.
South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself.
Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get trick(s) back in return.
Example 4 ªAK432 N ªQ108 ªJ9 W E S ª765 This time North cannot win all 5 tricks no matter how favourably the opponents’ This time North cannot win all 5 tricks no matter how favourably the opponents’ cards are divided. North has to lose at least 1 trick. A good tip is, if you have to cards are divided. North has to lose at least 1 trick. A good tip is, if you have to lose a trick, lose it early. By doing so you are more in control and you can find lose a trick, lose it early. By doing so you are more in control and you can find out how the suit is behaving, i.e. dividing. This is especially important when out how the suit is behaving, i.e. dividing. This is especially important when there is no outside entry to the North hand, i.e., when North does not have a there is no outside entry to the North hand, i.e., when North does not have a high card in one of the other three suits – Hearts, Diamonds or Clubs - as a high card in one of the other three suits – Hearts, Diamonds or Clubs - as a means of accessing the remaining winning low Spades in the North hand. means of accessing the remaining winning low Spades in the North hand. Therefore, initially a low spade should be played from both the North and the Therefore, initially a low spade should be played from both the North and the South hands. After that, North expects to win the remaining 4 spades in the South hands. After that, North expects to win the remaining 4 spades in the North hand provided the suit breaks in the usual fashion: 3/2 initially. North hand provided the suit breaks in the usual fashion: 3/2 initially. Example 5 ¨876 Example 5 ¨876 N ¨Q10 N ¨KJ9 ¨Q10 W E ¨KJ9 W E S S
§K65§K65 ¨A5432
Here it is necessary for South to lose 2 tricks in order to end up with 3 tricks –so lose those two tricks immediately in order to easily access the Sout hand. Example 6 §AK432
South plays the ♣K, ♣A and ♣Q and draws the opponents’ ♣s. Therefore, the only remaining ♣, the two small ♣s in the North hand become winners. Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples:
Example 3
This time, when South plays the ♥AKQ West still has the winning ♥J left. South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself. Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get trick(s) back in return. Here it is necessary for South to lose 2 tricks in order to end up with 3 tricks – so lose those two tricks immediately in order to easily access the South hand.
Example 6
What are the maximum number of tricks North/South can win? Four! You cannot win all five – so deliberately lose the first trick. Now, because East and West both started with 3 cards each in the Club suit, all remaining 4 Clubs in the North hand are winners. The lessons to be learned are: Observe how the missing cards are divided: if you and your partner have 8, then they have the missing 5. If they both follow to the first round then they have 3 left. If they both follow to the second round then one of them only has 1 left. This is the best way to COUNT. Small cards (deuces, threes, fours, etc.) become winners when nobody else has any cards left in that suit.
§K65 South plays the §K, §A and §Q and draws the opponents’ §s. Therefore, the only remaining §, the two small §s in the North hand become winners.
Often you have to give one or more tricks Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above to the opposition in order to get some examples: tricks back in return. It goes against the grain for a novice bridge player to Example 3 ©654 concede a trick but an experienced player does so all the time. Remember one of the best known of Aesop's Fables. It tells ©J987 ©10 the story of a race between a tortoise (= a creature that moves very slowly) and a hare (= a creature that can run very fast). The hare is very confident of winning, so it stops during the race and falls asleep. ©AKQ32 The tortoise continues to move very slowly but without stopping and finally it wins the race. The lesson of the story is This time, when South plays the ©AKQ West still has the winning ©J left. that you can be more successful by doing South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself. things slowly and steadily than by acting Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get quickly and carelessly. Bridge is a game trick(s) back in return. for tortoises.
South plays the §K, §A and §Q and draws the opponents’ §s. Therefore, the only remaining §, the two small §s in the North hand become winners. Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples: Example 3 ©654 ©J987 ©10 N W E S©AKQ32 This time, when South plays the ©AKQ West still has the winning ©J left. South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself. Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get trick(s) back in return.
South plays the §K, §A and §Q and draws the opponents’ §s. Therefore, the only remaining §, the two small §s in the North hand become winners. Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples: Example 3 ©654 N ©J987 W E ©10 S ©AKQ32 This time, when South plays the ©AKQ West still has the winning ©J left. South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself. Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get trick(s) back in return. N W E S ¨A5432 Here it is necessary for South to lose 2 tricks in order to end up with 3 tricks –so lose those two tricks immediately in order to easily access the Sout hand. Example 6 §AK432 §Q97 §J108 §65 What are the maximum number of tricks North/South can win? Four! You cannot win all five – so deliberately lose the first trick. Now, because East and West both started with 3 cards each in the Club suit, all remaining 4 Clubs in the North hand are winners.
§Q97 N §J108 W E S §65 What are the maximum number of tricks North/South can win? Four! You cannot win all five – so deliberately lose the first trick. Now, because East and West both started with 3 cards each in the Club suit, all remaining 4 Clubs in the North hand are winners. N W E S
Now, for a complete deal:
Example 7 Now, for a complete deal:
Example 7
ª87 ©Q1086 ¨J108 §KJ107
ª432
N ©532 W E ¨AK432 §32 S
ªQJ1096 ©J97 ¨Q9 §Q98 ªAK5 ©AK4 ¨765 §A654 East is required to win 9 tricks. South leads the ♠Q. East has 7 top tricks: ♠AK, ♥AK, uAK and ♣A. Therefore, he needs to generate 2 more tricks; the only place those 2 extra trick can come from is the Diamond suit. East deliberately gives up a Diamond trick to an opponent and, after regaining the lead wins 4 Diamond tricks to bring his total number of tricks to 9.
What mistake could East make? If East were to firstly play out his winning ♠AK, ♥AK and ♣A he would be setting up winners in those suits for his opponents. Instead he must set up/establish winners for himself in the Diamond suit while still retaining controls of the other 3 suits. Another point this hand throws up: if East does not give up a Diamond trick initially but rather plays out the uA – uK –u4, then, the u3 and u2 in the West (Dummy) are winners but there is no way of getting to them.
Poem
A Bad Morning at the Bridge Club
I’m giving up bridge – today’s my last day. It’s Amen to Stayman – I’m going away. The insults and muddles are giving me troubles And I can’t sleep at night for thinking of doubles. My cards are all rotten and I have forgotten Who’s playing and what’s trumps And what’s gone on my right. So it’s goodbye to Blackwood, I’m off to the backwood I’m bidding goodbye to the dear little club. I can’t stand the hassle; I can’t stand the pain. I’m getting those bad cards again and again. I’m giving up bridge – today’s a bad day. Declarer is horrid, I’m going away. My partner’s a dope and I’m losing all hope And when she says double I know we’re in trouble. My partner’s points are not high and I’m wondering why She kept on bidding right up to the sky. We’re in seven spades and all my hope fades When surprise, surprise, her high bid pays. We’re winning all tricks; the defenders feel sick And I have to admit my partner’s a brick. I’m giving up bridge – today’s my last day. So it’s goodbye to Transfers, I’m going away. Be kind to your partners and don’t mind their cheek, For it’s only a game – oh, I’ll see you next week.
Free bridge emails
If you wish to receive three times per week free bridge emails which include lessons, videos & quizzes, please email me:
michaelolough@yahoo.com
What is RealBridge?
• See and speak to your partner and opponents - just like face-to-face bridge. • Connect with everyone at the table. Bid and play and go over the hands afterwards to learn from the post mortem.
If you wish to try RealBridge for free, just email me:
michaelolough@yahoo.com
Absolute beginners classes
For anyone who is interested, I’ll be running a Bridge Absolute Beginners Course from the 4th – 8th of December 2022 in The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.
No prior knowledge of Bridge required or expected. Please contact the hotel for details or email me:
michaelolough@yahoo.com
Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) launches Pledge to Plant - its plant, grow, sell initiative to raise vital funds.
Pledge to Plant has been created to give anyone wishing to support the work of Irish Hospice Foundation the chance to sow seeds and grow flowers, plants and vegetables to sell to family, friends and colleagues to raise vital funds for services supporting those facing end-of-life and bereavement.
Anyone registering to get involved in Pledge to Plant will receive a free supporter pack full of information, planting tips and complimentary seeds to get started with planting in May and organise a plant sale in June.
This year Irish Hospice Foundation will invest over €1m in one of their services - Nurses for Night Care - which delivers nursing care into the homes of those facing their final days. Funds raised from the Pledge to Plant campaign will go towards this crucial national service and end-of-life work across the country, helping to make a real difference to those facing end of life.
L to R: Marie Staunton – Gardener, Sharon Foley – CEO IHF, Aisling Easton (7), Hazel Easton (4)
Whyte had the idea after her mum, who was a keen gardener, died.
This legacy, combined with a wish to generate funds for Irish Hospice Foundation, inspired Kathy to develop the Pledge to Plant initiative.
This year, Irish Hospice Foundation is delighted to have the support of gardening expert Marie Staunton on board - “I’m getting involved with Pledge to Plant because it’s something I can personally do to highlight the incredible support that Irish Hospice Foundation provides”.
Helen McVeigh, Fundraising Director with Irish Hospice Foundation says: “We are delighted to launch Pledge to Plant and hope to see many people involved. Whether green fingered or not, we’d love to see people planting seeds for flowers, herbs, vegetables or salads, to sell to friends and family. We hope everyone has a good time planting and raising vital funds for Irish Hospice Foundation to support work in endof-life care and bereavement!”
For more information or to register, see hospicefoundation.ie/ pledgetoplant/ or call Irish Hospice Foundation on 01 679 3188.
