Trumps Bridge Centre
Judgement time
We all know how to value our high card points: ace = 4, king = 3, queen = 2, jack = 1. Adding points for shortage (after finding a fit) is also a familiar concept. Sometimes, however, a more subtle assessment is required. Consider this duplicate hand:
NORTH
♠ QT3
♥ 8743
♦ K5
♣ 8732
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1H Dbl
3H Pass Pass 3S
Pass ?
East opened 1H which was doubled by your partner, South. West raised to 3H which was explained as showing a good fit for hearts (four card trump support) but a weak hand. This pre-emptive raise over a takeout double is increasingly popular, as redouble and other strong bids are available with good hands.
Now your partner has backed in with 3S. What is your assessment of the situation?
Fraud at Grand Slam level
Have a look at this hand, from the 2007 Venice Cup.
Dealer: East. Both vul.
NORTH
♠ AKQ983
♥ A7
♦ —
♣ AJ732
WEST EAST
♠ J5 ♠ 764
♥ K843 ♥ JT952
♦ AT763 ♦ KJ98
♣ 64 ♣ K
SOUTH
♠ T2
♥ Q6
♦ Q542
♣ QT985
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
Pass Pass
Pass 1C Pass 1D 1C=16+ 1D=neg
Pass 2S Pass 2NT
Pass 3C Pass 4C
Pass 5NT Pass 7C
All pass
Playing Precision, the 1C opening was artificial and strong, while the 1D response was the artificial negative. North showed spades and clubs, then jumped to 5NT “grand slam force”, asking South to bid grand slam with good trumps else sign off in 6C. With limited room to move, South took a stab at the grand.
You are West and your partner leads the HJ on which dummy's HQ is played. How do you proceed?
Bringing home the slam
This deal sees you in a 6D contract, against which West has made the passive lead of a trump. What is your best play for the contract?
NORTH
♠ Q93
♥ AT965
♦ K43
♣ QJ
SOUTH (declarer)
♠ A4
♥ 3
♦ AQJT986
♣ A32
More Articles...
What's On...
Latest Articles
Trumps eNewsletters
Key Information
Welcome
Welcome to Trumps, a large and friendly bridge clubs, with about 1000 members. We are a strong teaching club and have duplicate bridge sessions most days and nights, including many supervised sessions. Contact us.
Where we are
Trumps is at 66 Spit Road, Mosman, right near the corner of Spit & Ourimbah Roads. Click the map for a larger image. It is on a major bus route and there is plentiful parking nearby - but do note the clearway times.
Pianola
Trumps Shop
Great bridge books and software for sale at Trumps.
Trumps Gallery
- Miscellaneous
- Hats Special
- Bridge Holiday- Dormie House
- 25th Birthday Party
- Melbourne Cup
- Bridge with Tourists
- Trumps FoB
- Derrick's interview
Bridge with class
Enjoy a friendly game of duplicate bridge with a touch of class.
Cappuccinos and other light refreshments available as you play.
Easy access, ground floor premises in Sydney's lower north shore.
Good value
Table money is only $10 for members, $13 for visitors. Lessons, training and coaching for players of all standards is generally $12 for members, $15 for visitors.
Membership is $60 for a full year (+$1 for credit card, -$10 if Trumps not home club) with a $40 joining fee and receive a quarterly bulletin of news, views and tips; discounts on play sessions and lessons; and membership of the ABF if you choose us as your home club.
What our members say
'Just a short note to thank you for putting together such a great adventure to Antartica. Without Derrick's tireless leadership of our group, the voyage would have been limited to the spectacular scenery only. Working behind the scene, you made our venture a holiday never to be forgotten.'
---------------------------------------
'Your course yesterday was excellent — informative with not a minute wasted. How you coped with that crowd I don't know — it seemed effortless. You may have to book Mosman Town Hall for your next course (which my partner and I wish to book in for now)!'
---------------------------------------
'Dear everyone at Trumps, I was quite overwhelmed to receive your card — it made me feel very special. I miss Trumps very much indeed — it was a big part of my life for over 20 years.'
---------------------------------------
'Did you know that I'm a member of the best bridge club in Sydney? Free lessons before play, rewards for winning the session played, a bulletin which I always look forward to. Well done!'
Trumps "Update"
Trumps publishes a regular eNewsletter Trumps Update on the numerous bridge events, holidays and learning opportunities available through the Centre. Simply subscribe using the form in the left hand column to be included on the distribution list. Forwarding this Update to your friends might also be a great way of encouraging them to pick up the great game.
