Trumps Bridge Centre
Beating the experts
Wednesday nights at Trumps are streamed into two sections. The advanced game usually offers the option to stay for analysis of interesting deals at the end of the session, and one or more experts are usually playing. On the hand below, one of the experts pointed out that he had allowed 4H to make – but one of the other players, Alex Cook (playing with Robin Ho), found the defence to shoot the contract.
Dealer North, NS vul.
NORTH
♠ 75432
♥ 84
♦ KT73
♣ J8
WEST EAST
♠ J6 ♠ AKQT8
♥ A762 ♥ Q953
♦ J942 ♦ 5
♣ 653 ♣ AK9
SOUTH
♠ 9
♥ KJT
♦ AQ86
♣ QT742
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
Ho Cook
Pass 1S Dble
1NT Pass 3H Pass
4H All pass
The 3H bid from East, being a jump shift by opener, is forcing to game and shows about 19+ points. West raised to show the fit.
Cook started on the right footing with a low club lead; with such a good trump holding, it would be poor to lead the singleton spade because there is nothing to gain by ruffing. On the club lead, North properly played “third hand high”, losing to the CA.
Declarer next played the HA (with Cook contributing the H10), then a low heart to the H9, losing to the HJ. What should South do next?
Hands that make the difference
A common format of a Sydney teams congress is to play seven matches, each of eight boards. A fair degree of match fitness is required to maintain concentration throughout the day, and retain focus for those hands that can make a big difference. Here is one of those hands:
Dealer South, NS vul.
NORTH
♠ 8654
♥ 76
♦ A52
♣ T932
WEST EAST
♠ QT7
♠ AJ
♥ AK832
♥ QJ54
♦ —
♦ KJ8643
♣ Q8765
♣ A
SOUTH
♠ K932
♥ T9
♦ QT97
♣ KJ4
WEST EAST
1H 2NT*
3D* 4C*
4D* 4NT*
5H* 6H
All pass
“Drop dead” lives on
Most players are aware that after partner opens 1NT, it is possible for responder to perform a rescue operation to a long suit, as South might do with this hand:
SOUTH
♠ Q8643
♥ 52
♦ 32
♣ 9852
NORTH SOUTH
1NT ?
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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.'
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'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)!'
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'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.'
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'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.