With memories of the Regional fading, players must now get ready for events at the Club and the start of the tournament season.

The Non-Life Masters Pairs kicks off at 9.30am on March 2 and the Open Pairs Championship at the same time on March 23. Before that, there is a quiz night tonight at 7pm, and then on February 29 at 7pm, the club will hold a Junior-Senior Evening.

The Regional was very well received by the visitors and the detailed survey put together by Judy King received a good response, most of which was very positive on the Hamilton Princess and on the venue being located in Hamilton, as a large number of the visitors sampled the shops and restaurants in the city. The event is scheduled to return to the Hamilton Princess in 2025 and promises to be even bigger and better.

This week’s hand (see Figure 1) caught out many a declarer at the table, mainly because they did not look carefully enough or far ahead enough ahead to see the danger lurking.

Many North’s opened with a three diamond pre-empt and, despite the lack of a club stopper, South made the reasonable 3NT bid which became the final contract. Luckily, partner had a good club stopper.

East led the King of clubs and declarer saw that if the diamonds were 2-1 he had an easy 12 tricks with seven diamonds, two spades, two hearts and a club. So he grabbed the Ace of clubs and played a low diamond to the Ace and was pleased to see both opponents follow.

Another look at the diamond suit, however, and he realised that the suit was irretrievably blocked – in order to trap the Queen he would have to play the King next and now either nine or Jack blocks the suit. Instead of 12 tricks declarer now had eight, as he would have to let the diamond Queen win in order to use the rest of the diamond suit!

What is the answer? Declarer must duck two rounds of clubs! Now on the third club he can pitch the nine of diamonds and the suit runs – 11 tricks!

What if West is clever enough to switch to a major at trick two? Well, declarer wins and plays a another club himself, ducking it again – now the same play can be made. Easy when you get a second chance isn’t it?

Again, it is all about planning at trick one, plotting out the play and then executing.

Before I close, many congratulations to Gertie Barker for attaining the rank of Gold Life Master – she joins a select list of a dozen players who achieved this in Bermuda. Gertie is a very solid, thoughtful player and it’s been good to see her develop to this level of excellence.

Also reaching that landmark in 2023 were Elizabeth McKee and Charles Hall, both of whom are also in the top group of the Bermuda bridge players – all these three have had numerous successes at the club and there is clearly more to come.

• David Ezekiel can be reached at davidezekiel999@gmail.com

BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS

Friday, February 16

1. Gertrude Barker-Martha Ferguson

2= Tony Saunders-Margaret Way

2= Charles Hall-Molly Taussig

Monday, February 19

1. Margaret Way-Martha Ferguson

2. Charles Hall-Judith Bussell (Tied 2nd)

3. Elysa Burland-Greta Marshall (Tied 2nd)

Tuesday, February 20

1. Malcolm Moseley-Benjamin Stone

2. Jamie Sapsford-Jane Dowling

3. Barbara Elkin-Sarah Jane Varley

Wednesday, February 21

1. Louise Rodger-Margaret Way (Tied 1st)

2. Sheena Rayner-Molly Taussig (Tied 1st)

3. Elizabeth McKee-Sharon Shanahan

Thursday, February 22

1. Claude Guay-Sharon Shanahan

2. Stephan Cosham-Martha Ferguson

3. Stephanie Kyme-Lisa Ferrari

Non-Bridge Club Online Results for Bridge Club Members

February 18 — Marge Way and Stephanie Kyme - ninth out of 148 pairs