The Bridge Club has done a great job in rebounding from Covid-19 and as each week goes by we are getting back to where it was as not only a place to play bridge, but also a meeting place for friends.

Last week was a great example when an astonishing 13 teams took part in the 2024 Quiz, which was won by last year’s champs — Maria and Charlie Duffy and Tracy and Des Nash. Some team must stop the three-peat next year! Big shout to quiz master Malcolm Moseley for putting on a great event.

With tournament season back in swing, today sees the Non- Life Master Pairs being held at the club, so full results next week. Then on Saturday, March 23, also at 9.30am we will see the 2024 Open Pairs Championship and a good entry is expected for that. In between, try out the Social Bridge game on Sunday , March 17, which will be held at the Club between 3pm and 5pm. So, a lot happening on the local scene.

Today I’m going to discuss a hand that came up when I was playing on BBO last week – in terms of hand strength, the hand held by my partner may be the most astounding hand I have ever seen in all my years in bridge.

What is great about the hand is that it allowed the holder to bring some real bravery and beauty into the game, and that should be the reason we all play. When I play bridge I will make what I think is the right bid, even if it risks some misunderstanding with partner, because I know that the next time we will get it right.

Taking the “safer” bid may sometimes be the better route but it strays from the essence of the game.

So, you are playing with an expert partner and you pick up this monster (see Figure 1) – this was last week and one or two of you may have been on the same BBO session.

After you have gazed at the hand for a while you open a strong two clubs (you are vulnerable against non- vulnerable opponents) and LH opponent bids a pre-emptive three spades, partner passes and RHO bids four spades – over to you!

My partner, who was an Intermediate/ Advanced player, jumped to seven clubs and found me with a suitable hand and the slam was cold. See the full hand in Figure 2.

Think about what you would bid over four spades before reading on.

Partner made a reasonable bid but got a bit lucky in finding me with that hand.

I could have had a number of different hands such as :

S -xxx H xxxxx D-xxx C- xx

S-xxxx H- xxxxx D-xxxx- C-None

S-xxx H-xxxxx D-xxxxx C-None

S-xxx H- xxx D-Jxxxxx C- x

On the first hand seven clubs only makes if diamonds are 3-3 or the Jack drops.

Seven hearts needs only 3-1 or 2-2 hearts .

On the second and third hands seven hearts and seven diamonds are odds-on the make whereas seven clubs needs 4-4 clubs with the opponents and the diamond Jack to fall.

On the fourth hand, seven diamonds is by far the best contract.

So, do you see the right bid over the opponents’ four spade bid? Yes, you should bid six spades!

This forces partner to bid their longest suit at the seven level, ensuring that you will find the best trump suit for the Grand Slam! Partner will, at first, panic when they hear your bid but will eventually figure out that they have to bid their longest suit, and all will be well.

What a hand!!

In closing I’m so sad to bring you the news of the passing of Dorry Lusher last week at the age of 94. Dorry epitomised everything one would want from a fellow club member – or a friend — bright, elegant, an excellent player over many years (her declarer play was her strength) and always a welcoming smile when you saw her. She will be hugely missed at the club and our thoughts are with her family and friends for whom this will be a great loss.

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

BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS

Friday, February 23

1. Margaret Way-Jane Smith

2. Tony Saunders-Patricia Siddle

3. Gertrude Barker-Martha Ferguson

Monday, February 26

1. Elysa Burland-Molly Taussig

2. Richard Gray-Wendy Gray

3. Peter Donnellan-Lynanne Bolton

Tuesday, February 27

1. Stuart Clare-Sarah Bowers

2. Linda Manders-Wendell Emery

3. Jean Schilling-John Thorne

Wednesday, February 28

1. Richard Gray-Wendy Gray

2. Margaret Way-Martha Ferguson

3. Gertrude Barker-Jane Smith

Thursday, February 29

1. Delton Outerbridge-Wendy Gray

2. Makiko Rogers-Kathleen Keene

3. Stephan Cosham-Richard Keane

Granaway Bridge Club Results

Wednesday, February 28

North/South

1. Stephanie Kyme-Rachael Gosling

2. Wendy Gray - Richard Gray

East/West

1. Julia Lunn-David Cordon

2. Lisa Ferrari-John Glynn