Sep/Oct - District 6

74TH ANNUAL D.C. CHAMPIONSHIPS, SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 3, 2004www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.orgSept./Oct. 2004You shoulddouble!WashingtonBridge LeagueB ♣ U ♥ L ♠ L ♦ E ♥ T ♣ I ♠ NThe WBL Fall Sectional is here!74th AnnualD.C. ChampionshipsSEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 3, 2004New for Friday Nights: BAROMETER PAIRS&CHAMPAGNE PUNCH!No qualification is necessary in order to trythis fun format — Scores will be posted afterevery round for you to check your results...Moving up?...Great!...Dipping scores?... Noproblem... Dip into the Champagne Punch!BOUNTIFUL FALLHARVESTHOSPITALITY&THE NEW SATURDAY START TIMESCONTINUE AT 11:00 A.M. & 4:00 P.M.The 2nd Annual Washinton Bridge LeagueTrophy Pairs is Saturday’s premier event...(Single session pairs will be accommodated)Free Lunches Provided courtesy ofthe return of Nadine & Kitty’sFamous Washington Hospitality...While you’re harvesting masterpoints, help yourself fromthe Bountiful Fall Harvest Hospitality all weekend!No,pass!Panel Show Saturday at 2:30 p.m. — with SteveRobinson - Jeff Roman - Beth Palmer and Moderator, JimAllen. The experts will answer questions on any topic...(preferably bridge related)See page 3 for the full tournament schedule...

SUGGESTION BOXDo you have a suggestion thatmight help to increase membership orotherwise improve the WashingtonBridge League? Give any and allideas to Don Berman, 301-776-3581,don.berman@verizon.net, 13707Engleman Dr., Laurel, MD 20708, orwww.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.WBL OMBUDSMANAny player with helpful directorissues including criticism or praise ofthe directing staff may contact theOmbudsman, Ann Lindley and beassured that the source of the informationwill remain confidential.Information should be provided in writingand may be handed to her at anygame, or mailed to her at 5740Windsong Ct., New Market, MD 21774.♣♦♥♠ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ♣♦♥♠deadline: October 21, 2004to submit new articles to the editor for the November/December 2004 issueWashington Bridge League BULLETIN (usps #861-240)VOL. 62, #5 — SUBSCRIPTION $2 PER YEAR FOR MEMBERS OF UNIT #147 (INCLUDED IN ACBL ANNUAL DUES).NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $21 FOR THREE YEARS. PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY THE WASHINGTONBRIDGE LEAGUE AT 14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVE, BURTONSVILLE, MD 20866. SECOND-CLASS POSTAGE PAIDAT BURTONSVILLE, MD. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE BULLETIN,ACBL, 2990 AIRWAYS BLVD., MEMPHIS, TN 38116-3847. ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL CORRESPONDENCESHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE EDITOR AT 901 CLIFTONBROOK LN., SILVER SPRING, MD 20905-3711.Editor — Donna Rogall (301-421-9615), drogall@erols.comI/N Columnist — Vince Wilmot (301-990-0303), vwilmot@erols.comColumnists — Steve Robinson, Richard Colker, Jim Allen, Barbara ShawThe opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ACBL, the WBL,or even the editors of this publication. The WBL is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.Dick Wegman, President — (301-365-2228), aliweg@aol.comFred King, Vice President — (703-536-1914), the5kings2@aol.comSteve Robinson, Treasurer — (703-379-4371), robinswr@erols.comRichard Ferrin, Secretary — (202-265-0718), rferrin@hunton.comUNIT DIRECTORSBarbara Ames — (301-977-3465), BarbAmes@aol.comDon Berman — (301-776-3581), don.berman@verizon.netWinston Edwards — (301-776-8511),Worledwards@aol.comDr. Steve Forsythe — (301-592-9177), majslf@aol.comBarbara Summers — (301-598-5838), jimbarb1184@aol.comRon Zucker — (202-965-3357), ron@motherzucker.comSOME KEY VOLUNTEERSNadine Wood — Tournament Chair (301-565-9555)Ann Lindley — Tournament Co-Chair (240-994-8416)Frances Burke — Membership Secretary (301-384-6103)Ted Ying — Unit Game Chief Director (301-490-3154)Michael Carroad — Unit Game Manager (301-322-4289)Charleen Brand — Unit Game Partnerships (301-946-8483)Charity Sack — Tournament Partnerships (703-963-7027)Kitty Gottfried — Unit Game and Sectional Hospitality (301-587-3981)CONTENTSARTICLEPAGEPresident’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Dick Wegman 274th Annual D.C. Championships — September 30-October 3, 2004 . . 3NVBA Fall Sectional Tournament — October 21-24, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . 4Bits and Pieces...Welcome to the WBL, Club News: Washington Bridge Center &Steve Forsythe’s One Day Bridge Seminar, Laurel Bridge Club:Van the Man Charity Bridge Game, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Sad News, Gene Kales goes over 10,000, 2004 Fidelity & TrustRound Robin Playoffs, 2004 Unit KO Results, . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62004-5 District 6 Finals North American Pairs, New ABTA MasterTeacher - Jane Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19WBL Solvers’ Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Steve Robinson 7Thursday Night Unit Game...2004 Trophy Race Standings . . . . . . . .by Webmaster, Don Berman 140-20 Game & Lesson Thursday Nights, Carpools . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Schedule, Map, Partners Guaranteed, Spare Brains or Muscle? . . .15Committe Action XLVI, Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Rich Colker 17Michael’s Ride: After 29 Years as Unit Director, . . . . . . .by Jim Allen 20Michael Carroad retires from Unit Game59th Annual Potomac Valley Tournament - Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22NLMasterPointers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by I/N Columnist, Vince Wilmot 28Area Bridge Classes - Leslie Shafer’s Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Partnerships and Carpools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Solvers’ Club’s New Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back coverWBL WEBSITE:www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.orgDISTRICT 6 SITE:www.districtsix.org∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼- 1 -

to be sold, and any finanacial contributions,which are tax-deductible. This year we needhelp with setting up and breaking down thetables and chairs, so if you have a strongback please join us to help set up an excitingevening. To volunteer, or if you have anyquestions or suggestions, please contactRose Berman at 301-776-3581 orRose.Berman@verizon.net.The Deerfield Run Center is located onRoute 197, just south of Contee Road. Fromthe Washington Beltway, go North on Route95 to East on Route 198 toward Laurel.Follow 198 across Route 1 to the intersectionwith Route 197. Turn right onto 197 andproceed for about 1 mile. After you pass theLaurel Town Center shopping center on yourright, go through the intersection of ConteeRoad, and the Deerfield Run center will beon your right.From the Baltimore WashingtonParkway, exit at Route 197 west towardLaurel. Proceed about 1 mile to the intersectionwith Contee Road. Make a U turn atContee and then make the first right into theDeerfield Run parking lot.SAD NEWSOur condolences to Ellen Cherniavsky,whose father, Philip H. Abelson, Ph.D.passed away Sunday August 1, at age 91.His work and contributions spannedmore than 40 years with the AmericanAssociation for the Advancement of Science.His positions of leadership and his serviceon many national advisory committeesenabled him to shape national science andtechnology policy.He and Edwin McMillan discovered thefirst transuranic element, neptunium. In 1941he joined the Naval Research Laboratory(NRL) in Washington, D.C., where he developeda liquid thermal diffusion process,which was used as an initial step in enrichinguranium for the first atomic bomb.His wife, Neva, had an outstandingcareer as a doctor. She was one of the firstwomen to graduate with a medical degreefrom Johns Hopkins University and is mostnoted as the co-developer of a crucial test forthe Rh factor in blood. She died in 2000.GENE KALES GOES OVER10,000 MASTERPOINTSCongratulations to WBL bridge professional,Eugene Kales for surpassing 10,000 masterpoints!There was a celebration with cake atthe Thursday night Unit Game on Aug. 5.- 6 -2004 FIDELITY & TRUSTROUND ROBIN PLAYOFFSRobinson Q1 Hopkins Q1King Q2 Rogall Q2Banerjee Q3 Sack Q3Lasota Q1Kuehneman Q2Kruskal Q36-King vs 7-Sack1-Robinson vs 12-Bye5-Rogall vs 8-Kruskal2-Lasota vs 11-Bye4-Kuehneman vs 9-Banerjee3-Hopkins vs 10-Bye1 will play the winner of 6-72 will play the winner of 5-83 will play the winner of 4-9The three winners will play each other tosee which team comes in first, second, orthird. In order to come in tied for fourth, ateam has to win a match In the playoffs (thebye match doesn’t count)In X 1-Kruskal will play 4-Klosson and2-Banerjee will play 3-Sack.2004 UNIT KO RESULTSFlight AFirst: Lyle Poe, Arnie Frankel, DaveRuderman, Bob Klein (did not play in finalsso gets credit for second)Second: Steve Robinson, Peter Boyd,Ellen Cherniavsky, Ellen Klosson, Bill ColeThird: Barry Falgout,Kent Goulding,Rusty Krauss, Bill Pettis, Robbie Hopkins,Joan LewisFourth: Fred Steinberg, Andy Gofreed,Alan Tenenbaum, David ChechelashviliFlight BFirst: Ron Starr, Candy Greenway, MikeGill, William GillSecond: Steve Fox, Albert Lauber, JonSiegel, Malcolm StewartThird: Steve Sacks, Mark Weiner, NeilRosenthal, Ellen Rosenthal, Richard LevinFourth: Ken Kaufman, JJ Armour, MikeHenderson, Juanita Fernandez, MehmetBayar, John MattioliFlight CFirst: Neal Rosenthal, Ellen Rosenthal,Steve Sacks, Marc Weiner, Richard LevinSecond: David Loken, Phyllis Jones,Barry Smith, Gretchen HandwergerTied for third/fourth: Shlomit Rind, ZviGur, Eric Beard, Reggie BeardTied for third/fourth: George Green,Donna Stoker, Bill Adams, Helen McMasterNeed aMortgage orto Refinance?WANT TO LOWER YOUR RATE, LOWERYOUR PAYMENTS, FINANCE THE PUR-CHASE OF A NEW HOME? BARBARASUMMERS SAYS TALK TO HER SON RICKFOR THE BEST SERVICE AND SHOPPINGFOR THE BEST LOAN FOR YOU.We Provide the Following Services• RESIDENTIAL LOANS• PURCHASE OR REFINANCE COMMITMENTS• CONSTRUCTION LOANS• HOME EQUITY LINES OF CREDIT• REVERSE MORTGAGES• TIMELY PERFORMANCE• RATES THAT ARE SHOPPED AT MANYDIFFERENT LENDERS AND INVESTORSRick SummersMORTGAGE LINK INC.800 SOUTH FREDERICK AVENUESUITE 203GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877OFFICE: 240-683-8585MOBILE: 301-704-7945E-MAIL: RSUMMERS@THEMTGLINK.COMcontinued on page 19 Paid Advertisement- 7 -Paid Advertisement

Congratulations to Don Berman whocame in first with a perfect score of 500. Hewins a free entry to the Unit Game and willbe invited to be on a future panel. I will playwith him at a future Unit Game. Tied for secondwere Leo Lasota and Hailong Ao with ascore of 460. Tied for fourth were RobertCohen, Burt Hall and Ed Chow with a scoreof 440. Tied for seventh were Dave Smith,Bob Zorn, Steve Bunning and MargaretWilliams with a score of 430. Tied foreleventh were Ken Harkness, Clyde Kruskal,Barbara Shaw, Mike Richey, Ed Molnar andVatnak Vat-No with a score of 420. Tied forseventeenth were Lynda Flanger, RobertStone, Randy Thompson, Peter Lo, MarkLaken, Jim Murphy, Kieran Dyke, BruceKretchmer and Nancy Thompson with ascore of 410. Tied for twenty-sixth were AlGraham, and Michael Pearlman with a scoreof 400. Tied for twenty-eighty were Jeff Price,Richard Wimberley, Joan Benesch, NikolaTcholakov, Marlys Moholt, Al Duncker, JonFarber, Jay Weinstein, Dario Filjar, MarkShimshak, Brad Theurer, Enid Ashermanand Jackie Sincoff with a score of 390. Theaverage score of the 278 solvers was 321.The average score of the experts was 430.All readers are encouraged to sendanswers and/or new problems to SteveRobinson, 2891 S. Abingdon St. #A2Arlington, VA, 22206. In addition to the winnerreceiving a free play at the WBL UnitGame, Steve will play with anyone who gets aperfect score or who exactly matches all fiveof his answers. If you send a self-addressedstamped envelope to the above address alongwith your answers, Steve will send you a copyof the new problems to ensure that you canmeet his next deadline. You can pick up acopy of the problems at the WBL Unit Gamein Maryland, and can send answers orrequests for problems to robinswr@erols.com.WBL Solvers Club uses Washington Standardas published July 1996.The book Washington Standard secondedition is out. If you are a serious bridgeWBL SOLVERS’ CLUBModerated by Steve Robinsonrobinswr@erols.com- 8 -player, this book is a must. You can purchasea copy from Steve for $25.00 at theUnit Game and at tournaments or can sendhim a check for $28.95 that includes $3.95for priority mail.1) Matchpoints None Vulnerable♠K102♥AKQ94♦KQ6♣84SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass?????Action Score Votes Solvers3♠ 100 5 292NT 80 3 792♦ 50 2 883♦ 40 0 371NT 30 0 82♠ 30 0 173♥ 30 0 142♥ 20 0 3Three calls got votes from the experts;the conservative 2♦, the four-card-showingjumpto 3♠ and the balanced jump showing18-19 HCP with stoppers in the unbid suits.Each call has its flaws. 2♦ could end theauction when partner has enough to makegame. What would partner bid holding♠QJxxx♥x♦10xx♣Axxx over 2♦? I wouldpass and play the 3-3 when 4♠ has play.If you jump to 3♠, partner would raise to 4♠holding ♠xxxx♥x♦Jxx♣AKQJx where 4♠could go down in the trump suit and 3NT is cold.If he has a very strong hand, he might overbidexpecting you to have four spades. Holding♠Axxxxx♥x♦Ax♣AKQx he would get to 7♠needing spades 2-2 or a lucky 3-1. He wouldexpect you to have four spades and would not askfor the queen. For those players who respond 1♠holding ♠Qxxx♥x♦AJxx♣AKQx, they wouldget to 6♠ needing spades 3-3 with the jackonsides. Since 1♥ - pass - 1♠ leads to someawkward auctions, I avoid responding 1♠ withfour spades. My rule is that I need three morespades than hearts to respond 1♠. I wouldrespond 1♠ holding ♠QJxx♥x♦Qxxx♣Qxxxbut bid 1NT holding ♠QJxx♥xx♦Qxx♣Qxxx. Inever respond 1♠ with a game force holdingonly four spades, I respond two-of-a-minor.If you jump to 2NT, partner would raise to3NT holding ♠QJxx♥x♦Axxxxx♣xx and theopponents could take the first five club tricksbut they would have to lead a club. Sometimesthe opening leader is 3433 and has to guesswhich minor to lead. A jump to 2NT shows abalanced hand that is stronger than a 1NTopener. Since you would have opened 1NT ifthe king of spades were the queen, this handfalls into the balanced-hand-which-isstronger-than-a-1NTopener. So what if wehave two little clubs? Partner knows we havefive hearts. If partner has five spades, he cancheck back. Since other calls have major flawsand 2NT comes close to describing this hand,2NT is the least of evils choice.Two experts agree with me and show thestrong balanced hand.Adams: “2NT—-We are playing Flannery,so partner has five spades, or tolerance to beraised on three. However, it is still useful forpartner to know when you have four spades,not three, when making jump raise. It’s mucheasier to evaluate slam. Since 3♣ is Wolff,we will still find our 5-3 fit, even if partner isweak. We will avoid a 4-3 fit when partnerpasses 2NT with a weak 41xx hand.”Roman: “2NT—-Part of the process inchoosing what to open is deciding what torebid over partner’s various normal actionsso you can bid in tempo. I obviously decidedthis hand weighed more than 15-17 balanced,therefore 2NT now.”Two experts bid a three-card suit. I try neverto bid a three-card suit if there is any alternative.Creech: “2♦—-This is the auction thatmakes me regret not opening 1NT.Eliminating the options of 3♠ (only threespades) and 3♥ (only five hearts), that leaves2NT and 2♦ as the most reasonable rebids.Although the hand may be worth an upgradeto 2NT, I like 2♦ a little better because it is abit more flexible - if partner shows a preferenceto one of my suits or rebids spades, I cannow raise spades to show three-card support.If partner bids 2NT, I can raise that as well.”Hopkins: “2♦—-I hope to get a furtherchance to play catch-up and describe my hand.”Five experts jump in spades. Just like Idon’t like bidding three-card suits, I don’tlike jumping with only three cards whenpartner could have four. Constructive biddingworks when you have what you promise.- 9 -Woolsey: “3♠—-I’m assuming we areplaying Flannery, so partner’s 1♠-call islikely to be a five-bagger. If that is the case,spades will be a decent strain and 3♠ is ontarget as far as strength goes. If we aren’tplaying Flannery, I have no idea what Iwould do — probably would have opened1NT in order to avoid this rebid problem. Idefinitely do not like rebidding 2♦.”The one thing you can’t do is huddleand then bid 3♠. You don’t want partner toknow from your tempo that you have onlythree spades.For game purposes, having three-card supportmight be OK, but for slam purposes, thelack of a fourth trump could make a big difference.The trouble is that partner assumes fourand might not bid 3NT with weak spades.Schwartz: “3♠—-Expect partner doesnot respond 1♠ with four without a good reason,so this seems most descriptive withoutwrong siding the hand.”Parker: “3♠—-Why didn’t I open 1NT?Since I play Flannery partner has fivespades so I have an easy bid. Even not playingFlannery partner should not bid a weakfour-card spade suit. Those who bid 2♣ or2♦ deserve to lay there.”Cappelletti: “3♠—-Given that you didn’topen a 1NT because of suited valued, then3♠ describes your strength reasonably well.”King: “3♠—-I would like to have afourth Spade, but even with a 4-3 fit, spadescould play a trick better than notrump. 2♦could be right if partner doesn’t pass.”Avoid making four-card showing bidswhen you only have three.2) IMPs None Vulnerable♠Q54♥K8765♦103♣KQ2SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST——- —— 1♦ Pass1♥ Pass 2♣ Pass?????Action Score Votes Solvers2♦ 100 8 552NT 50 1 1103♣ 50 1 372♥ 40 0 29Pass 40 0 253NT 20 0 22♠ 20 0 163♥ 20 0 1

We have an in between hand. This hand isnot strong enough to bid 2NT which shows 11to 12 HCPs. On the expected spade lead, youmight not even have a stopper. Even if partnercomes down with spade help, the opponentscould easily be able to take three or four hearttricks. However, it’s too strong to pass sincepartner could have 17 HCPs. 3♣ is out sinceyou shouldn’t raise a second suit with onlythree. The best option is to give a false preference.Support 2♦ on a doubleton. A false preferenceis given when you have no clear callavailable and is used to allow partner to continuedescribing his hand. This keeps the auctionopen and allows partner to continue with extras.If partner has 17 HCPs and takes another bid,you can force to game. If, on the other hand, youare too weak to want partner to continue, youcan slow the auction down by passing. Supposeyou have the same hand without the king ofhearts. Without the king of hearts, game is outof the question and even the three-level mightbe too high. Partner can’t make a game try ifyou pass. You can’t even tell which minor willplay better. If partner has good diamonds suchas ♠Kx♥xx♦AKQxx♣xxxx, diamonds willprobably play better than clubs. However, ifpartner has ♠Kx♥xx♦Axxxx♣AJxx, clubswill probably play better. If partner is 5-5, clubswill definitely play better.Seven experts agree with me and take afalse preference.Adams: “2♦—-Too strong to pass, and tooweak for 2NT. 2♦ is what’s left. This is thehand that has long convinced me it is wrongto open 1♦ with xx45, and wrong to rebid 2♣with xx44. This auction promises five diamonds,so 2♦ will go plus even if club fit better.What do I give up for such rigidness? Ican rebid 1NT with a stiff in partner’s suit orraise partner with three if side stiff. At matchpointsthis would be a harder problem,because 2♣ could score better than 2♦.”Creech: “2♦—-Every reasonable actionlooks wrong. Spades look to be wide open, so2NT doesn’t seem to be the right bid. Neitherrebidding a king-empty suit, nor raising partner(first suit with 10x and second suit withKQx) seems to be particularly good choices.And fourth suit with only invitational valuesis clearly wrong. When everything lookswrong, I try to take the most flexible route.2♦ allows partner to raise hearts with three,- 10 -bid spades looking for a partial stopper, bidnotrump with a better spade stopper (e.g.,KJ9), or possibly rebid clubs with five.”Woolsey: “2♦—-I would like to pass, butI’m simply too strong — we could have alaydown game if partner has extras. On theother hand, I’m not good enough to venture2NT. The 2♦-call gives partner anotherchance to show his extra strength, and evenif 2♦ is a silly contract it will probably comehome on sheer power.”Schwartz: “2♦—-Aceless, poor stopperand no source of tricks. Can’t make a morepositive move, but want to keep the auctionopen in case partner has extras.”Hopkins: “2NT—-I believe this shows10-12 and is invitational. I will be overboardon those hands where Partner is really minimumand semi-balanced.”Parker: “2♦—-My partners never have agood hand so we are high enough. 2NT withno fillers is silly so take a preference andhope partner bids again.”King: “2♦—-And hope that partner hasextras and can take another bid.”Roman: “2♦—-Try not to hold this handwhen you’re playing with me, because thiscould well be a 4-2 fit, but I want to keep thebidding alive to give partner another chance,and not strong enough for 2NT.”This hand shows why one might not open1♦ holding four diamonds and five clubs.The following expert raises a second suiton three.Cappelletti: “3♣—This non-vulnerableinvite is more likely to go plus than 2NT.”When partner takes a preference to yourfirst suit, don’t assume he has strong support.3) Matchpoints None Vulnerable♠AK♥5432♦A5432♣32SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST——- —— Pass Pass1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass?????Action Score Votes Solvers1NT 100 4 90Pass 90 5 1162♦ 30 1 622♠ 20 0 7We opened the bidding in third seat with ahand that we would have opened in first seat.Third seat openers or fourth seat openers don’tpromise a rebid. Passing partner’s response isalways an option when he’s a passed hand.Taking a second bid after a third or fourth seatopener shows a real opener. You shouldn’t openlight if you can’t pass all of partner’s expectedresponses. When we pass partner’s response, weshould have at least three-card support. Partneris allowed to respond with a weak four-card suitand four-two fits don’t play well. Promising atleast three-card support is important if the opponentscompete. If partner has five and a reasonablehand, he can compete to the two-level oreven the three-level knowing that there is atleast an eight-card fit. With that said, whatshould we do now? Bidding 1NT is normal whenone has a doubleton in the response suit and abalanced hand. That is what you would rebid ifyou opened 1♦ in first seat. If you bid 1NT,you’ll win the race to 1NT. If one side can makeseven tricks or even eight tricks, you want to bethe side playing the hand. If they make seventricks, you are –50 playing the hand and if theyplayed the hand you’d be -90. If you make seventricks you are +90 when playing the hand and+50 when defending. If they can make eighttricks, -100 is better than –120.Three experts agree with me and rebid1NT.Adams: “1NT—-I’m not passing 1♠ witha doubleton and I’m not rebiding a five-carddiamond suit. 1NT is well placed to let partnerbid hearts, and both pass and 2♦ missthat opportunity. Partner can go back to diamondswith support or rebid a chunky fivecardspade suit, risking the singleton I couldhave occasionally.”Hopkins: “1NT—-I guess I am semi-balanced.I really hope partner bids hearts,rebids spades, or supports diamonds! I don’thave many tricks (and possible blockages) innotrump.”Roman: “1NT—-Because pass and 2♦are silly, and “Surrender” isn’t a legal call.”Five experts break the rule and passholding two-card support. As Jeff said, passingis silly. It doesn’t seem right to reward arule-breaking bid with a score of hundredeven if it does get more votes. If LHO overcalled2♣ and partner bid 2♠, which showsfive and he was a passed hand, then passwould be a legal bid.Creech: “Pass—-I went for the brass ringby opening; if partner had bid hearts, I mightbe making a game try. But since partner bidspades, I’ll just hope to go plus. Partnermight wish for more trumps from me, but notbetter quality. I won’t rebid 1NT or 2♦ withsuch lousy spot cards.”If partner has ♠xxxxx♥AKxx♦Kx♣xx,hearts will usually make one more trick thanspades and on good days, you might make 4♥.Or if partner has ♠xxxx♥xxx♦KQJx♣Ax,diamonds scores 130. Notrump scores 120and 1♠ might go minus.Woolsey: “Pass—-I do have three-cardspade support, don’t I? Bidding 1NT on thisbarren collection is ridiculous. Even if weare in a 4-2 fit, it wouldn’t surprise me at allif this were our best spot.”Schwartz: “Pass—-Don’t want to encouragepartner by keeping the auction open andcan’t suggest to partner that a different contractwill be better.”Parker: “Pass—-I opened to get my leaddirector in and succeeded. The opponentswill surely balance and maybe play in a 4-3heart fit. High enough.”If the opponents balance and partner hasfive spades, he will compete to the two-leveland maybe the three-level. If partner hasonly four spades, the opponents are unlikelyto balance.King: “Pass—-We may be in a six cardfit, but bidding notrump with those spots issilly and this could be our last plus score.”One expert makes another silly bid. Thistime the rebid promises six and 2♦ wouldnot play well opposite a 5413 eight-count.Cappelletti: “2♦—-Play suit contractwith quick tricks and no residual soft values(even non-vulnerable 1NT can sometimes bewrong spot).”You can’t open light in third or fourth seat ifyou can’t pass all of partner’s possible responses.Passing a bid, which could be a four-cardsuit, promises at least three-card support.- 11 -4) IMPs Both Vulnerable♠K976♥KQJ1054♦K2♣2SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST——- —— ——- 1♦1♥ 2♦ Dbl* Pass????? *Resp double

Action Score Votes Solvers3♥ 100 3 404♥ 80 2 442♥ 70 2 253♠ 40 1 652♠ 40 1 754♠ 40 1 183♦ 40 0 74NT 20 0 1Partner has shown spades and clubs withhis responsive double. To make a responsivedouble, you would like to have at least 4-4 inthe black suits but sometimes you must doubleto show points and are slightly off shape.The doubler might not have four spades. But,if you give the doubler only QJxx of spadesand an ace, game should have play. But whichgame? KQJ10xx is trumps. A 4-1 heart splitmight not hurt hearts but a 4-1 spade splitcould easily cause you to have a spade loser.If partner’s spades are Axxx, you have onesure spade loser playing in spades even ifthey split 3-2 and two losers if they split 4-1but if you play in hearts, you might be able topitch your losing spades on clubs. Give partner♠Axxx♥x♦xxx♣KQJxx. Spades hasfour sure losers but playing in hearts you canpitch your spade losers on the clubs.Five experts agree with me and say thatthis hand must play in hearts. KQJ10xx aretrumps. KQJ10xx can weather a 4-1 break. Inorder to get tapped in hearts, the opponentsmust make you ruff three times and your Kxof diamonds will protect against that. As tolevel, if all you need to make game are twomajor aces, how can you not at least invite?Parker: “3♥—-Not spades with the possibilityof getting tapped out and losing theheart suit. Partner needs two aces to makegame so if he has them he can bid on.”Creech: “3♥—-The chance for a vulnerablegame at IMPs is too good to give up. Thechoices are to jump the bidding in eitherspades or hearts. If partner accepts the invite,I believe I can make game more often in heartsthan spades, primarily due to the quality of theheart suit. I expect partner’s values to be in theblack suits. If those values are split or concentratedin the spade suit, it probably won’t matterwhich major I’m in, but if the values areconcentrated in clubs, I may be able to reducemy spade losers sufficiently, by pitching on the- 12 -clubs, to make the heart game. In hearts, thetrump quality can withstand either opponentholding up to four trumps as long as there is notalso an unlikely trump promotion.”Two experts bid the hand like they would ifthey had only one outside king. If partner hasAJ10x of spades and out, you want to be in game.Woolsey: “2♥—-A basic card combination:What is KQJ10xx or AKQJxx called? Itis called trumps. A 6-1 heart fit figures toplay better than a 4-4 spade fit.”Cappelletti: “2♥—-And then compete to3♥ based on probable spade fit.”Two experts take a slight overbid. Partnerneeds at least one ace to make game so ifyou invite and partner declines are youreally going to make game?King: “4♥—-If partner has as little asAQ of Spades we have a good chance tomake this. I bid it in Hearts because the suitis so strong and is better situated to takeclub forces than the spades are.”Roman: “4♥—-That 10 of hearts is ahuge card, and I’ll try to protect the King ofdiamonds.”Three experts play this hand in spades.While the responsive double shows fourspades, you might decide to double holding♠Axx♥Ax♦xxx♣Kxxxx.Adams: “3♠—-Partner should be able toevaluate prospects for game opposite this.Aces are good, spade Queen is good, sideKQJs are bad. Prefer spade invite to heartinvite, as it will help partner evaluate holdings,and sometimes the 4-4 will produceextra trick due to pitches. Very rarely partnercould have tremendous clubs with the spadeAce, and 4♥ is better, but pay off to that.”Hopkins: “2♠—-This seems sufficient fornow. Spades are not strong and I have no Aces.”Give partner ♠Axxx♥xx♦xxx♣KQJxand 4♠ has at least four losers while 4♥ willmake with normal splits.Schwartz: “4♠—-Since 2♠ can easily bebid with three, I have to take aggressive auction.It will be difficult for partner to evaluatehis hand, so I might as well put it to themvulnerable at IMPS. I don’t have the methodsto investigate hearts VS spades as heartscould easily play better.”KQJ10xx and AKQJxx of a major aretrumps. They can play opposite a void.5) IMPs You’re Vulnerable♠AQJ7♥95♦J72♣AQJ9SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST——- Pass Pass 1♦?????Action Score Votes Solvers1♠ 100 9 1441NT 60 0 54Pass 50 1 342♣ 20 0 11Double 20 0 312♠ 20 0 1When you have 15 HCPs, you must get inright away. If you pass you might never be ableto get in and it might be your hand. Give partner♠Kxxxx♥xxx♦x♣xxxx and you are on aclub finesse for 4♠. If you pass, it might go 1♥by LHO, 4♥ by RHO. In order to get in theauction you might have to overcall in a fourcardsuit. When does one overcall a four-cardsuit? When you have a strong hand and noother action is warranted. You’re short in anunbid major so you can’t double or you’re eithertoo weak or don’t have a stopper in the openingbid suit so you can’t overcall 1NT. In this caseyou could overcall 1NT, since Jxx can easily bea stopper over a minor-opener. My two choicesare 1♠ and 1NT. Since the spades are so goodthey might play reasonable even if partner doesnot have the hoped-for four-card support.The experts are almost unanimous inovercalling a four-card suit.Adams: “1♠—-I rarely overcall four-cardsuits. This is the hand for it. Too good to passand too few diamonds to trap pass. Notrumpovercall wrong sided if partner has Ace-tenof diamonds for instance and is a bit weakerthan I like. My strength will make up forlack of fifth spade usually.”Creech: “1♠—-How do I misrepresent thisSOLVERS’ SCORESJohn Adams 2NT 2♦ 1NT 3♠ 1♠ 420Mike Cappelletti 3♠ 3♣ 2♦ 2♥ 1♠ 350Jim Creech 2♦ 2♦ Pass 3♥ 1♠ 440Robbie Hopkins 2♦ 2NT 1NT 2♠ 1♠ 340Fred King 2♦ Pass 4♥ 1♠ 470Steve Parker 3♠ 2♦ Pass 3♥ 1♠ 490Steve Robinson 2NT 2♦ 1NT 3♥ 1♠ 480Jeff Roman 2NT 2♦ 1NT 4♥ Pass 420Alan Schwartz 3♠ 2♦ Pass 4♠ 1♠ 430Kit Woolsey 3♠ 2♦ Pass 2♥ 1♠ 460- 13 -hand? Do I bid notrump with an inadequatediamond stopper? Do I make an offshape doubleand compound the problem with my rebidafter partner bids hearts? Or do I stick in a littlelead director and wait for further developments?I opt for door number three and pickspades to keep things at the one-level.”Woolsey: “1♠—-Overcalling 1NT is possible,but with two weak suits playing in a suitcontract is likely to be better. The 1♠-overcallwill get us to our most likely game if we haveone when partner has a good spade fit, and itis also a lot safer in case this isn’t our hand.”If you make the hand♠Kxxx♥Ax♦Jxx♣AQJx, I think theexperts would be unanimous in overcalling1NT.Hopkins: “1♠—-The hand has no greatsource of tricks so I am going quietly for now.”Schwartz: “1♠—-Only other bid I canimagine is 1NT, but short a stopper, a pointand a Heart problem.”Parker: “1♠—-Seems easy, good suit,good hand, no diamond stopper for notrumpand no heart support for a double.”Cappelletti: “1♠—-Notrump gameunlikely, let’s try to go plus.”King: “1♠—-Can’t double with only twohearts and would rather overcall a good fourcardsuit than bid 1NT without a stopper.”One lone wolf. While overcalling fourcardsuits should be avoided, there areexceptions. Obviously the majority of theexperts think this hand is an exception.Roman: “Pass—-I don’t overcall fourcardsuits when vulnerable.”When you have 15 points or better, itsbest to get in early. If you pass, you might notget another chance and it could cost you agame. Your partner will never play you forsuch a strong hand.

♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHT ♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHT2004 TROPHY RACE STANDINGSwww.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org 0-20Updated by our Webmaster, Don BermanLESSONThe Lovenberg Race is open to all WBL members; the Izzy Cohen Race isopen to all WBL members who started the calendar year with fewer than 1500 & GAMEmasterpoints; the Tubbs Race is open to all WBL members who started the calendaryear as a Non-Life Master; theWoolridge Race is open to all WBLmembers who started the calendaryear with fewer than 20 masterpoints;the Machlin Race has been canceleddue to lack of sufficient interest insenior events.Winners in each category willreceive four sessions of free plays.Second place gets two and thirdplace gets one.This list is up to date throughAugust 1, 2004. All points are subjectto audit by the WBL Director.Lovenberg1 130.88 Leo LaSota2 104.02 Steve Robinson3 82.81 David Ruderman4 79.40 Mark Shaw5 75.46 Alfred Steinberg6 75.32 John Adams7 60.26 Richard Wegman8 57.57 Leon Letwin9 54.07 Rossi Lindstrom10 52.77 Robert Bell11 48.82 Barbara Shaw12 44.75 Earl Glickstein13 44.73 Ellen Cherniavsky14 42.98 Jane Sturgis15 40.92 Joel Miller16 40.29 Janet Dence17 38.94 Charity Sack18 38.07 Richard Ferrin19 38.01 Warren Kaufman20 38.00 Eugene Kales21 37.26 Charleen Brand22 37.25 Fred King23 36.14 Robert Ellis24 35.84 Alan Kleist25 35.07 Neal RosenthalIzzy Cohen1 42.98 Jane Sturgis2 40.92 Joel Miller3 40.29 Janet Dence4 38.94 Charity Sack5 38.07 Richard Ferrin6 36.14 Robert Ellis7 35.07 Neal Rosenthal8 34.40 John Lowe III9 33.81 Herbert Behre III10 32.91 Hailong Ao11 31.10 Noble Shore12 30.90 Ellen Rosenthal13 30.13 Bill Gainer14 29.19 Rama Kapur15 26.29 Jason MeyerTubbs1 35.07 Neal Rosenthal2 33.81 Herbert Behre III3 30.90 Ellen Rosenthal4 29.19 Rama Kapur5 25.01 William Gill6 22.15 Mirsad Mujezinovic7 20.45 Randy Zeibert8 20.34 Robert Boorman9 19.13 Shlomit Rind10 17.65 Behnaz FardshishehWoolridge1 19.13 Shlomit Rind2 16.68 Eric Beard3 9.85 Roma Chandra4 8.67 Steven Nesseler5 8.29 Richard Riseberg6 7.68 Prem Garg7 6.87 Susan Graham8 6.87 John Graham9 5.91 Shirlee Starr10 3.59 Ken MarxUNIT GAME CARPOOL AVAILABLETo arrange a carpool, contact Don Berman, Carpool Coordinator, at301-776-3581 or don.berman@verizon.net. ....Or log on to the WBL’snew Online Carpool Notices at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.GUARANTEEDPARTNERS!7:30PM -10:30PMJOIN ANYTIMEThe cost is $5. Thisincludes a 30 minutelesson by Dr. StevenForsythe followed byfun, enjoyable bridgefor players with 0-20masterpoints.Lessons will coverslam bidding, weaktwos, 3 level+ preempts,overcalls,takeout doubles, negativedoubles, openingleads, and signaling.Each lesson willbe tailored to theneeds and interests ofthe players.This is a great programfor beginners aswell as experiencedsocial bridge players!Partners will be providedif needed. Formore information callor email Steve orSandy Forsythe at(301) 592-9177 (email:majslf@aol.com)UNIT GAME PARTNERS GUARANTEEDTo find a partner before the game, contact Charleen Brand(301-946-8483). Or log on to the Online Partnership Deskat: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.SCHEDULEAll Games held at Christ the King ChurchSep 23......Stratified MBA StaCSep 30......WBL SectionalOct 7......Strataflighted Club Apprec BAMOct 14......Strataflighted Club Apprec PairOct 21......NVBA SectionalOct 28......Strataflighted Grand National TeamsNov 4......Strataflighted Club ChampionshipNov 11......Strataflighted UpgradedClub ChampionshipNov 18......Strataflighted Unit ChampionshipNov 25......CLOSED for ThanksgivingDec 2......Strataflighted Unit ChampionshipDec 9......Strataflighted Grand National TeamsDec 16......Holiday Party/National FundDec 23......Strataflighted Unit ChampionshipDec 30......Strataflighted Unit Championship∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼Newcomer, Novice, and Intermediate7:15pm......Free Duplicate Mini-Lesson7:30pm......BridgeCall Frances Burke at 301-384-6103 for info onNewcomer Classes and GamesMAP TO CHRIST THE KING CHURCHDO YOU HAVE ANYMUSCLE OR BRAINSTO SPARE?The Washington BridgeLeague could use a little ofeither! In order to keep eventsexciting and entry fees low, theWBL relies on the goodness ofour members to volunteer forsmall jobs at the Unit Gameand Sectional Tournaments.Some jobs require brains whileothers require muscle. We’ll behappy to employ either.From setting up andbreaking down tables, to publicityand events development,a little effort from youwill make our bridge communityeven better. Busy schedule?No worries. Most volunteerassignments take only 15minutes to 1 hour a month.Here’s how to help:1. Reply by email, phoneor in person if you are willingto help in any way.2. Please indicate if you canoffer any special skills (such asmarketing or a strong back).3. Someone will contact youshortly with a choice of assignmentsyou can pick from.BONUS – You will be invitedto the summer VolunteerGathering and BBQ Party.Thank you in advance forany assistance you can provide.Steve Forsythe, VolunteerCoordinator, Majslf@aol.com,301-592-9177GAME IS TO START PROMPTLYAT 7:30PMFOR MORE INFORMATIONCALL 301-649-1812- 14 -∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ - 15 -

Paid AdvertisementPaid AdvertisementCOMITTEE ACTION XLVIPart Iby Rich Colker, rcolker@worldnet.att.natEva Klivington – Owner,Principal Broker, VA, MD, DC&Margit Klivington – Realtor“SPECIAL BRIDGE PLAYER” DEALHow fast can we sell your house?Start Packing!LIST, BUY or RENT with your bridge player friend.We have 20 years real estate expertise and our successful trackrecord selling $20 million per year, speaks for itself.Did you know that only 7% of the people in the real estate business sell80% of all properties? We are in the top 1% of that elite group.We will sell your home with full service at discounted commission.Unbeatable commission means that we will credit you 1% of the salesprice of your home at settlement. We have built our success throughour clients. You deserve the best!Visit our website for the entire MLS listings (700,000+)throughout Northern Virginia: RealtyToWeb.comCall for a free, no obligation market analysis!703-391-7450- 16 -Guaranteed tobeat anycommission by$50$24 million dollars worth of government foreclosures. (People who did not pay their taxes).♠We are official HUD representatives for the government.RealtyToWeb.comFox Mill Shopping Center,2557 John Milton Drive, Herndon, VA 20171703-391-7450 (Office) 703-391-7455 (Fax)Email: Broker@RealtyToWeb.comIndependently owned and operated!An interesting and instructive situationarose earlier this year in the second finalsession of the Flight A North American Pairsat the 2004 Spring NABC in Reno. Here’swhat happened.Bd: 15Dlr: SouthVul: N/SNorth♠Q6♥A3♦ AQ73♣ A8532WestEast♠ 98732 ♠ AK54♥ K10982 ♥ Q5♦ KJ2 ♦ 105♣ —-♣ KQ964North♠ J10♥ J764♦ 9864♣ J107South West North EastPass 2♥ (1) 3♣ Pass (2)Pass Dbl All Pass(1) ♥+another suit (5-5), weak two-bidstrength(2) Break in tempo, 5-8 seconds3♣ doubled went down four, –1100 forN/S. Two rounds after the hand was playedN/S called the Director. They explained thatEast broke tempo over 3♣, making West’sbalancing double attractive. The Directoralso determined that West did not use theStop Card before bidding 2♥, that North didnot pause before bidding 3♣ over 2♥, thatEast paused 5-8 seconds before passing, andthat West doubled quickly. The Directorruled that East’s hesitation demonstrablysuggested West’s double and that passing 3♣was a logical alternative for West. The resultwas changed to 3♣ down four, –400 for N/S.- 17 -E/W appealed. They told the Committeethat although the Stop Card was not used,E/W’s agreement about the 2♥ opening hadbeen pre-Alerted prior to the start of theround. They also said that North took 4 secondsto bid 3♣ and South passed quickly(suggesting weakness). West said that shewas systemically obligated to reopen withshortage in LHO’s suit since in her methodsa double by East would have been negative.N/S estimated that East took 5-8 secondsbefore passing 3♣. As for the delay in callingthe Director, N/S said it was only afterthe round that they worked out that –400would have been a good matchpoint scoreand they called the Director as soon as theydiscovered this.The Committee determined that at thisvulnerability the 2♥ agreement had a rangeof 4-10 HCPs. They further decided that: (1)North’s fast pass passed some responsibilityto East not to bid too quickly; (2) in the contextof a competitive auction 5-7 seconds isthe recommended tempo; (3) the reopeningdouble was systemically obligated in thecontext of South’s fast pass, even if Eastclearly broke tempo. They also believed thatthe fact that the Director was called tworounds after play was completed did not terminallydamage N/S’s case, though it didweaken their contention that there had beenan obvious BIT. The Committee restoredtable result for both sides to 3♣ doubleddown four, –1100 for N/S.So, what do you think of the Director’sruling and the Committee’s decision? DidWest’s failure to use the Stop Card free Northto bid immediately (or after only 4 seconds)?Did North’s immediate 3♣ bid pass someresponsibility to East not to call too quickly?Did the 5-8 seconds East took to pass 3♣constitute a BIT? Did N/S’ s delay beforecalling the Director damage their case in anyway? Think about these and any other issuesyou find important and next time I’ll sharemy thoughts on this case.

Paid AdvertisementPaid Advertisement...Bits & Pieces, cont. from page 6WBL RECORDERBy Don BermanThis is the first in a series of articles tobring to the attention of the membershipexactly what is the function and duties of aRecorder and why you should be aware ofand interact with the office holder.Let me begin by introducing myself, yourWBL recorder. My name is Don Berman. Ihave been your recorder since late 1997 anda member of the WBL Board of Directors forabout 7 years. I am available to discuss anymatter you might consider appropriate.Next let me tell you what the Recorder isnot. The Recorder is not a policeman. TheRecorder has no disciplinary authority at all.The Recorder can, however, recommendactions to the Conduct and Ethics committeeshould such actions be deemed warranted. Inthe next installment I will outline what I believethe Recorder’s purpose and obligations are.The ACBL recently published anapproved Recorder Regulations andProcedures document which defines the aimof the recorder system:The aim of the recorder system is toestablish a method of dealing with complaintsthat: 1) by themselves do not warrantthe filing of formal charges; 2) are very seriousbut there is only the implication ofwrongdoing without substantial evidencenecessary to bring formal charges or 3) are arequest to have the subject’s behavior modifiedby counseling and/or education.The full text of the document has been publishedon the WBL Web site. Navigate to theRecorder page from the WBL main page,www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org (click onRecorder Page at the lower right), then click onACBL Recorder Regulations. I highly recommendreading and becoming familiar with thisdocument. Keep in mind that your Recorder issubject to these regulations and procedures.Finally, I believe that the Recorder providesa useful function which, if used properlyby the membership, will enhance the experienceof all players at our events. As a starter,you can help by always acting in an ethicaland polite manner to your fellow players.2004-5 DISTRICT 6 FINALSNORTH AMERICAN PAIRSAll flights: November 13-14, 2004You must be a member of a Unit inDistrict 6 and have qualified for the event atthe club level to play in the District 6 Final.The Open Flight will be held at theKnights of Columbus Hall, 5115 Little FallsRoad, Arlington VA. Game times will be1:00 PM and TBA on Saturday, Nov. 13, and11:00 AM and TBA on Sunday, Nov. 14.The NLM and 0-2000 flights will beplayed at two sites, the KOCH in Arlingtonand in conjunction with the Sectional at theWilliamsburg Marriott, 50 Kingsmill Road,Williamsburg, VA, starting on Nov. 13 at1:00 PM, and for those who continue onSunday, Nov. 14 at 11:00 AM. Players mayplay at the site of their choice.For more information, see your District 6TableTALK, visit the District 6 web site orcontact Barbara Doran at (301) 608-0347 orby email to xbarbd@mindspring.com.NEW ABTA MASTERTEACHER — JANE FRIENDL-R: SandaEnciu (Israel);Jane Friend(Washington,D.C.); AmyNellissen (NewJersey) with Master Teacher ActingChairman Pat Harrington (Florida).One of our own WBL’ers was honored atAmerican Bridge Teachers Association’srecent New York City convention this past July.She has earned the supreme title of ABTAMaster Teacher. She was awarded her MasterTeacher badge amidst significant applause andcheers at the convention banquet.JANE FRIEND of Washington, D.C., is aBronze Life Master who thrives on bridge.However, she feels rubber bridge meets herstudents needs best. “I emphasize thinkingand reasoning, relying on rote memory onlywhen absolutely necessary. My students‘crown jewels’ are their mistakes, becausethat is where the most useful lessons arelearned.” Jane uses a “hands-on” approachwhere students have cards in hand at alltimes. She holds a master’s degree in learningdisabilities and remedial reading, traitswhich no doubt serve her well in her currentbridge teacher role.Anyone interested in teaching bridge andjoining the American Bridge Teacher’sAssociation can contact Leslie Shafer atslamhand@verizon.net for more information.The ABTA’s motto: “To help those who teachbridge to do it better - more effectively -more knowledgeably - more professionally.”- 18 -- 19 -

♣♦MICHAEL CARROAD RETIRES FROM UNIT GAME♥ ♠♣♦29 YEARS AS WBL CHIEF DIRECTOR♥ ♠Michael Carroad is retiring as our longstanding Club Manager or Unit Game ChiefDirector. His expertise is appreciated everytime he is unable to be with us while hedirects at tournaments. As the new Chief ofthe Finance Office for the ACBL at NationalTournaments, he will be away even more. Wewill miss him.Michael was a Life Master when PeterBoyd was a novice. He is an excellent bridgeplayer having participated in World andNational events. He is known for being ableto develop newpartnershipsand served inmany areas ofbridge as avolunteer.Michaelgraduatedfrom New YorkUniversity inchemicalEngineeringafter almostflunking outbecause of theclasses he cutto play bridge.His partnersincluded DickBudd and Hallof Famer, Peter Weichsel.Michael served with the United StatesArmy and was the Director for Bridge atthe Officer’s Club in Ft Sill, Oklahoma.The Senior Colonel, a so-so bridge playerwas his partner or rather, the SeniorColonial for Field Artillery, chose Michael.If anyone argued with Michaels decisions,they had to deal with the top dog. Michaelwent on to be a senior official with U.S.Army Intelligence.Michael served on the WBL Board from1975 to 1993. He was Vice President for- 20 -three years and President for four years. Hewas also President of the Mid-Atlantic duringJerry Machlin’s reign. He is an ACBLSenior Tournament Director.In 1993, when the ACBL passed the lawthat ACBL Directors could not serve onTop: Michael directingthe Unit Game withTed Ying. Don Berman& Millard Nachtweylook on. Left: WBL President,Dick Wegman consults with Michael as Director, Tim Crank looks on.Center, right: Michael accepts a thank you gift from the unit for his years of service.Boards, Michael resigned from the WBLBoard. He was allowed to continue as a volunteerwith the Mid-Atlantic BridgeConference, the long time oversight groupfor the District 6 and 7 tournaments.Since the ACBL does not recognizeConferences, Michael has remained asChairman of the Finance Committee. Thisimportant job was entrusted to an expert.Together with Pat Seiler, Dist. 7, the longserving Treasurer, the committee has builtone of the best financial structures for tournamentoperations in the World.Listen all players and you shall hearOf Michaels remarkable career.In year of nineteen seventy fiveSome of this board are not alive,Michael was elected, a very good year!He said to his friends, New York was true,Born in the Bronx, who knew?A board member longer than anyone,A dedicated leader, sharp as the pun,Often wondering, “Who has aclue?”Michael credits those withgreat intents;Okkie Colonial, ask how he was sent;Edith McMullin, recruiter, teacher,Jerry Machlin, master leader.And his Mother who taught with eloquence.In the Bronx, taught by his MotherMichael learned home bridge and another.One NO trump meant about fifteen.One no TRUMP was closer to nineteen.But bridge changed and tempo became abother.An ACBL Director, excellent,He taught appeals asked us to repent.He brought wisdom to Donna’s processesA dream of order, some colossuses.No better adjudicator could be sent.Ably he served with time well spent,And twice was elected President.Eighty two, three and four, again in sixThe election was certainly quite a fix.Our Grover Cleveland, the voters sent.MICHAEL’S RIDEBy Jim AllenHe proprietized the Laurel Bridge ClubSent many players to the pub;But most of all, he was chosen to leadThe Unit game and so in deed,Twenty nine years with no adequate sub.Michael served all work and no fun,As Mid-Atlantic President, an elected gun,But most of all, for these tournaments,He chaired their Finance firmaments.Truly said, Michael lovesmoney, well won.So naturally, the ACBL bossesChose Michael to monitor profit and losses.With lots of work and zero pompous,He’s appointed Chief of the Finance Office.Two weeks per National, he’ll gather nomosses.Our Michael went to our GovernmentHolding a job with determinant.He retired to propel his intentsAfter serving in Army Intelligence.Since sixty five, lots of effort spent.As Unit Manager he chose the fate,Of Tim and Ron to name two greats.He taught be clam-like, true crustation,Handle inevitable frustration.And so he built the greatest club gate.Unit Manager, guess how longTwenty-nine years and still not gone.He will still be here when not at a NationalOr anywhere else he goes when casual,Or whenever we need him to tell us we’rewrong.Michael credits the WBL with some of the best bridge in the country. He travels to otherunits and sectionals and knows the caliber of the average bridge player. He says, “Our ‘B’strata are better than most other units ‘A’ strata.” The Washington Bridge League Thursdaynight game is famous all over North America. Many players traveling to the DC area come tothis game because of its reputation for being large and extremely well run. He will still bearound when we need him.- 21 -

59TH ANNUAL WBLPOTOMAC VALLEY TOURNAMENTJuly 29-August 1, 2004For his achievement of ofthe rank of Grand LifeMaster (10,000 masterpointsand at least 1 nationalchampionship). MarkShaw was roasted and toasted Friday evening ofthe tournament with beer and cake for all.TOP TEN CUMULATIVEPOINT WINNERSAll Players1 34.61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leo LaSota2 31.02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steve Robinson3 28.30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mark Shaw4 25.53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alfred Steinberg5 24.89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David Ruderman6 19.32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Earl Glickstein7 16.92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard Wegman8 16.79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rossi Lindstrom9 16.51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clyde Kruskal10 16.50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara ShawPlayers with fewer than 1500 masterpoints1 12.82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jack Goodykoontz12.82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vicki Goodykoontz3 12.53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Gill12.53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noble Shore5 10.38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jane Sturgis6 10.34 . . . . . . . . . . . . .David Chechelashvili7 9.94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ronald Kral8 7.61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Din9 7.12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christon Johnson10 7.08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rama KapurPlayers with fewer than 500 masterpoints1 12.53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Gill2 7.61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Din3 7.12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christon Johnson4 7.08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rama Kapur5 6.86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Suzanne Abrams6 6.43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Krueger6.43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Cardillo8 5.96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Stygar9 5.73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mark Rosen10 5.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Agnes GavinResults- 22 -THURSDAY MORNING OPEN PAIRSStratum A, 28 Pairs1 Leo Lasota - Barbara Shaw . . . . . . . .65.922 Martha Chen - Marshall Kramer . . . .64.383 Noble Shore - Michael Gill . . . . . . . .59.834 Karen Copp - Fanny Johnson . . . . . . .57.565 Frank King Jr - Robert Gookin . . . . .57.176 Morris Tepper - Allen Lord . . . . . . . .56.71Stratum B, 17 Pairs1 Martha Chen - Marshall Kramer . . . .64.382 Noble Shore - Michael Gill . . . . . . . .59.833 Karen Copp - Fanny Johnson . . . . . . .57.564 Doris Konecke - Jeanne Clayman . . .55.665 George Clark III - David Wakefield . .52.27Stratum C, 8 Pairs1 Karen Copp - Fanny Johnson . . . . . . .57.562 Janey Duke - Malvern Sheffield Jr . . .52.243 Sherrie Schrama - Sandra Schwalb . .50.67THURSDAY EVE FLIGHT A/X PAIRSStratum A, 83 Pairs1 Clyde Kruskal - Rossi Lindstrom . . . .63.832 Janet Gookin - Robert Gookin . . . . . .63.623 Kenneth Davis - Donald Geerhart . . .63.144 Larry Kahn - H John Edmonds . . . . .62.455 Margot Hennings - David Milton . . . .61.066 Ann Schwartz - Alan Schwartz . . . . . .60.907 Mark Laken - Robert Bell . . . . . . . . .60.618 John Adams - Steve Robinson . . . . . .60.00Stratum X, 53 Pairs1 Larry Kahn - H John Edmonds . . . . .62.452 Betty Taneri - Denis Taneri . . . . . . . .58.473 Edward Schwartz - Richard Zerilli . .57.694 Mita Banerjee - John Lawrence . . . . .57.015 Ralph Turner - Rammohan Sarangan .56.586 Scott Merritt - Stuart Fleischmann . . .55.45THURSDAY EVEN FLT B/C/D PAIRSStratum B, 52 Pairs1/2 Jay Weinstein - Rex Settle (pictured) .66.671/2 Evelyn Knapp - Agnes Gavin . . . . . .66.673 Reese House - Suzanne Abrams . . . .64.294 Barry James - John Mattioli . . . . . . . .61.015 Namik Haverich - Mirsad Mujezinovic . .59.826 Jim Dick - Linda Dick . . . . . . . . . . . .59.58Stratum C, 45 Pairs1/2 Rex Settle - Jay Weinstein . . . . . . . . .66.671/2 Evelyn Knapp - Agnes Gavin . . . . . .66.673 Reese House - Suzanne Abrams . . . .64.294 Barry James - John Mattioli . . . . . . . .61.015 Namik Haverich - Mirsad Mujezinovic . .59.826 Jim Dick - Linda Dick . . . . . . . . . . . .59.58Stratum D, 30 Pairs1/2 Rex Settle - Jay Weinstein . . . . . . . . .66.671/2 Evelyn Knapp - Agnes Gavin . . . . . .66.673 Namik Haverich - Mirsad Mujezinovic . .59.824 Philip Kopala - Bob Silverstein . . . . .59.175 Ellen Rosenthal - Neal Rosenthal . . .57.146 Frank Cardillo - Paul Krueger . . . . . .56.25THURSDAY EVE NON-LM PAIRS ATSILVER SPRINGStratum A, 12 Pairs1 Thomas Din - Rama Kapur . . . . . . . .68.332 Margaret Buda - Stanley Buda . . . . . .56.673 Stephen Weiner - Katherine Rabenstein56.254 Richard Campbell - Deanna Campbell . .52.08Stratum B, 8 Pairs1 Stephen Weiner - Katherine Rabenstein56.252 Richard Riseberg - Mark Stephens . .50.833 Betty Palmer - Helen Fillion . . . . . . .49.17Stratum C, 5 Pairs1 Stephen Weiner - Katherine Rabenstein56.252 Richard Riseberg - Mark Stephens . .50.83- 23 -FRIDAY MORN FLT A/X PAIRSStratum A, 10 Pairs1 Alice Miller - Rosemary Marks . . . . .63.542 M Cassandra Smith - John Glynn . . .57.813 Leo LaSota - Alfred Steinberg . . . . . .56.254 Kenneth Davis - Robert Hartmann . .53.13Stratum X, 5 Pairs1 M Cassandra Smith - John Glynn . . .57.812 Sandra Schwalb - Clyde Kruskal . . . .50.52FRIDAY MORN FLT B/C/D PAIRSStratum B, 23 Pairs1 David Lipke (pic.) - Morris Edmundson 64.092 Audrey Stern - George Clark III . . . .62.953 Helene Oliver - Wallace Oliver . . . . .60.634 Robert Schwab - Anne Derbes . . . . . .57.295 Fannie Johnson - Karen Copp . . . . . .56.366 Frances Burke - M A Rahman . . . . . .54.58Stratum C, 21 Pairs1 David Lipke - Morris Edmundson . . .64.092 Robert Schwab - Anne Derbes . . . . . .57.293 Fannie Johnson - Karen Copp . . . . . .56.364 Frances Burke - M A Rahman . . . . . .54.585 Jean Morgan - John Laurim . . . . . . . .53.416 Margaret Hurley - Marie Nylen . . . . .51.67Stratum D, 12 Pairs1 Robert Schwab - Anne Derbes . . . . . .57.292 Fannie Johnson - Karen Copp . . . . . .56.363 Margaret Hurley - Marie Nylen . . . . .51.674/5 David Epstein - Azmat Ali . . . . . . . . .50.004/5 James Scott - Ernest Culman . . . . . . .50.00FRIDAY MORN NON-LM PAIRSStratum A, 8 Pairs1 Elizabeth Blondel - Victoria Miller . .60.322 Roma Chandra - Gwen Kelly . . . . . . .58.733/4 Helen Fillion - Betty Palmer . . . . . . .57.143/4 Rama Kapur - Tsung Lee . . . . . . . . . .57.14

SATURDAY AFT FLT B/C/D PAIRSStratum B, 30 Pairs1 Michael Henderson - John Lowe III .63.302 Emerita Hayward - Paul Stygar . . . . .60.583 Robert Schwab - Anne Derbes . . . . . .57.694 Frances Burke - Edward Burke . . . . .57.375 Franz Delahan - Madeline Delahan . .56.416 Audrey Stern - David Wakefield . . . .56.09Stratum C, 25 Pairs1 Michael Henderson - John Lowe III .63.302 Emerita Hayward - Paul Stygar . . . . .60.583 Robert Schwab - Anne Derbes . . . . . .57.694 Frances Burke - Edward Burke . . . . .57.375 Franz Delahan - Madeline Delahan . .56.416 Elliot Itkin - Steven Fox . . . . . . . . . .55.77Stratum D, 15 Pairs1 Robert Schwab - Anne Derbes . . . . . .57.692 Franz Delahan - Madeline Delahan . .56.413 Elliot Itkin - Steven Fox . . . . . . . . . .55.774 Juanita Fernandez - John Mattioli . . .51.925 Candace Carlton - Terry Carlton . . . .51.28SATURDAY AFT NON-LM PAIRSStratum A, 21 Pairs1 Lois Geer - Bryan Geer . . . . . . . . . . .63.782 Thomas Din - Kathrine Loh . . . . . . . .63.733 Carl Gutschick - Anita Gutschick . . .60.114 Dee Lancaster - Sandra Torano . . . . .55.485 Shirlee Starr - Ron Starr . . . . . . . . . .54.596 Betty Siefring - Marie Siefring . . . . . .54.48Stratum B, 12 Pairs1 Lois Geer - Bryan Geer . . . . . . . . . . .63.782 Carl Gutschick - Anita Gutschick . . .60.113 Shirlee Starr - Ron Starr . . . . . . . . . .54.594 Kathleen O’Toole - David Mead . . . . .54.33Stratum C, 9 Pairs1 Shirlee Starr - Ron Starr . . . . . . . . . .54.592 Kathleen O’Toole - David Mead . . . . .54.333 Lee Tanen - Naomi Fisch . . . . . . . . . .53.024 Linda Marshall - David Marshall . . . .50.55- 26 -SATURDAY AFT 49ER PAIRSStratum A, 10 Pairs1 Katherine Rabenstein - Ednamae Trevey 64.002 Ruth Woods - Marvin Raines . . . . . . .60.503 Martha Bley - Ross Bley . . . . . . . . . .55.134 Porter Kier - Carolyn Kier . . . . . . . . .53.00Stratum B, 9 Pairs1 Katherine Rabenstein - Ednamae Trevey 64.002 Martha Bley - Ross Bley . . . . . . . . . .55.133 Porter Kier - Carolyn Kier . . . . . . . . .53.004 Ruby Brooks - Darlene Thom . . . . . .50.38Stratum C, 6 Pairs1 Porter Kier - Carolyn Kier . . . . . . . . .53.002 Ruby Brooks - Darlene Thom . . . . . .50.38SUNDAY FLT A/X SWISSStratum A, 14 Teams1 David Ruderman - Andrew Gofreed -Barbara Shaw - Alfred Steinberg - LeoLaSota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95.002 Ronald Kral - Jane Sturgis - JackGoodykoontz - Vicki Goodykoontz . . .91.003 Steve Robinson - Peter Boyd - Mark Shaw -William Cole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85.004 Richard Wegman - Earl Glickstein - RobertBell - Fred King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78.005 Jason Meyer - Lloyd Rawley - MitaBanerjee - John Lawrence . . . . . . . . .76.00Stratum X, 5 Teams1 Ronald Kral - Jane Sturgis - JackGoodykoontz - Vicki Goodykoontz . . .91.002 Jason Meyer - Lloyd Rawley - MitaBanerjee - John Lawrence . . . . . . . . .76.00SUNDAY FLT B/C/D SWISSStratum B, 18 Teams1 Christon Johnson - Marsha Brown - FrankCardillo - Paul Krueger . . . . . . . . . .106.002 Carl Weisman - Judy Weisman - RaymondKahn - Paula Kahaner . . . . . . . . . . . .93.003 Michael Polunin - John Mason Jr - GlennYoung - Stuart Fleischmann . . . . . . . .87.004 Jerry Miller - Walter Kerns - MargieCoccodrilli - Daniel Feldman . . . . . .86.005 Chuck May - Karen Sprague - Joan Dent -Lucille Allor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83.00Stratum C, 13 Teams1 Jerry Miller - Walter Kerns - MargieCoccodrilli - Daniel Feldman . . . . . .86.002 Chuck May - Karen Sprague - Joan Dent -Lucille Allor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83.003 Christopher Miller - Kevin Barnes - ArthurWeiss - Mark Rosen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80.004 Robert Padgett - Linda Padgett - ElaineJacobson - Sharon Hurd . . . . . . . . . . .76.005 Hongmo Wang - John Christensen - MarthaChen - Yi-Der Chen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75.00Stratum D, 6 Teams1 Chuck May - Karen Sprague - Joan Dent -Lucille Allor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83.002 Neal McKinney - Kim Ashenden - JohnMiles - Gerry Higgins . . . . . . . . . . . .64.00SUNDAY MORN NON-LM SWISSStratum A, 11 Teams1 Thomas Din - Barry Lieberman - RobertVon Moss - Rama Kapur . . . . . . . . . .68.00Do you get along withyour computer?Help is here!➨Get on the internet➨Computer purchase➨Computer setup➨Email setup➨Software installations➨ProgrammingPaid AdvertisementDiane Walker➨OKBridge/OKWin➨Microsoft Word➨Microsoft Excel/Access➨Web Page Design➨Uploads and Downloads➨Phone supportdibasoftComputer Consulting301-990-8534diane@dibasoft.com- 27 -2 Jeff Youngen - Mary O’Shea - CandaceCarlton - Terry Carlton . . . . . . . . . . . .58.003 Margaret Buda - Steven Nesseler - JuanPardo - Paul Stygar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54.004 Philip Meredith - Beverly Meredith - CarlGutschick - Anita Gutschick . . . . . . .42.00Stratum B, 5 Teams1 Jeff Youngen - Mary O’Shea - CandaceCarlton - Terry Carlton . . . . . . . . . . . .58.002 Albert Phillips - Mary Smith - Naomi Fisch- Lee Tanen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37.00Stratum C, 3 Teams1 Jerry Nolte - Elizabeth Nolte - EdwinHarvey - Meredith Harvey . . . . . . . . .31.00SUNDAY AFT NON-LM SWISS4 Teams1 Mary Smith - Albert Phillips - ShlomitRind - Ron Starr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41.00Paid Advertisement

In the last few articles, we discussed1NT openers, and follow-up actions. Thebeauty of the 1NT opener, is that your opener’shand is immediately limited. This allowsresponder to place the final contract withsome degree of assuredness. In this article,we discuss inferences that can be gainedwhen opener or responder’s hand is limited.Let me share with you two recent biddingsituationsaI encountered.1. With both sides vulnerable, Westpicked up an eighteen-point beauty. We hadthe following auction:West♠ AQT65♥ T9♦ AKQ♣ K75West North East South1♠ P P 2♣2NT X 3♠ PP X P PPWhen the smoke cleared, West wentdown three tricks for –800. What happened?West did not take into account that his partnerhad limited her hand to at most 5 points,and could have nothing at all. Bidding 2NTcould hardly gain, as East has already toldWest that it is the opponent’s hand.2. With North/South vulnerable, Westpicked up:West♠ AQJT643♥ 5♦ 8765♣ 2West North East South3♠ X P 4♥4♠ P P PNLMasterPointersby I/N Columnist, Vince Wilmot, vwilmot@erols.comThe East hand turned out to be:East♠ 2♥ KQJ98♦ 32♣ AQJT9If West passes, East has an easy penaltydouble, and your side can beat 4♥ at least+800 (and maybe as much as +1400).Instead, East/West struggle to make 4♠ toget +420 at most.What do these two stories have in common?In both cases, there was an inferencelimiting one of the hands that West missed.On the first hand, partner’s hand is limited,so you shouldn’t bid again. On the secondhand, you have already limited your hand,and partner has not, so partner should makethe final decision on this hand. The lesson tobe taken from this column is to be carefulabout bidding further once you have limitedyour hand.STEPPING UPTO NEW HEIGHTSAs of August 1, 2004Junior Masters (5 Masterpoints)Mark Cohn Stanley GerendasyJoanne Inglisa Peter SchiffLee Slingluff Barry TashMary Frances WeilClub Masters (20 Masterpoints)Daniel Kelleher Lorraine TylerSectional Masters (50 Masterpoints)Edith Black Lloyd BowlingLarry Moran Shlomit RindStanley Segal Dr Ron StarrRegional Masters (100 Masterpoints)Lily Andre Calvin Cobb JrPatrice Gordon S Jeffery KochGeoff Lewis Barry LiebermanNational Masters (200 Masterpoints)Bruce Bromberg Sandra Schwalb- 28 -AREA BRIDGE CLASSOFFERINGSLESLIE SHAFER’S CLASSESBeginner’s Bridge (Part 1) at PotomacCC; Tues 7:30 p - 9:30 pm. Starts Sept. 21st.Description: For absolute beginners. Thiscourse is the new and fun way to learnbridge. The focus is on playing as soon aspossible. The more hands you play, thefaster you will learn. Come prepared to havelots of fun! $15 material fee. Beg. Only.Basic Conventions at Leland CC(Bethesda); Wed 7:30-9:30. Starts Sept.22nd. Description: If you have a basicknowledge of bidding and play techniques,then it’s time for you to begin learning thebasic conventions: Stayman, JacobyTransfers, Weak 2’s, Blackwood and theStrong Two Club Opener. This course alsobeing taught at Kenwood Country Club (opento non-members!) On Wednesdays from 1-3starts Sept. 22nd. Advc’d Beg - Interm.Avoiding Common Bridge Mistakes NEWNEW!!! at Potomac CC; Monday 10AM -Noon; Description: How much anxiety doyou feel during the bidding and play of ahand? This class is designed to point outsome of the most common mistakes made atthe bridge table and show you how to avoidthem. For intermediate to advanced players.$15 material fee. Interm.-Advc’d.Basic “Play of the Hand” Course atWashington Hebrew Congregation (BindemanCenter). Starts Sept. 28th. You must be amember (or know a member) to register forthis course. Basic play techniques on how toestablish tricks through promotion, length,finessing. Course also covers distribution ofmissing cards. Advc’d Beg.Brush Up Bridge at OASIS (Friendship Hts.Area). Good for students who have not playedin a while or feel rusty in their bridge knowledge.Basic bidding and play reviews. Fridays10:30 - noon, Starts Sept. 24th. Advc’d Beg.Advanced Conventions at WashingtonHebrew Congregation (Bindeman Center).Wednesdays, starts Oct. 6th 10 am - noon. 1NTForcing, Jacoby Transfers, Negative doubles,and Balancing. You must be a member of thiscongregation or know someone who is a memberin order to register for this class. Advc’d.Tuition fees for the above classes range- 29 -PARTNERSHIPS ANDCARPOOLSNeed a Partner or a Carpoolfor Unit Games or Tournaments?Players who would like assistancecan obtain help either on-line or by contactingone of the WBL’s partnershipcoordinators or Don Berman, the carpoolcoordinator.(1) On-Line Partnership Desk. TheWBL has established an on-line partnershipdesk on its web site (www.washingtonbridgeleague.org).The WBL is thefirst unit in the country to do this. Signup, indicate which events you are availablefor, and find out if other players areavailable for the games you wish to playin. Simply log on to the WBL website andclick on the partnership desk. Pleasegive it a try.(2) Partnership Coordinators. For thosewho prefer assistance in person, two peoplehave volunteered to help players findpartners in advance of the unit game orsectional events. Charleen Brand willassist players for the unit game (301-946-8483). Charity Sack will assist playersfor the sectionals (emailsack@aol.com;703-963-7027). Please let them know asearly as you can what game or events youwould like to play in.(3) On-Line Carpool Notices. Post yourrequests and look at others at the WBLwebsite. To post requests, send an e-mailto the Web Master (don.berman@verizon.net).Include your name, when youneed a ride (either a specific date or ageneral request, e.g., all unit gmes), andhow to contact you (E-mail or phonenumbers).(4) Don Berman, Carpool Coordinatorcan also be contacted at 301-776-3581.Good luck! We look forward to seeing you onThursday evenings & at the WBL sectionals.from $100 to $150 depending on location.The starting times are subject to change. It isbest to confirm your intention of joining aclass with Leslie so that she may keep youinformed of any changes that occur. ContactLeslie Shafer for more information. Her emailis slamhand@verizon.net.

PeriodicalsPostage Paidat Burtonsville, MDWBLSOLVERS’ CLUB’SNEW PROBLEMSSeptember/October 20041) IMPs You’re Vulnerable♠AQJ8743♥J♦A6♣A93SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST——- —— 1NT 4♦?????2) IMPs You’re Vulnerable♠-♥65♦AJ654♣A95432SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST——- —— —— PassPass 2♠ 3♥ 3♠?????3) IMPs You’re Vulnerable♠KQJ765♥J109654♦-♣5SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST——- 1♠ Double Pass?????THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVEBURTONSVILLE, MARYLAND 208664) IMPs You’re Vulnerable♠AKJ95♥Q3♦KQ3♣KJ2SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST——- 1♥ Pass PassDouble 3♥ 4♣ Pass?????5) Matchpoints None Vulnerable♠J102♥AK9854♦10♣A54SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST1♥ 1♠ 2♦ 2♠3♥ Pass 4♣ Pass?????Return answers by October 18 to:Steve Robinson2891 S. Abingdon St #A2,Arlington VA, 22206robinswr@erols.com