Sep/Oct - District 6

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 18518 GrackleWay, Gaithersburg, MD 20879-1767.♣♦♥♠ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ♣♦♥♠deadline: Oct. 30, 2003to submit new articles to the editor for the November/December 2003 issueWashington Bridge League BULLETIN (usps #861-240)VOL. 61, #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 Editor — Leslie Shafer (301-593-6828), slamhand@erols.comColumnists — Steve Robinson, Richard Colker, Clyde Kruskal, 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.comBarbara Shaw, Secretary — (301-598-3339), BarbShaw@comcast.netBarbara Doran, Past President — (301-608-0347), xbarbd@mindspring.comUNIT DIRECTORSWeizhong Bao — (703-326-9288), wbao@va.rr.comDon Berman — (301-776-3581), don.berman@verizon.netDr. Steve Forsythe — (301-592-9177), majslf@aol.comBen Laden — (202-244-1765), benladen@prodigy.netRobert Gunnell — indiblue33@hotmail.comRon Zucker — (202-965-3357), ron@motherzucker.comSOME KEY VOLUNTEERSKathy Kruskal — Tournament Co-Chair (202-662-3430)Ben Laden — Tournament Co-Chair (202-244-1765)Frances Burke — Membership Secretary (301-384-6103)Michael Carroad — Unit Game Chief Director and Manager (301-322-4289)Madge Gallant — Partnerships (301-587-6424)Kitty Gottfried — Unit Game and Sectional Hospitality (301-587-3981)Rosemary Marks — Prizes (301-598-2405)WBL WEBSITE:www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.orgDISTRICT 6 SITE:www.districtsix.org

CONTENTSARTICLEPAGEPresident’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Dick Wegman 2Partnerships and Carpools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Bits and Pieces...Sign up on our Unit Volunteer List, Sign up as a Unit GameOn Call Partner, Sad News, WBL Board Member Change . . . . .3Of Note, Interscholastic Bridge, Laurel Bridge Club’sAnnual ‘Van, the Man’ Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Building Fund?, Attention: 2004 Directory is coming soon,WBL Members Win 1st Overall of the Flight B GNT Winnersat the Nationals, Grand National Teams 2003-2004. . . . . . . . . . .5WBL Board Member Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6WBL Solvers’ Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Steve Robinson 7Solvers’ Club’s New Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Thursday Night Unit Game...2003 Trophy Race Standings . . . . . . . .by Webmaster, Don Berman 140-20 Game & Lesson Thursday Nights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Schedule, Map, Partners Guaranteed, Carpools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Committe Action XLIII, Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Rich Colker 17Best Leads Against NoTrump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Steve Robinson 19Unit Game Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Kitty Pickett, An Appreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Sylvia Levy 21In Memory of Ken Katzner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23WBL Sectional in the Clubs - Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Non Life Master Sectional - Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26NLMasterPointers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by I/N Editor, Leslie Shafer 27Area Bridge Class Offerings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2870th Annual D.C Championships — Dec. 4-7, 2003 . . . . . . . . .back cover∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼- 1 -

PRESIDENT’S LETTERby WBL President, Dick WegmanIt was a very good summer forWashington-area bridge. Attendancewas strong at the unit game and the HuntValley regional in August (with HuntValley setting an all-time record for thenumber of tables in play). At theSummer Nationals in Long Beach inJuly, Steve Robinson was inducted intothe ACBL Hall of Fame. He is the firstliving player from the Washington areato be honored in this way. Steve reallydeserves this honor — not only becauseof his outstanding bridge accomplishments,but for his untiring efforts overthe past three decades (strictly voluntary,of course) to build and strengthenbridge in the Washington area. And aDistrict 6 team won the gold in theFlight B Grand National Teams in LongBeach. The team of Hailong Ao, Jian-Jian Wang, Huailin Chen and Yi Zhongbeat out 23 other strong district teams tocome out on top in this major nationalteam championship. All in all, a verygood summer indeed.Thanks again for your responses toour survey. On the basis of whatwe’ve learned from your responses,we’re going to try several new thingsat our sectionals this fall, and wehope you like them. Our Decembersectional will feature a major newevent: the Washington Bridge LeagueTrophy Pairs, a two session open pairevent to be held on Saturday, with aqualifying session in the afternoon,and a championship final in theevening. We haven’t had one of thesefor many years, and your surveyresponses indicate that many playerswould welcome such an event.We’re also revising the schedule oftwo events at the fall sectionals, inresponse to your requests. Our SundaySwiss team event will be scheduled as aplay through, with a short lunch break(probably 30-45 minutes). We’ll havefood available for purchase on site —probably sandwiches and soda, or possiblypizza — and we will do our best tokeep the cost as low as possible. OnFriday evening at the October sectional,we will have two alternative startingtimes, one at 7:00 P.M. and the other at8:00 P.M. This will accommodate thosewho would like to finish early, and alsomake it possible for those who work a fullschedule on Friday to play as well.Please note that the October sectionalwill be held at the Heritage Building atthe Montgomery County Fairgrounds.This is a very attractive new facility, withample playing space and lots of parkingjust outside the front door. You can getthere easily by taking I-270 to Exit 11,then following the signs to theFairgrounds entrance.I’m very interested in your comments orsuggestions for ways to improve our tournaments,and our unit and club games. Pleaseget in touch with me by e-mail ataliweg@aol.com, or give me a call at 301-365-2228.I look forward to hearing from you, andhope to see you at our tournaments this fall.Dick Wegman- 2 -

Meeting and Elections. Anyone interested inrunning for the full two year term shouldplan on running at the next regular electionwhich will be held in May, 2004.OF NOTEStevie Wonder... that is, Steve Robinsonwas written up in The Washington Post inhonor of his recent induction into the ACBLHall of Fame. The article appeared in BobLevey’s Washington on Wednesday, August27, 2003.INTERSCHOLASTIC BRIDGEThe WBL is planning to establish anannual interscholatic bridge championshipfor high schools in the Washington area. Wethink this will help encourage more youngpeople in the DC area to play duplicatebridge. The winning school will receive aprize from the WBL, and students on thewinning team would be awarded trophiesand earn the pportunity to play as partnerswith world and national champions from theWashington area. The WBL will provideteachers to help students develop their playingskills, and will donate teaching materials,boards and bidding boxes to help afterschool bridge programs get underway.We need help in identifying schoolswhere a bridge club could get started whenschools reopen in September. Let us know ifyou have children or grandchildren who maybe interested in participating, if you knowany high school students who may be interestedin starting a club, or if you have anyconnection with local high school facultymembers (such as math or computer scienceteachers) who could help sponsor a club.Also tell us if you would be interested inteaching or mentoring in an after-schoolbridge program.If you can help, please e-mail any suggestionsor call Dick Wegman, WBLPresident (aliweg@aol.com, 301-365-2228),Ron and Shirley Starr (r4starr@comcast.net,301-365-1144), or Charity Sack(charity@charitysack.com, 301-585-5051).BUILDING FUND?The Washington Bridge League Board isconsidering starting a building fund. TheLAUREL BRIDGE CLUB’SANNUAL ‘VAN, THE MAN’ GAMESaturday, October 4th is the date forthis year’s “Van, the Man” charity bridgegame. Now in its 12th year, the bridgeevent is sponsored by theLaurel Bridge Club, with lots of helpfrom the Washington Bridge Center andmany, many other supporters. Last year’sgame raised over $8,200 for the MidnightBasketball League, which was begun by aWashington area bridge player, the lateVan Standifer. All funds raised will directlysupport local operations of the League.The event will be held at the DeerfieldRun Community Center, located on Route197 near Contee Road in Laurel. Asalways, there will be a silent auction,numerous raffles, the sale of expert partners,and of course a great bridge game.Doors will open at 6PM for a dinner ofall-you-can eat lasagna (both vegetarianand meat), bread and salad. There will begreat home-made desserts for salethroughout the evening. The sale of partnerswill begin at approximately 7:35 andthe game will begin at about 8 PM. All ofthe proceeds from the food sales will becontributed to the Midnight BasketballLeague. This is a great opportunity tomake a real difference in the lives of somedisadvantaged young people.Any contributions, cash or items forthe silent auction, are greatly appreciated,and are tax-deductible. For further information,or to make a donation, please contactRose Berman (301-776-3581) or MaryDresser (301-776-5992).- 4 -

long term goal would be to own a buildingsuitable for sectionals, unit games, clubgames and bridge classes.The WBL has formed a building fundcommittee chaired by Steve Robinson. Stevewould be glad to get input and suggestions.ATTENTION: 2004 DIRECTORYIS COMING SOONIf you have any address changes orphone changes please submit them to theACBL. You may mail your changes or e-mailyour changes to them. We will be printingthe information that we receive from theACBL. If you do not submit your changes byDecember 15th, the information printed inthe address directory may be incorrect.Thank you for your cooperation.WBL MEMBERS WIN 1 STOVERALL OF THE FLIGHT B GNTWINNERS AT THE NATIONALSCongratulations to Hailong Ao, HualinChen, JJ Wang, and Yi Zhong on winning theFlight B GNT event in the Long BeachNABC in July!! A full write-up of their experiencesappears in the October/November2003 issue of District 6 TableTALK.GRAND NATIONAL TEAMS2003-2004It’s time to get out to your local club andqualify to win a subsidized trip to New York!New York! at the Summer 2004 NABC torepresent District 6 in the national finals ofthis grassroots competition.The club qualification period begins inmid-October 2003 and extends through mid-April 2004. Because the District-level competitionfor some flights begins in February- 5 -2004, make sure you qualify early. However,you can go out and play as often as you want!!Once again, the competition will containfour flights at the District level. The OpenFlight is an open event and all players mayenter, regardless of their master point holding;Flight A is limited to players with 0-5000master points; Flight B is limited to playerswith 0-2000 master points; and Flight C islimited to Non-Life Masters with fewer than500 master points. At the club level, theOpen and A flights will be combined.Master points awarded at the club levelare half red—an easy way to earn coloredpoints without traveling or changing yournormal local playing habits. In the Districtlevel competition, the match awards are redand the overall awards are gold.Remember, players qualify as individualsat the club level and may form new teamsof qualified players for the District phase ofthe competition. What this means is that youcan play with all of your friends at the clublevel no matter what their flight eligibility isand then form one or more teams and competein one or more flights at the Districtlevel. So y’all come out and play!Call your club manager to find out whenthe club is holding qualifying games. Asclub dates are made available to the DistrictGNT Coordinator, they will be posted on theDistrict 6 web site, www.districtsix.org.We will be holding the first weekend ofthe District finals of Flights B and C at separatenorthern and southern sites; howeverthey will be the same weekend. To start yourplanning process, the dates for the Districtcompetition are as follows:1 st Weekend 2 nd WeekendOpen March 13-14 April 24-25Flight A May 1-2 May 15-16Flight B February 28-29 March 13-14Flight C February 28-29 March 13-14All the information about pre-registration,sites and times will be in theDecember/January issue of District 6TableTALK. District level competition datesand sites and other pertinent information willbe published in subsequent editions. If youhave any questions, feel free to contact RaeDethlefsen, District 6 GNT Coordinator, at703-709-5205 or by e-mail at raed@erols.com.

WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE’SBOARD MEMBER ASSIGNMENTSfor May, 2003 - May, 2004Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dick WegmanBulletin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donna RogallBulletin Liaison . . . . . . . . . . . .Don BermanCalendar of Obligations . . . . . .Barbara ShawCar Pool Assistance . . . . . . . . . .Don BermanCharity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron ZuckerCheer & Sympathy . . . . . . . .Frances BurkeClub Manager’s Breakfast . . . .Barbara ShawClub Relations . . . . . . . . . . .Robert GunnellConduct and EthicsChair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben LadenCommittee members . . .Barb Doran (B),Fred King (B), Andrew Kaufman (02),Kefu Xu (02), Kathy Kruskal (02),Carole Banks (03), Pat Foster (03),Eileen Houghton (03)Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara ShawEducation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steve ForsytheElections . . . . . . . . . .Barb Doran, Wei BaoElections Chair . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim AllenExecutive Committee . . . . . . .Dick Wegman,Barb Doran, Steve RobinsonEZBridge Liaison . . . . . . . . . .Steve ForsytheMembership Growth . . . . . . . . . . .Fred KingMembership Secretary . . . . . .Frances BurkeNovice Program . . . . . . . . . . .Steve ForsytheOmbudsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ann LindleyPartnerships . . . .Dick Wegman, Fred King,Barbara ShawPlayer Achievement (Trophies) .Don BermanPublicity . . . . .Barbara Shaw, Charity SackRecorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don Berman- 6 -Round RobinCoordinator . . . . . . . . . .Steve RobinsonCommittee Chair . . . . . . . . .Barb DoranCommittee Members . . . . .John Adams,Peter Boyd, Bill Cole, Earl Glickstein,Dave Ruderman, Charity SackScheduling . . . .Dick Wegman, Barb Doran,Michael CarroadSpecial Events CoordinationGNT (unit level) . . . . . . .Robert GunnellNAP (unit level) . . . . . . .Robert GunnellOther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert GunnellSTAC Coordination . . . . . . .Dave RudermanTournamentsCo-Chairs . . .Kathy Kruskal, Ben LadenCaddies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fred KingChief Director . . . . . . .Millard NachtweyHospitality . . . . . . . . . . . .Kitty GottfriedPartnerships . .Fred King, Charity Sack,Madge GallantPrizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rosemary MarksVolunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben LadenUnit GameCo-Chairs . . . . .Ben Laden, Ron ZuckerCaddies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kitty GottfriedChief Director . . . . . . . .Michael CarroadChurch Liaison . . . . . . . . .Dick WegmanHospitality – Unit Game .Kitty GottfriedHospitality-Annual Meeting/Holiday Party . . . . . . .Kitty Gottfried,Nadine Wood, Millard NachtweyManager . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael CarroadPartnerships . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara Shaw,Charity Sack, Madge GallantPrizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Madge GallantWays and Means . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fred KingWebmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don Berman

WBL SOLVERS’ CLUBModerated by Steve Robinsonrobinswr@erols.comCongratulations to Darwin Afdahl whocame in first with a score of 490. He wins afree entry to the Unit Game and will be invitedto be on a future panel. Tied for secondwere Gareth Birdsall, Yi Zhong and KathyParamore with a score of 480. Tied for fifthwere Jeff Watson, Elliot Grant and DarioFiljar with a score of 450. Tied for eighthwere Fletcher Smoak, Fred Wagner, MillardNachtwey, Rick Bingham, John P Glynn,Fred Steinberg and Mark Rosen with a scoreof 440. Tied for fifteenth were Matthew Haag,Craig Olson, Elliot Itkin, Natalie Aronsohn,Joe Lentz, Rob Graves, Ted Wilkinson andMel Welles with a score of 430. Tied fortwenty-second were Rich Ferrin, Lee Bauer,Rick Eissenstat, Georgianna Whipple, JimAllen, George Lewis, Ravi Arulnandhy, DonBerman, Kieran Dyke, Nikola Tcholakov andAjmal Abbass with a score of 420. The averagescore of the 254 solvers was 347. Theaverage score of the experts was 415.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 second editionis out. If you are a serious bridge player,this book is a must. You can purchase a copyfrom Steve for $25.00 at the Unit Game and attournaments or can send him a check for$28.95 which includes $3.95 for priority mail.1) MPs, None Vulnerable You, South, hold:♠4♥10642♦KJ3♣AQ753SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST—- —- —- 3♦Pass Pass Dbl Pass????Action Score Panelists SolversPass 100 6 633NT 90 6 1054♦ 80 0 24♥ 70 0 523♥ 50 0 234♣ 40 0 55♣ 40 0 23♠ 20 0 1Partner has made a takeout double andthe experts have voted for two choices. Passthe takeout double and play for penalties orbid game. If you pass, lead a spade and hopeyou beat them. If you can make game, hopeto beat them more then the value of yourgame. Playing for game is more difficult. Ifpartner has ♠KQJx♥Axx♦xx♣KJxx, 3NTis the only game that makes. If partner has♠xxxx♥AKJx♦xx♣KJx, you belong in 4♥and if partner has ♠xxxx♥AQJ♦x♣KJxxx,5♣ is the only game that makes. If therewere only one game in the picture, thechoice would be easy but with three possiblegames, passing for penalties becomes clear.If you beat them at least one trick, you beatall the pairs who get to the wrong game andgo minus.Five experts agree with me and play forpenalties.Roman: ”Pass—-My guess is that passwill work best unless we have a slam (300vs. nothing, 500 vs. game). I’m leading mystiff spade, of course.”Lublin: ”Pass—-And get plus score. Noguarantee we make game.”Adams: ”Pass—-Assuming they havenine diamonds and we have eight hearts,that is 17 total tricks, and it looks right to- 7 -

id. However, I have three Law modifiers;bad Hearts, KJx of Diamonds, and probablespade wastage. Only if we are making 6♣ doI think we have a better spot. Will take likelyplus.”Elster: ”Pass—-All other bids have goodchance of going minus, so I’ll take my onlychance for a ‘sure’ plus.”Cappelletti: ”Pass—-And lead spade.”If you decide to pull partner’s takeoutdouble, use the Wolff rule — When 3NT isa possibility, bid 3NT.Woolsey: ”3NT—-I believe the fifth clubargues for declaring rather than defending,although passing is tempting. I don’t like theidea of introducing the heart suit. A 4-3 fitwould play awfully, and a 4-4 fit could easilybe wrong.”Wallen: ”3NT—-I have diamonds doublestopped with a source of tricks. Hearts willlikely break badly.”Hopkins: ”3NT. I hope to use the Clubsuit as my main source of tricks along withmy Diamond stoppers and a few major suittricks from partner’s hand. 4♥ could suffer ifthere is a 4-1 split.”Parker: ”3NT—-I have a good five-cardsuit, two stoppers in the opponent’s suit anda very weak four-card major. It all soundslike notrump is the best bet for plus.”King: ”3NT—-Partner is in balancingseat, so this could be a big overbid, but witha double stop in diamonds it seems right tobe aggressive.”Schwartz: ”3NT—-With diamonds andhopefully spades onsides, I hope to make iteven if we are light on HCP. Too short in diamondsfor penalty pass with danger of themhave a double fit. No way to safely investigatingHearts without getting too high.”When there is a choice between taking asmall plus score and maybe getting to thewrong game, take the small plus.2) MPsthey’re Vulnerable. You, South, hold:♠Q2♥A♦A76♣AKQ10753SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST—- Pass Pass 2♠????3♠ and 4♣ are NOT valid answers andwill be given 0 points.- 8 -Action Score Panelists Solvers3NT 100 7 473♣ 80 2 195♣ 50 1 33Double 40 2 1392NT 30 0 24NT 20 0 8Pass 20 0 15NT 20 0 13♠ 00 0 43♠, asking partner to bid 3NT with a spadestopper, is a perfect answer to this problem.But you’re playing 3♠ as Michaels. AMichaels hand occurs more often than thesolid suit hand. Wouldn’t you like to play in3NT if partner holds ♠QJ10x♥xx♦KQJx♣Qxopposite a typical Michaels hand such as♠x♥KQ1032♦xx♣AKJxx? You can’t play3NT if you have to bid 4♣. A jump to 4♣showing a better hand than 3♣ would also bea good answer. But, you’re playing 4♣ as‘Leaping Michaels’. A jump to four-of-a-minorover a weak-two shows that minor and theunbid major but with extreme distribution. 4♣shows ♠-♥KQJxxx♦x♣AKxxxx where 3NTis not a likely contract.Seven experts say that if you can’t askpartner to bid 3NT with a spade stopper,assume partner has some spade help and bid3NT. So what if partner is short in spadesand they run the first six spade tricks. 3NTwould make more sense if you were in balancingseat. In balancing seat, you wouldknow that West does not have four-cardspade support. You could also escape even ifyou are off the first six spade tricks if Eastdoesn’t lead one. East might be afraid to leadfrom KJxxxxx. I would be much happier bidding3NT if East were non vulnerable.There’s too much chance that the weak-twoopener has the AK of spades and that Westwill lead a spade. West knows that his partnerhas made a vulnerable weak-two.Elster: ”3NT—-Partner always has Jxx onthis hand. Or LHO believes me and leadsfrom his KQJxx of hearts.”On good days, partner has Jxx of spades.On bad days he has three little.Lublin: ”3NT—-I make it if board hasJxx of spades. If board has 10xx, they haveto work it out and it’s a matchpoint bid.”

to show my hand and let partner judgewhether to pass or bid on. I guess I double,but feel a bad result coming my way.”Wallen: ”Double—-Having failed to bidhearts on the previous round, I’m not goingto introduce them now. Where are theirtricks? This auction may even induce atrump lead from partner!”Cappelletti: ”Double—-But why did I notbid 2♥ over 2♦?”Parker: ”Double—-Partner can bid 3♦with great distribution and long diamonds.This is a misfit for everyone, so I will doubleand start hearts. BTW I would never redoublewith a six-card suit. How can I ever showit unless I start with 2♥?”Three experts are wimps.Woolsey: ”Pass—-We don’t have a game(at least so I decided when I passed out 2♦).We can probably defeat 3♣, but the odds ondoubling are very wrong. The fate of 3♦ isuncertain. Thus, pass is the percentageaction.”Roman: ”Pass—-Did I really bid this wayto this point? I would’ve bid 2♥, but partnerhas a bad hand, so I’m not willing to wheelout the heart suit at the three-level.”Schwartz: ”Pass—-Looks like both sideshave eight trumps, so no need to compete.”Three experts let West off the hook.Hopkins: ”3♦—-Partner shows a minimumdistributional two-suiter (such as♠KQxxxx♥x♦AJxxx♣x). I could conceivablyget +300 against 3♣ doubled, but mostlikely is +100 or -470. I expect to have agood play for 3♦ and I am going to givethem one more chance to compete.”King: ”3♥—-I owe partner a bid and Ican’t pass up a suit this good.”Adams: ”3♥—-Who knows? I have agood suit, and a fit for Diamonds. Thatshould protect me. LHO is probably long inSpades and short in Diamonds. 3♣ mighthave trouble finding tricks on a trump lead,but on a non-trump lead we will be hardpressed to defeat it. Not even sure partnerhas a club to lead.”After passing 2♦, partner is going tothink you are crazy. Is partner supposed topass 3♥ with a singleton?If the opponents don’t make a doubledcontract once in a while, you’re not doubling- 11 -enough. Holding four trumps is a good reasonto double them.5) MPs None Vulnerable. You, South, hold:♠AJ1043♥2♦K43♣AQ32SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST—— —— 1♦ Pass1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass????Action Score Panelists Solvers2♥ 100 1 03♥ 90 6 254♥ 60 1 93♣ 50 3 1864NT 40 1 85♦ 30 0 44♦ 30 0 33♦ 30 0 76♦ 30 0 25♣ 20 0 13♠ 20 0 14♣ 20 0 12♠ 20 0 33NT 20 0 4This is an easy problem. First youwant to find out if partner has threespades. If partner does not have threespades, you want to show diamond support.If partner has heart strength youwant to play in 3NT, otherwise you want toplay in diamonds. So what is the best wayto elicit the most information from partner?2♥! 2♥ in this situation is forcingand asks partner to describe his hand.Usually the cheapest bid is the most efficientway to ask partner to describe hishand. You would bid 2♥ as fourth suitforcing if the auction went 1♦-1♠-2♣.Why not bid 2♥ here? Over 2♥, openercan bid 2♠ to show three spades, bid 2NTto show stoppers in clubs and hearts, bid3♣ to show a 6-4 diamond-club hand, bid3♦ to show extra diamonds or raise heartswith four. Over 2♠, you can try for aspade slam by splintering and you start ata lower level. Over 2NT and 3♣, you canbid 3♦ setting up a diamond slam auctionand you start at a lower level. Using 3♣as the artificial force is very awkward.You won’t be able to show your diamondsupport below 3NT. Partner will bid 3NT

also risks getting raised to 3♥, leaving mean ugly followup, including losing kickback.3♣ I really hate, because 3NT willbe next and I will have no clue what to do.4♦ is reasonable, but assumes Partnerwould make a better captain. 6♦ rates tohave a play.”The point I want to make here is that2♥ should be the artificial force here. Over2♥, responder can get a more naturalresponse from opener while staying lower.If you can bid 2♥ as fourth suit forcing togame holding ♠AQJxx♥x♦Axx♣Axxxafter 1♦-1♠-2♣ to find three-card spadesupport, then you can bid 2♥ as an artificialask in this auction.SOLVERS’ SCORESJohn Adams Pass 3NT 3♠ 3♥ 4♥ 360Mike Cappelletti Pass 3NT Pass Dbl 3♥ 480Marvin Elster Pass 3NT Pass Dbl 3♥ 480Robbie Hopkins 3NT 3NT Pass 3♦ 4NT 370Fred King 3NT Dbl Pass 3♥ 3♥ 360Glenn Lublin Pass 3NT Dbl Dbl 3♣ 440Steve Parker 3NT 5♣ 3♠ Dbl 3♥ 390Steve Robinson Pass 3♣ Dbl Dbl 2♥ 470Jeff Roman Pass 3NT Dbl Pass 3♣ 400Alan Schwartz 3NT 3♣ Pass Pass 3♥ 420Tom Wallen 3NT Dbl Dbl Dbl 3♣ 370Kit Woolsey 3NT 3NT Pass Pass 3♥ 440WBL SOLVERS’ CLUB’S NEW PROBLEMSNovember/December 20031) MPs, None Vul. You South hold:♠AQ82/♥J5432/♦54/♣J9SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST— — 1NT PASS2♣ PASS 2♦ PASS????2) I MPs, None Vul. You South hold:♠AKQ872/♥A3/♦QJ103/9SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST1♠ PASS 1NT PASS?????3) MPs, None Vul. You South hold:♠K4/♥AKQ10985/♦A3/♣K9SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST— PASS PASS PASS?????- 13 -4) MPs, Both Vul. You South hold:♠8/♥9/♦AQ1032/♣AK8765SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST?????5) I MPs, Both Vul. You South hold:♠AKQ54/♥Q2/♦AK54/♣54SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST1♠ PASS 2♣(GF) PASS2♦ PASS 2♠ PASS????Return answers by October 23 to:Steve Robinson2891 S. Abingdon St #A2,Arlington VA, 22206robinswr@erols.com

♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHT2003 TROPHY RACE STANDINGSwww.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org 0-20Updated by our Webmaster, Don BermanLESSON& GAMEThe Lovenberg Race is open to allWBL members; the Izzy Cohen Raceis open to all WBL members whostarted the calendar year with fewerthan 1500 masterpoints; the TubbsRace is open to all WBL memberswho started the calendar year as aNon-Life Master; the Woolridge Raceis open to all WBL members whostarted the calendar year with fewerthan 20 masterpoints; the MachlinRace includes only those points wonin senior events at the five WBLSectional Tournaments.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 20, 2003 (not includingKOs or RR). All points are subjectto audit by the WBL Director.Lovenberg1 136.92 Steve Robinson2 124.83 Leo LaSota3 93.04 John Adams4 89.01 Alfred Steinberg5 88.05 Alan Kleist6 70.29 Fred King7 68.90 Lloyd Rawley8 68.32 Barbara Shaw9 64.79 Mark Shaw10 64.26 John Lawrence11 61.11 Charity Sack12 58.37 Ellen Cherniavsky13 56.87 Richard Wegman14 56.87 Ellen Klosson15 55.68 Charleen Brand16 54.96 David Ruderman17 53.09 William Cole18 51.72 Andrew Gofreed19 51.35 Warren Kaufman20 49.97 William Hacker21 49.74 James Geist22 49.44 Robert Klein23 47.85 Earl Glickstein24 45.81 Jim Houghton25 43.64 Stephen SwearingenIzzy Cohen1 68.90 Lloyd Rawley2 64.26 John Lawrence3 61.11 Charity Sack4 49.97 William Hacker5 49.74 James Geist6 42.41 Charles Young Jr7 39.97 Kitty Gottfried8 39.40 Andrew Kaufman9 35.17 Kevin Barnes10 35.11 Robert Ellis11 32.95 Alice Wegman12 31.42 Vincent Wilmot Jr13 31.32 Janet Dence14 29.67 Joel Miller15 29.48 Steven SacksTubbs1 35.17 Kevin Barnes2 29.48 Steven Sacks3 24.16 Ellen Rosenthal4 24.15 Martin Reed5 23.53 John Lowe III6 22.88 Neal Rosenthal7 19.61 Mark Rosen8 19.32 Bruce Bromberg9 19.26 William Gill10 18.63 Suzanne AbramsWoolridge1 22.88 Neal Rosenthal2 10.35 Jean Agenbroad3 8.72 Cielle Block4 8.72 Rachelle Sladoff5 8.66 William Kingery Jr6 7.21 James Andre7 5.32 Ron Starr8 4.44 Lily Andre9 3.80 Kathleen O'Toole10 3.80 David MeadMachlin1 5.88 Audrey Marbach2 4.30 Alice Miller3 4.30 Eugene Davidson4 3.92 David Wakefield5 3.88 Juline Glaz6 3.88 Daniel Shankle Jr7 3.68 Edward Alexander8 3.68 Donald Jacobs- 14 -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 ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHTSCHEDULEAll Games held at Christ the King ChurchOctober 2......Club Appreciation Swiss TeamsOctober 9......Club Appreciation PairsOctober 16......WBL SectionalOctober 23......Stratified Club ChampionshipOctober 30......Stratified GNTeams QualifyingNovember 6......NVBA SectionaNovember 13......Stratified BAM Teams Club ChampionshipNovember 20......StrataFlighted Unit ChampionshipNovember 27......•••CLOSED for Thanksgiving•••December 4......WBL SectionalDecember 11 ....MABC STaC/Holiday PartyDecember 18 ....Stratified GNTeams QualifyingDecember 25 ....•••CLOSED for Christmas•••January 1......•••CLOSED for New Year’s Day•••January 8......WBL Sectional∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼Newcomer, Novice, and Intermediate7:15pm......Free Duplicate Mini-Lesson7:30pm......BridgeCall Frances Burke at 301-384-6103 for info onNewcomer Classes and GamesUNIT GAMEPARTNERSGUARANTEEDTo find a partner before thegame, contact Barbara Shaw:barbshaw@comcast.net, 301-598-3339, or Charity Sack:charity@charitysack.com,703-963-7027. Please call atleast 2 days before game time.....Or log on to the WBL’s newPartnership Desk Online at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.UNIT GAMECARPOOLAVAILABLETo arrange a carpool, contactDon Berman, CarpoolCoordinator, at 301-776-3581or don.berman@verizon.net.....Or log on to the WBL’s newOnline Carpool Notices at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.GAME IS TO START PROMPTLY AT 7:30PM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 301-649-1812MAP TO CHRIST THE KING CHURCH- 15 -

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COMITTEE ACTION XLIIIPart Iby Rich Colker, rcolker@worldnet.att.natIn 2003 the International Team Trialswere almost appeal free. Almost, that is,except for one case which, oddly enough,occurred on the first day, in the very firstsession of the opening round-robin. Thecase, which evoked a good deal of discussionamong appeals aficionados, illustrates acouple of instructive points. Here’s whathappened (note: screens in use).Bd: 3Dlr: SouthVul: E/WNORTH♠ KQ65♥ K5♦ K762♣ K109WESTEAST♠ 42♠ AJ3♥ AQJ32 ♥ 874♦ J985 ♦ AQ4♣ 65♣ AJ84SOUTH♠ 10987♥ 1096♦ 103♣ Q732ScreenScreenWEST NORTH EAST SOUTHPassPass 1NT(1) Dbl(2) 2♣2♦ (3) Pass 2NT(4) Pass3♥ All Pass(1) 12-14 HCP(2) A good hand (14+ HCP or better), notnecessarily balanced(3) Intended as a transfer to hearts(4) Undiscussed but intended as a constructivegame move3♥ made four, +170 for E/W. TheDirector was called at the end of the auction- 17 -(before the opening lead) when E/W discoveredthat the 2♣ bid had been explained differentlyon the two sides of the screen. Southtold West that 2♣ showed clubs and a highersuit but might also be the start of a scramble(N/S’s actual agreement). North told Eastthat 2♣ was simply clubs and a higher suit,leaving out the part about the scramble. Nowthat may seem like a fairly unimportant differencebut not to this E/W pair, who playedthat an opponent’s suit was known all bidswere natural but when no suit was known“system on” applied, as if the doubler hadopened 1NT himself. Since West knew noneof South’s suits for certain he thought his 2♦bid was a transfer to hearts. But East, who“knew” that South held clubs for certain,thought West’s 2♦ bid was natural.Another problem for E/W was that theyhad not discussed what 2NT meant after atransfer in this situation. If East had opened1NT and rebid 2NT over West’s transfer itwould have shown a good hand with threecardsupport. But as East might have doubled1NT with a source of tricks of his ownmight he not refuse to accept a transfer intoa suit in which he held a singleton or a weakdoubleton and bid 2NT hoping to be able totake eight tricks rather than play in a weaksix- or seven-card fit? Being suspicious ofEast’s (undiscussed) 2NT bid, at the end ofthe auction West passed the note with hisexplanation of his 2♦ bid (“intended astransfer but undiscussed”) under the screenso that North would know the correct meaningof the bid in case East had misexplainedit. When East passed a note backsaying “not a transfer, we know one of theirsuits!” West realized that they had beengiven different explanations and called theDirector.The Director’s ruling was based in largepart on two sections of the Conditions of

Contest which read:Requirement to Know Own System. Playersare expected to know their system, especiallyearly in the bidding. If it is determinedthat the opponents have been disadvantagedby ambiguous or differing explanations,score adjustments may be applied.Screens. When a contradiction betweeninformation provided on the two sides of thescreen on the same call is apparent, ANYREASONABLE doubt that harm was donewill be resolved in favor of the non-offendersin determining a score adjustment.He ruled that E/W were damaged by thedifferent explanations; with a correct explanationEast would have known that 2♦ wasa transfer and bid 2♥, after which Westwould either have simply bid game (3NT) orat least invited it with 2NT (and East wouldhave accepted).The contract was thereforechanged to 4♥ made four, +620 for E/W.N/S appealed the Director’s ruling andmade several points they believed were relevant.First, they said that using 2♣ as ascramble when a weak notrump is doubled isnot an uncommon practice and E/W shouldhave been aware of this possibility eventhough North neglected to mention it.Second, they thought the difference betweenthe explanations on the two sides of thescreen was not really that significant. Andthird (and the main thrust of their appeal),they said that West’s non-forcing 3♥ bid wasunduly conservative after a 2NT bid that,discussed or not, must have shown a goodhand of some sort—one which, at the veryleast, would have its own source of tricks sothat East could hope to take eight (or nearlyeight) tricks even opposite a yarborough withfive hearts. Thus, E/W should still havereached game (either 4♥ or 3NT) and it wasWest’s 3♥ bid which was responsible fortheir not getting there—not the differentexplanations.When asked by the Committee abouttheir methods after their weak notrump wasdoubled N/S said that had South passed thedouble it would have forced North to redouble,after which South could show variousone-suiters. E/W said they had the samebidding agreements in the present auction asthey had after their strong 1NT opening wasinterfered with. East’s double normallyshowed a strong notrump or better (14+HCP, balanced) but an unbalanced hand waspossible. The latter meant that some continuationsof the auction—like East’s 2NT ornew suit bid—had meanings which E/W hadnot discussed. For example, had Eastopened 1NT his new suit in response to atransfer would have shown a pre-acceptancewith shortness in the bid suit. But in thepresent auction a new suit should theoreticallybe natural and deny a fit. Similarly,East’s 2NT bid here did not necessarily showa good balanced hand with a three-card fit asit would have if East had opened 1NT.Finally, West admitted that his 3♥ bidwas an error. He suspected from East’sundiscussed 2NT bid that something hadgone awry (East would not spring a bid likethat on him when a straightforward encouraging3♥ bid was available), but even so, herealized that East’s 2NT showed a good handof some sort and that E/W should reachgame given his hand. However, he failed toappreciate that when he bid 3♥ intending toshow his suit and give East a choice of contractsit would be interpreted as a signoffwith a weak hand and long hearts. East saidthat had N/S explained their agreementproperly he would never have bid 2NT,which he intended as constructive with hisexcellent diamond fit since 3NT was stillpossible opposite as little as king-sixth ofdiamonds and out (remember, East thought2♦ was natural); he would have acceptedthe transfer and bid 2♥ with his three smallhearts. West would then have either bid 3NTor 2NT (and East would have bid game) andthe problem would never have happened.Okay, those are the facts. Decide how youwould adjudicate this case and I’ll be backnext time to explain what the Committee didand offer my own opinion.- 18 -

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BEST LEADSAGAINST NOTRUMPby Steve Robinsonrobinswr@erols.com♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WINNERS ♠When you lead an honor against notrumpyou want to get the best possible signal fromyour partner. In order to get the best possiblesignal, your partner has to know what youhave. (x) represents one or more spot cards.Lead the Ace from AKx or longer. This willget partner to signal encouragement with theQueen and discouragement with the Jack.From AK109(x), you want partner to encouragewith the Queen and discourage with the Jack.Lead the King as the power lead. Partnerplays an honor if he has one, otherwise partnergives count. From AKJ109(x) lead theKing. Partner plays the Queen if he has itotherwise partner gives count. You want tobe able to run the suit if declarer has Qx.Lead the King from AKQ10(x) to get theJack or count. Lead the K from KQJ109 toget count or get partner to unblock with theAce. Lead the King from KQ109(x) and getthe Jack from partner.Lead the Queen to get attitude for the Jack.KQ10(x), KQ9(x) and AKQ(x) are sequenceswhere you would lead the Queen. You want partnerto encourage with the jack or a higher honor.If you lead the Queen and follow with the Jackthat shows length and partner is supposed tounblock with the Ace If you lead the Queen andfollow with the King that shows shortness andpartner is not supposed to unblock with the Ace.Lead the Jack to get attitude for the 10.KQJ(x), QJ(x), AQJ(x) are sequences where youwould lead the Jack. You want partner to encouragewith 10 or a higher honor. You have to becareful when leading the Jack from KQJ sincepartner will not know that you have the King. Ifyou lead the Jack and follow with the 10 thatshows length and partner is supposed to unblocka higher honor. If you lead the Jack and followwith the Queen that shows shortness and partneris not supposed to unblock with a higher honor.Lead the 10 as a standard Jack lead.AJ10(x), KJ10(x) or J109(x) are sequenceswhere you would lead the 10.Lead the 9 as a standard 10 lead.A109(x), K109(x), Q109(x), AQ109(x),AK109(x) and 1098(x) are sequences whereyou would lead the 9.Lead the 8 from 98(x), 1087(x), KJ98(x)or AQ98(x). Second or fourth best.- 20 -NOVEMBER 7, 2002Stratified Club Championship . . . . . . . . . .(62 Pairs)1 Hy Chansky - David Popper . . . . . .385.822 Michael Richey - Lloyd Rawley . . . .376.65Stratified Pairs 0-200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(12 Pairs )1 William Norlander - Chuck Zurawski 62.502 Timothy Stewart - Alexander Vortmeyer 61.50NOVEMBER 14, 2002STRATA FLIGHTED CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPA/X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(42 Pairs)1 Bryan Coleman - Fred King . . . . . . .287.362 Glenn Lublin - Eugene Kales . . . . .279.17B/C/D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(38 Pairs)1 Benjamin Stauss - Hy Chansky . . . .109.002 Joana Da Silva - David Harris . . . . .105.50Stratified Pairs 0-200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(14 Pairs )1 William Norlander - Chuck Zurawski 71.002 Joan Fitzpatrick - Gail Morgenweck .67.00NOVEMBER 21, 2002WBL SECTIONALThursday Evening A/X Pairs . . . . . . . . . .(73 Pairs)1 Bob Kerchner - Kenneth Katzner . .334.402 Helene Bauman - Vincent Wilmot Jr319.90Thursday Evening B/C Pairs . . . . . . . . . . .(64 Pairs)1 Mark Rosen - Marlys Moholt . . . . . .110.432 Keith Crank - Gregory Campbell . . .109.50Thursday Evening WBL 0-200 Pairs . . . .(14 Pairs)1 David Bort - Walter Mitnick . . . . . . .78.502 Joan Anderson - Gwendolyn Harllee .74.00DECEMBER 12, 2002Annual Holiday Board-a-Match Teams .(51 Teams)1 Leo LaSota - Alan Kleist - Daniel Koch -William Kingery Jr . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.002 David Ruderman - Alfred Steinberg - DavidEpstein - Thavendran Arulnandhy . . . .17.00Bracket A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (28 Pairs)1 Leo LaSota - Alan Kleist . . . . . . . . .173.002 John Adams - Clyde Kruskal . . . . . .161.50Bracket B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(24 Pairs)1 Charity Sack - John Lawrence . . . .58.93%2 Bill Gainer - Dolores Rioux . . . . . .58.63%Bracket C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 Pairs)1 Steven Forsythe - Eugene Fisher . . .101.002 John Evans - Ruth Schrider . . . . . . . .97.00Bracket D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (28 Pairs)1 David Epstein - ThavendranArulnandhy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63.26%2 William Norlander - Chuck Zurawski .61.74%DECEMBER 19, 2002Grand National Teams Qualifier . . . . . .(47 Teams)1 Steve Robinson - Beth Palmer - JimHoughton - John Adams . . . . . . . . . .68.002 Ronald Spath - Lois Miliman -KathrynKiley - Julian Boyce . . . . . . . . . . . . .63.00

♥ UNIT GAME ♦ WINNERS ♣KITTY PICKETTAn Appreciationby Sylvia LevyDECEMBER 26, 2002Strata-Flighted A/X Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . .(28 Pairs)1 Earl Glickstein - Robert Bell . . . . . .156.502 Eugene Kales - Alfred Steinberg . . .154.50Strata-Flighted B/C/D Pairs . . . . . . . . . . .(20 Pairs)1 Noble Shore - Jennifer Lin . . . . . . . .105.502 Barry James - Diane Jaworiwsky . . .105.00Stratified Pairs 0-200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(8 Pairs )1 Wilma Middleton - Lillian Howard . .40.002 James Scott - Ruth Freedman . . . . . .39.50JANUARY 2, 2003WBL SECTIONALThursday Evening A/X Pairs . . . . . . . . . .(70 Pairs)1 Margot Hennings - Prahalad Rajkumar 298.882 Robert Hartmann - Ronald Spieker .286.46Thursday Evening B/C Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . (58 Pairs)1 Jon Ranhand - Donald Goldman . . .140.142 Kitty Gottfried - Eileen Houghton . .138.21Thursday Evening WBL 0-200 Pairs . . .(16 Pairs))1 Joan Fitzpatrick - Gail Morgenweck 105.642 Julie Oethinger - Joan Donoghue . . . .99.50JANUARY 9, 2003Strata-Flighted A/X Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . .(41 Pairs)1 Clyde Kruskal - Rossi Lindstrom . . .282.552 Ellen Klosson - Ellen Cherniavsky .268.91Strata-Flighted B/C/D Pairs . . . . . . . . . . .(34 Pairs)1 Kevin Barnes - Robert Henry . . . . .173.502 Kitty Gottfried - Rosemary Marks . .157.50Stratified Pairs 0-200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(14 Pairs )1 Robert Sturm - Thomas Marcelino . . .90.502 Timothy Stewart - Alexander Vortmeyer .77.00JANUARY 16, 2003Strata-Flighted A/X Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . (30 Pairs)1 David Ruderman - Robert Klein . . .162.502 Alan Kleist - Andrew Kaufman . . . .159.50Strata-Flighted B/C/D Pairs . . . . . . . . . . .(30 Pairs)1 Joana Da Silva - David Harris . . . . .160.502 Kitty Gottfried - Reginald Beard, Jr. 159.00JANUARY 23, 2003Strata-Flighted A/X Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . (48 Pairs)1 Steven Parker - Steve Robinson . . . .387.002 Leo LaSota - David Gottfried . . . . . .358.00Strata-Flighted B/C/D Pairs . . . . . . . . . . .(36 Pairs)1 Keith Crank - Gregory Campbell . . .171.502 Christopher Miller - ThavendranArulnandhy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166.00Stratified Pairs 0-200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(10 Pairs )1 Sen. Robert Packwood - Kathy Attlan 67.002 Eric Nash - Wilma Middleton . . . . . .58.00Continued on page 23...- 21 -Kitty Pickett died recently at 96, anevent she would applaud. Her last yearswere spent in blindness and her lasttwo, unknowing. Thiswas intolerable for awoman of her vigor.She has left behindmany memories for alot of us.Kitty ran the SilverSpring Duplicate Clubfor thirty years, and her players will tellyou that it was the best game in town. Itdid not get that way by accident. Kittywas, well, “Kitty,” the reigning monarchof her world. Her graciousness to newcomershooked them for all time. I wasone of them. Her walls were lined withpictures of winners, and her food tablereplete with goodies. At the head of it allwas the gracious Southern hostess withthe Tallulah Bankhead voice, ruling withan iron hand and a carefully modulatedvoice (to hide the stutter few knew shehad). When her two games a week cameto a close, we all felt that somethingmajor had gone from our lives – asindeed it had.No talk of Kitty would be complete withoutmentioning her beloved dogs – ones weall knew and some of us loved. There wasVal, a Weimeraner, Cinder, a miniatureSchnauzer, and Georgia, a Yorkie who spentour sessions on my lap. In her retirement,her family got her a Jack Russell Terrier,whom she named J.R. He was very muchlike his owner – sweet, feisty, full of fun,and hardy as they come. A real dog for areal human.Even people who had not played atKitty’s game for 20 years still askedme about her. She left her mark on allof us.

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...Unit Game Winners continuedJANUARY 30, 2003GNT Qualifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(42 Teams)1 Ann Lindley - Kenneth Berg - Robert Ellis- Ralph Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66.002 Glenn Lublin - Barbara Shaw - Jeff Roman- Richard Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63.00FEBRUARY 6, 2003NVBA SECTIONALA/X Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (58 Pairs)1 Jean Levin - Zeke Letellier . . . . . . .244.772 Ed Lewis - Charles Yaple . . . . . . . .236.59B/C Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(49 Pairs)1 John Glynn - Ben Laden . . . . . . . . .174.002 Robert Henry - Kevin Barnes . . . . .169.00Stratified Pairs 200/100 . . . . . . .( 10 Pairs ) at WBL1 Albert Leon - Millie Reizenstein . . . .67.382 David Bort - Walter Mitnick . . . . . . .57.90FEBRUARY 13, 2003GNT A/X Qualifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(24 Teams)1 Louis Stuckey - George Hershman - LynnJones - Joseph Trapani . . . . . . . . . . . .66.002 Steve Robinson - William Cole - EarlGlickstein - Steven Parker . . . . . . . . .56.00GNT B/C Qualifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(15 Teams)1 Robert Stearns - Charles Young Jr - Bill . . .Gainer - Lynn Boardman . . . . . . . . . .61.002 Richard Levin - Neal Rosenthal - Ellen . . .Rosenthal - Steven Sacks . . . . . . . . . .52.00FEBRARY 20, 2003NVBA SECTIONALA/X Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .( 36 Pairs)1 Dalia Kende - Shou-Ling Wang . . . .238.502 William Gill - Michael Gill . . . . . . .220.47B/C/D Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ( 32 Pairs)1 Robert Stearns - Charles Young Jr . .175.002 Azmat Ali - John Verthelyi . . . . . . .151.00FEBRUARY27, 2003WBL SECTIONALThursday Evening A/X Pairs(WBL site) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (18 Pairs)1 Helene Bauman - Arnie Frankel . . .113.002/3 Richard Wegman - Robert Klein . . .102.50Thursday Evening Stratified Pairs(NVBA Site) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (14 Pairs)1 Melville Yudkin - Leo Cardillo . . . . .77.502 Janet Gookin - Robert Gookin . . . . . .68.50Thursday Evening B/C Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . (10 Pairs)1 William Kingery Jr - Daniel Koch . . .60.422 Ray Dodson - Rodger Kamuf . . . . . . .57.75MARCH 6, 2003Unit Charity Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (58 Pairs)1 John Sedgewick - Janet Dence . . . . .173.002 Keith Crank - Gregory Campbell . . .162.50Unit Charity Game - 0-200 . . . . . . . . . . . .(10 Pairs )1 Julie Oethinger - Joan Donoghue . . . .57.002 Ellen Lux - Jan Zaal . . . . . . . . . . . . .55.50- 23 -IN MEMORYOF KENNETHKATZNERKenneth Katzner, 72,passed away on May 25.He had been battling cancerfor 6 years, but his death at this time was neverthelessunexpected. Ken was a major authorityon the Russian language, and was the author ofan English-Russian Russian English dictionarywhich the Washington Post called “definitive”. In1999, he launched the company Wordfind whichproduced and sold the CD ROM version of hisdictionary. He was also the author of two additionalbooks, Languages of the World, the fourth editionwas published in 2002, and A RussianReview Text. He wrote numerous Op-Ed articlesfor major newspapers, articles for scholarly journalsand articles based on his world-wide travelsaccompanied by his photographs.A Washington resident since 1972, heapplied his skills as a Soviet expert for theCIA and Defense Department. Ken graduatedfrom Cornell University. He previouslylived in New York and worked as an editor forGrolier Encyclopedia, EncyclopaediaBritannica and the American HeritageDictionary of the English Language where hedeveloped his methodology for researchingand defining the different meanings of words.In 1964, Ken was introduced to New YorkTimes bridge editor Albert Morehead whowith his partner, the legendary bridge playerand ACBL President Emeritus, Waldemarvon Zedtwitz owned a small publishing companywhich produced dictionaries, crosswordpuzzle, bridge books and various other referenceworks. They hired Ken to work on anEnglish-Russian dictionary. After Mr.Moorehead’s death, Ken took over the projectand completed it in his spare time, and on hisown, 18 years later. Ken was completing workon the third edition at the time of his death.At the bridge table, Ken was a strong competitorand a pleasure as a partner, never losinghis composure after a bad result. Ken’s bridgecareer was quite successful, especially in lightof his many competing interests. He wasacquainted with many of the major NYC bridgefigures of the 1950’s and 1960’s, for exampleoccasionally partnering Jeff Rubens. In recentyears he rarely traveled to out-of-town tournaments,but he did play locally, and won severalsectional A events in the last year alone.Ken’s survivors include his wife of 36years, Betty, a brother Steve of New York andnumerous nieces and nephews.

WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE’SSECTIONAL IN THE CLUBSAugust 14-17, 2003THURSDAYThursday Morning Open Pairs . . . .(48 Pairs)A B C1 James McGann - Barbara Vinson2 Andrew Gabrilovitch - DonaldGeerhart3 Carol Netchvolodoff - Gloria Silverman4 Rossi Lindstrom - Warren Kaufman5 William Snyder - Joseph Carlomagno6 1 Jeanne Clayman - Adele Margulies2 Martha Boyd - Marcia Stein3 1 Charles King - Cynthia Helms4 Gordon Ginsburg - Judith Phelps5/6 Larry Myers - Ralph Sturgis5/6 Shirley Light - Mary Farrow2 Frieda Joyce - John Lowe III3 Pitamber Devgon - Salam Saidi4 Silas Wasserstrom - Michael GottesmanThursday Evening A/X Pairs. . . . .(50 Pairs)A X1 1 Charity Sack - John Lawrence2 David Ruderman - Roger Pies3 Robert Klein - Arnie Frankel4 2 Saul Penn - Jan Garber5 Leo LaSota - Alan Kleist6 3 Avinash Bhagwat - Marlys Moholt4 Lynn Jones - Joseph Trapani5 David Fleischer - Gary Helman6 Donald Berman - Jim Allen JrThursday Evening B/C/D . . . . . . . . .(36 Pairs)B C D1 Beta Nahapetian - Ruth Zimmerman2 Rosemary Marks - Martha Chen3 Barry James - Diane Jaworiwsky4 1 1 Martin Reed - Fred Ris5 2 2 Norris Hekimian - Edgar MacArthur6 3 3 Prem Garg - Shyam Giridharadas4 4 Ellen Rosenthal - Neal Rosenthal5 5 Reese House - Suzanne Abrams6 6 Marshall Kramer - Stephen MacArthurResults- 24 -Thursday Evening 0-200 Pairs . . . .(12 Pairs)A B C1 Herbert Behre III - Deborah Branch2 Ali Al-Aref - Wanda Avila3 Donald Goldman - Steven Schlosser4 Agnes Gavin - Evelyn Knapp1 1 Dale Collinson - Steve Rosenthal2 Eric Nash - Wilma Middleton2 Stephen Weiner - Ruby BrooksFRIDAYFriday Morning Stratified Pairs . . .(57 Pairs)A B C1 1 1 Hikmat Nasr - Julia Nasr2 Leo LaSota - Mark Shaw3 2 Victor Stewart - Harold Minus Sr4 3 Alice Wegman - Seema Bhagwat5 Sumner Steinfeldt - Kenneth Davis6 Jean Levin - Salam Saidi4 Charles Carrington - Mildred Anderson5 Marge Bernard - Mary Schwerdtfeger6 2 Samuel Bowlin - Charles King3 Alfred O’Malley - Pitamber Devgon4 Marilyn Smebakken - Elizabeth TraylorFriday Morning 0-200 Pairsat Fun Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(18 Pairs)A B C1 Helen Dodge - Nancy Young2 Lois Simms - Stella Perry3 Patricia Needham - Virginia Re4 Mary Tubbs - Alda Ball5 1 1 Mary C. Edge - Janice Smith2 2 Joseph Bekhor - Linda Clover3 Mary Ann Quill - Joyce Weir4 John Haberlin - Sandy HaberlinFriday Afternoon Stratified Pairs . .(30 Pairs)A B C1 Leo Lasota - Alan Kleist2 Audrey Marbach - Warren Manison3 Sylvia Levy - Charleen Brand4 Eileen Theimer - Barbara Shaw5 Ellen Klosson - Steve Robinson6 1 James Geist - Mita Banerjee2 Victor Stewart - Harold Minus Sr3 1 Leon Fastovsky - Robert Blatt4 Constance Bynum - Stephen MacArthur5 Mary Ann Moskowitz - Frances Burke6 Joan Benesch - William Benesch2 Joan Cutler - Susan Quint3 Ted Guthrie - Reese House4 William Colket - Doreen Colket5 Juan Pardo - Larry Gomberg

Friday Evening Stratified Pairs . . . .(39 Pairs)A B C1 Steve Robinson - Peter Boyd2 Clyde Kruskal - Barbara Shaw3 1 1 Harold Minus III - Harold Minus Sr4 Ellen Klosson - Arnie Frankel5 Gary Helman - David Fleischer6 Donald Berman - Rose Berman2 D Bennett - Charles Moment3 Karen Chagalis - Nancy Kramer4 James Geist - Ralph Williams Jr5 Ralph Sturgis - Tom Luther6 Jean Marx - Jerry Falconett2 Ray Dodson - Rodger Kamuf3 Carole Banks - Livingston Johnson4 William Colket - Doreen ColketSATURDAYSaturday Morning Stratified Pairs .(16 Pairs)A B C1/2 Hank Meyer - Barbara Shaw1/2 Leo Lasota - Stephen Swearingen3 Marie Creisher - Ellie Ostrinsky4 Clyde Kruskal - Sandra Schwalb5 1 Charles Carrington - Bill Wade2 Thomas Din - Gloria Halstead3 Marshall Kramer - Stephen MacArthur4 Lily Andre - James AndreSaturday Morning 0-750 Stratified Pairs(Norma’s Game) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (27 Pairs)A B C1 Mahadeo Patwardhan - Jay Kelkar2 1 Franz Delahan - Madeline Delahan3 2 1 John Miles - Kim Ashenden4 3 Cherie Charles - Barbara DiCicco5 4 2 Keiko Quinn - Joseph Lentz6 5 Alfred O’Malley - David Schultz6 Marilyn Udell - Maida Crocicchia3 Kathrine Loh - Edward MolnarSaturday Afternoon Stratified Pairs (78 Pairs)A B C1 Mark Shaw - William Cole2 Charleen Brand - William Hacker3 John Adams - Steve Robinson4 Ellen Klosson - Arnie Frankel5 Bruce Houston - Donald Van Arman6 Leo Lasota - Stephen Swearingen1 Marsha Brown - William Brown2 1 Cynthia Helms - Charles King3 Ralph Williams Jr - Leslie Shafer4 Zehava Tadjer - Ursula Cairnes5 2 Herman Pflucker - Katherine Rabenstein6 Charles Pecarro - Joan Shields3 Patrice Gordon - Ruth Schrider4 Samuel Bowlin - Wanda Avila5 Leon Fastovsky - Robert Blatt- 25 -Saturday Evening Stratified Pairs .(24 Pairs)A B C1 John Adams - Steve Robinson2 Weizhong Bao - Kefu Xu3 Charles Stenger - Mary Guandolo4 1 Jeremy Koegel - Charity Sack5 Leo LaSota - Barbara Shaw6 2 1 Robert Boorman - Christon Johnson3 Robert Gunnell Jr - Jay Kelkar4 2 Helen Solomon - Jason RosenfeldSUNDAYSunday A/X Swiss Teams . . . . . . . . .(7 Teams)A X1 Leo LaSota - Barbara Shaw - GlennLublin - Eugene Kales2 1 Yi Zhong - Weizhong Bao - HailongAo - Kefu Xu3 Ernest Boatman - David Fleischer -Frank Collins - Patricia ParkerSunday B/C/D Swiss Teams . . . . . . (13 Teams)B C D1 Robert Wissman - John Christensen- Mita Banerjee - James Geist2 1 Jerry Miller - Margie Coccodrilli -Walter Kerns - Daniel Feldman3 Rick Larkin - Millie Larkin - RalphWilliams Jr - Leslie Shafer4 2 Joana Da Silva - Robert Gunnell, Jr.- John Kuchenbrod - Jay Kelkar5/6 Jeremy Koegel - Eileen Houghton -Kitty Gottfried - David Genne5/6 3 Richard Cassell - Stanley Legum -Gordon Hatheway Jr - HerbertHackney4 1 Neal Rosenthal - Ellen Rosenthal -Steven Sacks - Marc Weiner2 Charles King - Cynthia Helms -Samuel Bowlin - Steven FoxSunday Stratified Pairs . . . . . . . . . . (26 Pairs)A B C1 Kenneth Davis - Jean Levin2 1 1 Richard Hesse - Pitamber Devgon3 2 David McIntyre - Kim Ashenden4 Dot Lewis - Ed Lewis5 Frank King Jr - Joan Shields6 Michael Polunin - Donald Geerhart3 2 Jenny Shaefer - Nasser Makhzani4 3 Bob Brennen - Joy Brennen5 Lola Beck - Ann McGee6 4 Tina Hogan - Joyce Montgomery5 Cathy Stryker - Nancy Loomis

WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE’SNON LIFE MASTER SECTIONALJuly 24-27, 2003Thursday Evening Kick-off Pairs . .(36 Pairs)A B C1 Bradley Tash - William Isenstein2 Betty Siefring - Richard Bryan3 Alvin Ezrin - James Wisman4 1 Barry Lieberman - Thomas Din5 2 Ellen Rosenthal - Neal Rosenthal6 Robert Sturm - Erwin Schuler3 1 Linda Clover - Stephen Weiner4 2 Rachelle Sladoff - Cielle Block5 Sen. Robert Packwood - Kathy Attlan3 Steve Ro - Dale Collinson4 Jean Agenbroad - Lena VargasThursday Evening 0-20 Pairs . . . . . . (6 Pairs)No Overalls, Section ResultsOnly1 N-S Maureen Pelter - Nomy Hume1 E-W Eric Beard - Trish HoustonFriday Afternoon Stratified Pairs . . (32 Pairs)A B C1 1 1 Jean Agenbroad - Lena Vargas2 2 2 Edgar Hopkins Jr - Dennis Faber3 Betty Siefring - Marie Siefring4 Thomas Reckford - Behnaz Fardshisheh5 3 Rena Brewrink - Billie Ahrens6 Marshall Kramer - Stephen MacArthur4 Patrick Stanton - Bob Grudberg5 Cynthia Helms - Samuel Bowlin6 3 Craig Caplan - Teresa CaplanFriday Evening StratifiedX Pairs . .(36 Pairs)A B C1 1 Clifford Dyhouse - Judy Glick2 2 Jean Agenbroad - Shirley Forrester3 3 John Buchanan - J Willard Williams4 Alvin Ezrin - James Wisman5 Allen Shearn - Peggy Shearn6 Marshall Kramer - Stephen MacArthur4 Robert Sturm - Erwin Schuler5 Patrick Stanton - Bob Grudberg6 Samuel Bowlin - Cynthia Helms1 Kathleen O’Toole - David Mead2 James Andre - Lily Andre3 Edgar Hopkins Jr - Dennis Faber4 Jane Lee - Audrey BourkeResults- 26 -Saturday Morning Stratified Pairs .(30 Pairs)A B C1 1 Sherrie Schrama - Paul Stygar2 2 Jean Agenbroad - Frieda Joyce3 3 John Buchanan - J Willard Williams4 Netttie Banks - Mary Gross5 Donald Jacobs - Sandra Jacobs6 Marshall Kramer - Stephen MacArthur4 Jerry Krim - Herbert Fallin Jr5 Larry Moran - S Jeffery Koch6/7 1 James Andre - Lily Andre6/7 Sen. Robert Packwood - Kathy Attlan2 Louise Wattles - Ann FentonSaturday Afternoon Stratified Pairs (45 Pairs)A B C1 Mahadeo Patwardhan - Jay Kelkar2 Samuel Bowlin - Danut Gliga3 1 Teryl McBurney - Jean Montague4 2 Susan Strauss - Richard Slater5 3 Jerry Krim - Herbert Fallin Jr6 4 1 Tim Kuhn - Edward Dyer5 2 James Andre - Lily Andre6 Dan Koch - Bill Kingery3 Paul Stygar - Lorraine Tyler4 Margarett Wilden - Madeleine MinettiSaturday Evening Stratified Pairs .(26 Pairs)A B C1 1 Bryan Geer - Lois Geer2 2 Thomas Din - Gloria Halstead3 Michael Goldman - William Mendez Jr4/5 3 Elliot Grant - James Davenport Jr4/5 Mahadeo Patwardhan - Jay Kelkar6 4 1 Kathleen O’Toole - David Mead5 2 Bartoszro - Henry Mach6 Rena Brewrink - Billie Ahrens3 Craig Perry - Dale HuntSunday Swiss Teams . . . . . . . . . . . .(18 Teams)A B C1/2 1 J Willard Williams - John Buchanan- Beverly Meredith - Philip Meredith1/2 John Mattioli - Ali Al-Aref - WilliamColket - Doreen Colket3 Alvin Ezrin - James Wisman -Martin Reed - Bradley Tash4 Stephen Mac Arthur - Janet Berman- Joan Cutler - Marshall Kramer5 James Andre - Lily Andre - MehmetBayar - Mary Ann Moskowitz2 Herbert Fallin Jr - Jerry Krim -Susan Strauss - Richard Slater3 1 Eric Nash - Wilma Middleton - GailMorgenweck - Joan Fitzpatrick4 Herbert Behre III - Eve Ingber -Thomas Din - Gloria Halstead2 Jeff Youngen - Mary O’Shea -Elizabeth Huffman - Terry Jones

NLMasterPointerswritten and compiled by I/N Editor, Leslie ShaferSOME RANDOM THOUGHTSFROM YOUR ROVINGREPORTERWhat a summer! Two huge Regionalsand one National later, the bridge dust issettling and I have a few notes to sharewith you all.Recently at the club, my RHO opponent(a local diamond life master) had theunfortunate timing to actually laugh at mypartner’s bidding sequence during theauction. It was an unusual sequence:PARTNER DLM ME LHOPass Pass 1♣ Pass1♠ Pass 2♠ (1) Pass3♦ (2) Pass 3♠ (3) Pass4♠ (4) All Pass(1) As I might have opened “light” in thirdseat, my 2♠ raise showed a “full”opener, since with less I would havepassed Pard’s 1♠ response.(2) A help-suit game try by a passed hand.Must be invitational, about 11-12ish.Partner’s passed-hand 3♦ bid was onlyforcing because we had agreed on aspade fit.(3) I have just a minimum opener, partner,and I’m not interested in game.(4) I’ve changed my mind, I think we havea game anyway. I’m accepting my owninvitation.This is where the Diamond Life Masterdecided to laugh and shake her head indisbelief. Now readers, you probably knowme well enough by now to know that I donot tolerate acts of rudeness at the table.“Sharon [not her real name], I do notappreciate your reaction to our auction. Ithink it is very rude.”“Well, I am entitled to think anything Iwant to,” she said dismissively.“Why don’t we have you explain that tothe director, then. Director, please!” Thedirector promptly came to the table wherethe DLM actually denied that she had- 27 -made any derogatory laugh at all!Amazing. We were instructed to “playnice” and move along. I then proceeded tomake 4♠ exactly, thanking my partner forhis excellent raise to game. I absolutelyagreed that his hand improved greatly asthe auction progressed. The 3♦ bid wassuperfluous as he did push to game in theend. When trying to make our bids intempo we often do not have the time neededfor in-depth decision making, and pardhad decided to upgrade his “invitational”hand before the auction had ended.Whether or not we agree with anyone’sirregular bidding at the bridge table, it isnot our place to make snide comments, gloryingin our own feelings of superior bridgeknowledge. It is arrogant and unkind.This is one of the reasons why our newcomersto bridge (0-50 players) do notenjoy playing in an open game. Their bidsare treated with disdain and/or glee, withthe open players writing down a goodscore with great relish. We all could take alesson from the weather: it pays no attentionto criticism, and neither should we.But we’re only human.Even if it’s your partner’s bidding thatyou have a problem with – your commentsWILL NOT BE WELCOME. Any immediatecomment by you will only make partnerblow the next two boards. Talk about it afterthe game. You might even find that yourown perspective is wrong and that partner’schoice was actually a logical alternative atthe time. The human mind is like a parachute,it only works when it is open.Sharon’s comments are bad for bridge.Everyone should hold these types of individualsaccountable for their actions. If weconsistently call the director on this type ofbehavior, they might stop acting like this.By letting them get away with it at the table,we are CONDONING it. If we are to attractnew players to the game and keep them, itshould be everyone’s job to clean house.

These rude players needs to be dealtwith. Ah, I hear you saying, we alreadyhave a system called “recorder forms”where you would write up the incident. Tobe perfectly honest, I have gone that routealso, and was never notified of any outcomeor decision. If there was any actiontaken as a result of my filing such a form,it must have been done secretly. So thepresent policy does not seem effective. Ihave an idea ... why not create a committeeto deal with rudeness ... and ask“Sharon” to be our first chairman? Letthe offender(s) rehabilitate themselves byserving on this committee!Whoever degrades another degrades me,and whatever is done or said returns at lastto me. - Walt Whitman (1819 - 1892)AN INTERESTING RULING INHUNT VALLEYSouth, as declarer, has just lead a cardfrom the dummy. Before his RHO has achance to play, however, the LHO plays acard prematurely face up on the table. Notonly is this bad form, it has some heavydutyramifications.Law 57A. Premature Play, or Lead toNext Trick – When a defender ... plays outof turn before his partner has played(penalty) the card so led or played becomesa penalty card, and declarer selects one ofthe following options. He may:1. Highest Card – require offender’s partnerto play the highest card he holds ofthe suit led, or2. Lowest Card – require offender’s partnerto play the lowest card he holds ofthe suit led, or3. Card of Another Suit – forbid offender’spartner to play a card of a different suitspecified by declarer.So wait until it is your turn to play. Donot play out of turn.AN INTERESTING SUITCOMBINATIONDUMMYJ x xLHORHO?? ??DECLARERA K 9 x xMost of my students would get to thedummy to lead the J, intending to finesse- 28 -RHO for the missing Queen. However,missing the Q 10 x x x there is a better way.If you need four tricks: Play the Acefirst, then if the 10 doesn’t fall, lead low tothe Jack. If lefty has Q 10 x x - you’ll onlylose one trick. If RHO has Q 10 x x - you’llstill only lose one trick as you will laterfinesse RHO’s 10 with your K-9. If youneed all five tricks: Play your Ace andKing, hoping the Queen falls doubleton.Lay this combination out at home andwatch it work!There are many suit combinations likethis. An excellent classic book for learninghow to play them is Watson’s Play ofthe Hand. The Encyclopedia of Bridgepublished by ACBL has quite a few suitcombinations as well. Maybe look at oneexample every week and build your knowledgeslowly and comprehensively. It willpay off handsomely.ANOTHER INTERESTINGRULINGPARTNER RHO ME LHOPass Pass 1♣ 1♥1♠ Pass 2♠ Pass3♦ (1) Pass 4♥ (2) Pass (3)Pass (4) Pass(1) A help-suit game try.(2) I pulled out the wrong bidding card! Ihad meant to pull out 4♠, acceptingthe invitation.(3) This is when I noticed my mistake andgasped out loud in shock. Had I actuallysaid “Wait” and stopped the auctionbefore pard’s next bid, the directorwould have allowed me to correct a“purely mechanical” bidding box error.(4) Partner, wondering what all the excitementwas about, passed in confusion.For a moment my face was blue, butthen I started breathing again.As it happened they only set me onetrick. This turned out to be a good board,interestingly enough, as other pairs in mydirection are getting a 5-0 spade breakand going down 2 or 3 tricks! No use gettingupset in these situations because youdon’t know yet if it’s a bad board. Besides,it shows style to play in your 3-2 fit at thefour-level if you do it with laughter. A personrarely succeeds at anything unless hehas fun doing it.

[Leslie Shafer is the editor of “BridgeStudents ‘R Us.” A national bridgenewsletter specifically for Intermediateand Novice players, it is receiving ravereviews! Started in January 2001, hundredsof subscribers in its first year attestto its easy-to-read format and Leslie’sfamous humor! Call (301-593-6828) orwrite for a free copy of Issue #1. You maysubscribe by sending your name, address,phone number and payment of $25 for aone-year subscription (six issues a year) toLeslie Shafer, 690 Concerto Lane, SilverSpring, MD 20901. Her website iswww.bridgeteacher.com and her emailaddress is slamhand@erols.com]STEPPING UPTO NEW HEIGHTSAs of September 1, 2003Junior Masters (5 Masterpoints)Stanley Buda Roma ChandraRuth Fu Prem GargArthur Milholland Lucille MostelloShlomit Rind Lena VargasClub Masters (20 Masterpoints)Jim Mahler Ruth MahlerWilliam Martin David MeadKathleen O’Toole Dorothy WeilSectional Masters (50 Masterpoints)Joan Bragdon Eve IngberRodney Peterson Thomas ReckfordNancy WeilRegional Masters (100 Masterpoints)Thomas Din Shyam GiridharadasRose Hadidian Daniel KochNABC MastersRobert Boorman Behnaz FardshishehAjit ThyagarajanHere is a picture of Leslie Shafer and world champion,Steve Robinson in Long Beach at the American BridgeTeacher’s Association Seminar and Convention during theSummer Nationals. Steve was inducted into the Hall ofFame. Leslie was elected President of the American BridgeTeacher’s Association. This is a two year term of office. Shealso won the 2003 ABTA Applebasket Contest for thebridge teacher’s Tip of the Year Award. Anyone interestedin becoming a bridge teacher should contact Leslie fordetails (301-593-6828).- 29 -AREA BRIDGECLASS OFFERINGSLESLIE SHAFER’S CLASSESEvery Saturday 10 a.m. - 12 noon.Supervised Play. Excellent brush up forbidding and play techniques. $10 fee perclass. This class is on a “drop-in” basis.No reservations required. Location:Washington Bridge Center, 301-445-0276.One Day Bridge Institutes!Selected Sundays from 2-5 pm atthe Potomac Community Center; Fee$20 per class.Sept. 28 Strong Bidding Sequences.When an opener has a big hand, there areonly two ways he can force his partner tobid again. Learn the ins and outs of reversesand jump shifts. These two bids willallow you to find better games and evenmore slams.Oct. 12 Signaling Suit Preference.Scenario: partner just gave you a club ruff.Which suit do you play back to him so hecan give you another ruff? Partner can signalways to get back to him. This is a veryexciting workshop. Your opponents do notwant you to take this class.Nov. 23 The Weak Freak. This is one ofthe most exciting bids you will ever learn.It frustrates the opponents and exhilaratesyour partner! With lots of trumps and gooddistribution, we don’t need no stinkin’points to raise our partner.

THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVEBURTONSVILLE, MARYLAND 20866PeriodicalsPostage Paidat Burtonsville, MD70th Annual D.C. ChampionshipsThursday, December 4♣ Stratified Open Pairs (unlim/2000/750) . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30amWashington Bridge Center, 1620 Elton Road, Silver Spring MD♦ StrataFlighted Open Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C Separate 1500/500),Stratified 199er Pairs & 0-20 Pairs (Christ the King Church only),Stratified 99er Pairs (Beth El only)Beth El Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria .7:00pmChrist the King Church, 2301 Colston Drive, Silver Spring .7:30pmCapital Beltway to Connecticut Ave. South. Left on East-West Hwy. Right onGrubb Rd. 1st left on Colston. The church is one block on the left.Location for the Remainder of Tournament will be in our next issueFriday, December 5♥ StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/2000) & B/C Pairs (1000/500) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am♠ StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/2000) & B/C/D Pairs (2000/1250/750) . . .2:00pm & 7:30pm♣ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20) (single sessions) . . .10:00am, 2:00pm, 7:30pmSaturday, December 6♦ StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/2000) & B/C Pairs (1000/500) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30am♣ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . .1:30pm, 7:00pm♦ 1 st Annual: Washington Bridge League Trophy Pairs . . . .1:30pm & 7:00pm(Two session Open Pairs, qualifying and final)♠ Open Consolation Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00pm♥ Stratified B/C/D Pairs (2000/1250/750) (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:30pm, 7:00pm♠ Newcomer Pairs (0-5 MPs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:30pmSunday, December 7♣ A/X Swiss Teams, VPs (unlim /3000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30am & TBA♦ B/C/D Swiss Teams, VPs (2000/1250/750) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30am & TBA♥ 300//100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30am, 2:30pmThere will be a short dinner break with food served on-site between sessions.♣ ♦ Full Schedule of Intermediate and Novice Events ♥ ♠I/N events: 199er, 99er, 49er, & 0-20; Stratification at Director’s Discretion.Open and Senior Stratified Events and StrataFlighted Events vary as listed above.Famous Washington Hospitality includes food and/or drinks for all players every day.Refreshments available throughout the tournament. Scrip awarded for 1st overall and sectiontops. Chairs: Kathy Hilbers, (202) 662-3430, elfenq@hotmail.com, Ben Laden,(202) 244-1765, benladen@prodigy.net, Hospitality: Kitty Gottfried, kgottfried @hotmail.com(301)587-3981, Partnerships: Charity Sack, (703) 963-7027, charity@charitysack.com,On-line Partnership Desk: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.