BridgeSnaps - September 2009

September 2009

BRIDGE LITE

Generally doing things that challenge us are worthwhile - like trying to win the Tour de France, or setting a world mile run record - but they are not necessarily fun things to do.

The same thing could be said about duplicate bridge tournaments. Certainly they are a challenge and rewarding to win, but most contestants are so serious that it could hardly be called fun.

So, in an effort to lighten up, I am constantly looking for the lighter side.

MISSING QUEENS

When you are missing a queen, often you have a choice of finessing either way - through East or through West. It helps if an opponent bid something along the way; then the odds are better of finding that person with the missing queen. Sometimes the opening lead gives you a clue.

However, too often neither the bidding nor play helps you locate the key card. Then what do you do? You can’t just sit there and wait for divine inspiration.

Here are some ways to decide. The first two were suggested by Zeke Jabbour in a recent ACBL Bulletin.

1. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday play through East. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday play through West. On Sunday, play for the drop.

2. Never finesse into someone you do not like.

3. Order tea leaves in your ice tea.

4. Keep giving up tricks. Sooner or later, the defense will have to lead that suit.

NEWS FLASH

My web site www.oghma.us has just added a new link - www.pokerjunkie.com. If you want to learn anything about online poker, this is the place to start.

BridgeSnaps newsletter is produced by John S. Thomas, author of Standard American 21.