I'm writing this piece because people think I tell great bridge stories. When you have been playing bridge for 50 years, you probably have run across a hand or two that merits consideration. Please send any “goodies” to Pat, Carol Hargrave, or me for inclusion on this nifty website. (Contact Us)

Henry Francis

Fortunately, I learned bridge from a person who is in the Bridge Hall of Fame. Henry Francis was a colleague of mine on the Boston Herald-Traveler. As a 22-year-old reporter I loved to play poker and thought bridge was fit only for “little old ladies.” Henry used to write a bridge column for the Sunday Herald. One Friday evening I passed Henry’s desk which was littered with playing cards face up. I asked Henry what in the world he was doing. He said he was preparing a “brain-teaser” hand to be included in his column. Henry began to explain the basics of bridge, but I stopped him in mid-sentence with “Henry, this is the silliest game I have ever seen.” Two weeks later and some lessons from Henry changed my mind forever.

Just about all of the advice that Henry passed along to me is as relevant today as it was in 1958. For example: “Don’t bid a weak jump overcall if you are vulnerable and partner has already passed.” So one Friday evening in a “friendly” game against two pressmen, Jim bid 2 Spades after Henry had passed and my RHO opened 1 Heart. We were vulnerable and LHO applied the coup d’grace with a resounding double. Henry smiled wryly and chalked up 1,100 points for the opponents. Henry’s parting shot was, “I told you.”You may not have learned bridge from a hall-of-famer, but there are many excellent books on the subject. Some of my favorite authors are Marty Bergen (length is more important than strength), Larry Cohen (the law of total tricks), Eddie Kanter (rule of 7), and Mike Lawrence (how to bid take-out doubles and what action to take after a take-out double).

I have also been fortunate to play with and against some of the best players in the Tampa area. Thank you Marion Ellingsen and Carol Hargrave for your patience with some of my more “creative” bids, and yes Charlotte Kartsonis I really do know how to bid DONT.

In future stories, I will be happy to detail some of the weirdest hands I have played or witnessed. Any input from our readers would be greatly appreciated.
 

 

Sincerely,
Jim Somma

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