Oscar Wilde said "Life's too important to be taken seriously." A corollary is "Bridge can be too much fun to be taken seriously - all the time."

Tennyson’s poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” puts into words the nearly hopeless attack of light cavalry against overwhelming forces. Facing cannons to the left of them, cannons to the right of them, volleying and thundering, they rode forth on their must do – or die – mission.

A Discussion with Adam Kaplan and Carol and Lee Hargrave

A Discussion with Adam Kaplan and Carol and Lee Hargrave

A Discussion with Adam Kaplan and Carol and Lee Hargrave

Duplicate Bridge has a language that newcomers like me have had to learn. I speak a little German, a little Czech, English of course, and you probably didn’t know I am proficient in Texas Redneck. Since I’ve had to learn the language of bridge, I will attempt to teach you a bit of Texas Redneck. But first let me try to help other newcomers by defining some important bridge terms and offering some advice.

There must be something in the water at the Somma residence or I may be imbibing too much wine.  But these weird hands seem to follow me whenever I play no matter who my partner is.  This hand is from last Friday's club game.  In second seat, you hold:

♠-AQJxx
♥-Ax
♦-Axx
♣-AJx.

And RHO opens 1NT(!) - you must be kidding.

What can you possibly bid that would make any sense to your partner? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Jim Somma

In the Tuesday Pro-Am, this hand popped up at our table, and I am still befuddled as to how to get to the ultimate contract.  In third seat, red on red, you hold: ♠-xxx, ♥-AJxx, ♦-AKxxxx, ♣-void.  Partner opens 2NT, and after your regain your composure, you bid 3♣.  Partner bids 3♥ and you wonder how high to bid.

If I am playing with one of my experienced partners, I would start cue-bidding with the intention of getting to 7 something. But with a "newbie" I just bid 6♥.  Partner makes 7 Hearts with the following hand: ♠-A, ♥-KQxx, ♦-QJxx, ♣-AKJx.  As you can see, 7NT is cold - but how in the world do you get there?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Jim Somma

[Editor's note: the hands and the bidding are shown as provided.] 

Think What You Are Telling the Opponents

Frank Srewart has been one of my  favorite bridge experts for many years.  He inherited his present bridge column from Alfred Sheinwold (my hero) and his latest effort demonstrates the virtue of disciplined bidding.

In his book, Competitive Auctions, Mike Lawrence illustrates the futility of getting into a bidding war when most of your values are in the minor suits. Opt out as soon as feasible, it’s a battle you can’t win.

When MaryAnn Dufresne and Marion Ellingsen run the Wednesday morning 299er game, they have a motto that reads, “We Love The Majors.”

Amen to that.  Don’t bring a yo-yo to a gunfight as the following hands demonstrate.

and Why I'm Thankful

I know Charlie White is a knowledgeable sports fan (even if he roots for the Mets) and a good bridge player.  Until recently, I didn’t realize what a philosopher he was.

Against Mike Miller and me, Charlie made a rather dubious overcall, was doubled, and rang up a big minus number.  After apologizing to his partner, Pat Clark, we ended the round with a discussion about the modern game of duplicate bridge.