Duplicate Bridge results and tip: Useful conventions worth learning, part thirty-one

By Peter Rhead

Weak Jump Shifts

You have a long suit, let’s say seven Diamonds but weak point count, less than six points – even zero. Partner opens One Heart. The opposition may or may not compete but let’s say they bid Two Clubs. Now it is your turn to bid. What, if anything can you do with your seven Diamonds and a weak hand?

A convenient convention for this situation is the Weak Jump Shift. You and your partner have agreed to play this convention. Thus, when not vulnerable, you bid Three Diamonds, a Jump Shift and interference over opponent’s Two Clubs. Your partner now knows you will not bid again. You have a very weak hand but lots of Diamonds.

This information is useful to your partner. He could have 21 points and four Diamonds and a void. Your bid makes it worth trying for a game in Diamonds. Or partner may have a minimum hand for his One Heart opening (12-14 points). In that case he would pass Three Diamonds or bid Three Hearts and that will be where the hand is played.

Traditionally, this Jump Shift was used to show a strong hand but not anymore. Why waste valuable bidding space? With a strong hand, a response by you of Two Diamonds, a new suit by an unpassed responder, is forcing. It gives opening partner a chance to limit his hand. You will get another chance to bid with your strong hand. Your partnership has more bidding space to find a possible game or slam.

So save your Jump Shift for a weak hand, a more valuable bid!

For more information, read “Weak Jump Shifts” in Barbara Seagram’s 25 More Bridge Conventions, page 99.

Next Week: Bergen Raises Jan 17

If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.

SOCIAL BRIDGE GAME IN HUNTSVILLE
AT THE SUMMIT CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING, THURSDAYS 7PM
In the multi-purpose room 2^nd floor (elevator) (back entrance of Summit Centre)

Just come – with or without a partner. Please arrive 10 minutes before game time. For information, contact Donna or Peter Tikuisis at 647 471 1774 or [email protected].

This game will be played following Chicago Rules (allowing both fast and slow games). You will keep your same partner for the entire evening. Cost is $1.50 per person. Parking is outside the North Entrance opposite Heritage Village Railway Station.

PORT CARLING SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB

Games for the Port Carling Social Bridge Club for the Winter are Monday afternoon 1pm at the Port Carling Community Centre, 3 Bailey Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time.

For information, contact Andree or Scott 705-764-3827 [email protected]

Results for Monday, Jan 6, 2020 1. Els Vandenberg & Peter Rhead 3530 points; 2. Karen Atkin and Mary Jane Rogers 3270 points; 3. Susan & Ted Daglish 3240 points

HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

Games are Tuesday 1pm Trinity United Church 33 Main Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time. For partnerships and information call Jan Roberts 705 635-2522 or email [email protected]

Note: The game has changed to 1pm Tuesday for the Winter.

The following winners are for Tuesday, Jan 7, 2020 with 9 pairs playing a Howell Movement 1. Susan Marshall and Jan Roberts; 2. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 3. Vern Foell and Rod Dixon; 4. Kelly Andresen and Kel Andresen; 5. Helen Pearson and Jim Smith

MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)

Games for the Bracebridge Club are Mondays 7pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road. Please arrive with your partner 10 minutes before game time. For information contact Brian at 705-645-5340 [email protected]

Note: There were no games Dec 23 and Dec 30, and Jan 6 was cancelled.

The following winners are from Monday, Dec 16, 2019 with 8 pairs playing a Howell movement. 1. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 2. Joanne Garvey and Jim Smith; 3. Lyn Walisser and Don Evans; 4. Mary Mitchell and Susan Maddocks

Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.

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