By Peter Rhead
THE MAGIC OF TWO AND ONE-HALF QUICK TRICKS
As we mentioned in the last column, Bridge is a bidder’s game. You have to get your bid in when you have the opportunity. Whereas some players are rigid about wanting 13 points for an opening, other players look for a reason to open the bidding rather than an excuse to PASS.
Consider an approach to opening used by some players. It is called “Two And One-Half Quick Tricks”. A “Quick Trick” is a win in a suit before the opponents can take control of that suit. If you have the Ace and King in a suit, you have two “Quick Tricks”. If you have also the King and Queen in another suit, you have an additional quick trick because your opponent can win only one trick (the Ace) in that suit before you can take a trick.
The Ace-King in one suit and the King-Queen in another suit are only 12 points but it is considered a good 12-point hand that could be opened. Also, the Ace-King in one suit and an Ace in another suit are three quick tricks and could be opened with only 11 points because it is a very good 11-point hand. If you have an Ace in one suit and an Ace-Queen in another suit, this holding gives you two and a half quick tricks which could be opened if you have a total of 12 points.
Quick Trick evaluation is as follows: AK=2 KQ=1 AQJ=2 AQ=1½ Kx=1/2
“Two And One-Half Quick Tricks” has a double value to some players both as a guideline to opening and also as a strong defensive move to interfere with the opposition. Defensively, it is a useful bid, because if the opponents get the contract, your partner knows what to lead. Some conservative players argue that you should have the Two and One-Half Quick Tricks to open even with 13 points. More aggressive players argue that Two and One-Half Quick Tricks alone are enough to open. Regular partners may have an agreement on this.
Read about Quick Tricks in Marty Bergen’s “Hand Evaluation: Points Schmoints” P.9
Next week we will look at opening with “The Rule of 20”.
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.
PORT CARLING UNITED CHURCH WOMEN FUNDRAISER
LUNCH, BRIDGE AND EUCHRE PARTY, ALL WELCOME
12 NOON FOR LUNCH Friday, Sept 20, 2019 $20 per person
Port Carling Community Centre (lower level) Check-In 11:30
A great opportunity to enjoy companionship while supporting a cause. Arrange your foursome and bring necessary supplies for your table. Please pre-register by Sept 18 by calling Kathy Haller 705-375-0914.
TOURNAMENT TRAIL: Gold and Red Masterpoints, Orillia Regional
Sept 17-22, 2019 Barnfield Point Recreation Centre
500 Atherley Road, Orillia
For details follow this link: https://tournaments.acbl.org/schedule.php?sanction=1909088
NEW SOCIAL BRIDGE GAME IN HUNTSVILLE
Games are at the SUMMIT CENTRE Thursdays, 7pm.
PLEASE NOTE that our NEW VENUE for Bridge DURING THE SUMMER UNTIL SEPT 5 is the Summit Centre “Don Lough Warming Area”. This room is located on the second level of the Summit Centre accessible by taking the right-hand stairs (elevator) after Passing through the main entrance. The room does not have a kitchen; hence, please bring your own beverage (we will still provide snacks).
NOTE: ON SEPT 5 WE RETURN TO THE REGULAR VENUE, ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE, AT THE BACK OF THE SUMMIT CENTRE.
This week will be our last in the Jack Lough Arena sitting area; we return Sept 5 to the 2nd floor ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE (where tea & coffee will be available) (same time & day – 7 pm on Thursday).
Just come – with or without a partner. Please arrive 10 minutes before game time. For information, please contact Donna or Peter Tikuisis at 647 471 1774 or [email protected].
For now, 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.
PORT CARLING SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB
Games for the Port Carling Social Bridge Club are Monday evening 7pm 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]
No results are available for Mon Sep 2. Results for Monday, August 26th, 2019; 1. Irene Bond & DorothyBeckman; 4,910 points; 2. Nick & Ann Kristoffy; 3,570 points; 3. Louise Kirbyson & Mavis Hall; 3,430 points
HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB
Games are Tuesday 7pm Trinity United Church 33 Main Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time. For partners and information call Jan Roberts 705 635-2522 or email [email protected]
The following winners are for Tuesday, Sep 3, 2019 with 20 pairs playing a Mitchell Movement North-South 1. Gerry VanLierop and Ron Groulx; 2. Susan Marshall and Jan Roberts; 3. Yvonne Cox and Dorothy Russell; 4. Mary Whitehead and Helen Pearson; East-West 1. Liz Barnes and Bev Howard; 2. Marjorie Clark and John Clark; 3. Sheila Jenset and Karen Harder; 4. Joanne Garvey and Barb Green
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.
The following winners are from Monday, Sep 2, 2019 with 15 pairs playing a Howell movement. 1. Liz Barnes and David Bryce; 2. Vince Sottosanti and Sue Scott; 3. Art Insley and Don Evans; 4. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 5. Mary Lou Erb and Sue Kidd; 6. Pat Paterson and Tony Liming; 7. Joanne Garvey and Jim Smith; 8. Kathy Kent and David Kent
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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