By Valerie Rhead<\/p>\n
REMEMBER, YOU HAVE A PARTNER<\/strong><\/p>\n As a columnist, it is always rewarding to hear feedback. It is even more gratifying to receive suggestions and questions for future columns. Such is the case for today\u2019s bridge tip.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A member of our bridge club heard the following statement echoing from another table in our bridge room and suggested it to me as a topic. \u201cRemember, you have a partner!\u201d Bridge is a partnership game and your partner is your best friend.<\/p>\n Legal communication, via bids with your partner, are essential if you are to reach the best contract. If you bid one heart and your partner responds two hearts, what is she telling you? Before you bid again you must answer that question. Ah yes, she has heart support and 6 to 9 points. Then you must internalize this information before you bid again. If your opening hand is minimum strength 12-14 points, you would choose to pass. There is no chance of game, so there is no need to bid further. If your opening hand is medium strength 15-17 points, you would invite to game, bid three hearts, and partner would go to game if her range is the maximum 8-9. If, however, you have a maximum hand 18-21 points, you would simply bid game, four hearts!<\/p>\n Also, legal card signalling with your partner when you are playing defense is an important part of the game. There are a number of different signalling systems. For example, if I like my partner\u2019s lead, I signal with a relatively high card (six or above). If I don\u2019t like the lead I put on a low card.<\/p>\n When I have to discard for the first time, for example when the Diamond suit becomes void, I signal with a card in the suit I don\u2019t want, for example a Club. If I want partner to play the higher ranking Spade suit, I would play a high Club. If I play a low Club, I want the lower ranking Heart suit. Think about it!<\/p>\n Bridge is so simple when you communicate effectively with your partner whether you\u2019re bidding or signalling!<\/p>\n If you wish to promote an activity in your bridge group, send the information to vrhead@sympatico.ca<\/a> and I will include it in this column.<\/p>\n HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB<\/strong><\/p>\n Games for the Huntsville Club are now Tuesday afternoon 1PM for the winter Jan\u2011Feb\u2011Mar, Trinity United Church 33 Main Street. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Call Betty 705-789-2560 bennettb@vianet.ca<\/a> or Susan at 705-789-7156 jasu.marshall@gmail.com<\/a> for information and partnerships. For the winter, the game now is held downstairs in the warm basement. To avoid the long stairs, enter from the door on Main Street.<\/p>\n The following results are for Tuesday, Feb 2 with 5 tables playing a Howell movement. 1. Yvonne Cox and Barb Green; 2. Liz Graham and Dorothy Russell; 3. Chris Karn and Vern Foell; 4. Jim Smith and Ralph Mitchell; 5. Mary Hogarth and Albert Eatock<\/p>\n MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)<\/strong><\/p>\n Games at the Bracebridge Club are at the Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road 7pm Monday evenings. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before game time.<\/p>\n The following results are for Monday, Feb 1 with 7 tables playing a Mitchell movement. North-South 1. Mary Luke and Donna McIntosh; 2. Bev Parlett and Vern Foel; 3. Ralph Hair and Gerrry Flaherty; 4. Pamela Jardine and Ralph Mitchell; East-West 1. Yvonne Cox and Helen Pearson; 2. Laura Hawthorn and David Bryce; 3\/4. Lorna Wagner and Pat Feaver; 3\/4. Ruth Thompson and Don Evans<\/p>\n Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our twice-weekly email digest and get some of our top stories delivered right to your inbox.<\/strong><\/p>\n *<\/span> indicates required<\/p>\n
\n