By Valerie Rhead<\/p>\n
BIDDING BIG HANDS, UNBALANCED 18-21 POINTS<\/strong><\/p>\n Previously we\u2019ve looked at big hands that are balanced in the 20-21 point range. These are opened with a bid of Two No-Trump. We\u2019ve also looked at hands of 22 points or more which are opened with Two Clubs. What do you do with an 18-21 point unbalanced hand?<\/p>\n First, you open a suit at the one level. If your partner replies, you make a rebid that is FORCING to game (partner has at least six points so the partnership has a minimum 24 points). Depending on the shape of your hand, that forcing bid can be either a jump to Two No-Trump or a strong jump shift into another suit.<\/p>\n Of course, you\u2019re remembering to give yourself distribution points. At the start of the bidding, give yourself one length point for each card in a suit over four. Once you and your partner have found a fit in a suit contract, give yourself additional points for shortness.<\/p>\n I will whisper this softly! If you don\u2019t have a second suit (ie. a suit with four cards), sometimes you have to lie a little to describe the power of your hand. If you have to lie, it\u2019s better to lie with a jump shift in a minor\u2014your partner is less likely to get carried away. Your partner now knows the total points of your two hands and is the captain. She will then guide you to the appropriate suit and level of the contract. Good luck.<\/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 CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN TOURNAMENT TRAIL: Silver Points, North Bay HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB<\/strong><\/p>\n Games for the Huntsville Club are Tuesdays, 7:15pm, 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. The evening game expects to move upstairs for the season starting April 26.<\/p>\n The following winners are from Tuesday, Apr 19 with 7 tables playing a Mitchell movement. North-South 1. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 2. Chris Karn and Vern Foell; 3. Jim Smith and Ralph Mitchell; 4. Barb Green and Joanne Garvey; East-West 1. Susan Marshall and Jan Roberts; 2. Liz Barnes and David Bryce; 3. Liz Graham and Dorothy Russell; 4. Helen Pearson and Yvonne Cox<\/p>\n MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)<\/strong><\/p>\n Games for the Bracebridge Club are Mondays. 7pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road. Please arrive 15 minutes before game time. For information or partnerships, call Brian at 705-645-5340 brian_brocklehurst@sympatico.ca<\/a><\/p>\n The following winners are from Monday, Apr 18 with 8 tables playing a Mitchelll movement. North-South 1. Bev Parlett and Vern Foel; 2. Ralph Hair and Gerry Flaherty; 3\/4. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 3\/4. Mary Hogarth and Albert Eatock; East-West 1. Liz Barnes and David Bryce with a big 70%; 2. Kel Andresen and Jim Smith; 3. Art Insley and Don Evans; 4. Kathy Kent and David Kent<\/p>\n Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free, twice-weekly newsletter here<\/a><\/span>. <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>(CFUW) MUSKOKA BRIDGE FOR BURSARIES<\/u> FUNDRAISER
\n<\/strong>THANKS TO ALL
\n<\/strong>The spring lunch and bridge party, Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Gravenhurst Senior\u2019s Centre welcomed 92 PARTICIPANTS AND RAISED $950 <\/strong>for Muskoka\u2019s young women seeking higher education. It was a great opportunity to enjoy bridge, companionship and to support the higher education of young women in Muskoka.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>April 22-24, 2016 North Bay Elks Club, 325 Elks Lane
\n<\/strong>Pairs Friday 1 & 7pm; Saturday 10:30am and 3pm; Sunday Swiss 10am
\nTo confirm the details, read the tournament flyer at http:\/\/tournaments.acbl.org\/schedule.php?tourid=23270
\n<\/a>Your opportunity for fun and to earn silver points.
\nStratification based on average:
\nOpen A = 1500+, B = 500-1500, C = 0-500, also 299 game and 50 newcomer game<\/p>\n