ARTICLE 1

FROM LONDON'S EVENING STANDARD

BY DAVID BIRD

Hand submitted by Barry Marshall

(published on Thursday 20^th March 1997)

The action in the high-stake Chicago game at Schogger's Bridge Club in Hendon is fast and furious.

On this deal West opened with a pre-emptive Three Spades and his partner raised to Four Spades. This was not so much in the hope of making the contract, more to shut out the opponents who were likely to have a game their way. Barry Marshall, sitting South, leapt to Six Hearts, hoping that his partner could provide some assistance in the club suit. The text books say you should not bid again, once you have described your hand with a pre-empt. Such books were not part of West's library. He contested with Six Spades and the spotlight swung to telephone magnate Bob Tanner, sitting North. I am sure most players would have bid Seven Hearts on his cards, but the opponents would surely sacrifice and might escape for only 800. He produced a cool pass and the bidding reverted to Marshall in the South seat. He took out insurance in Seven Hearts, likely to go only one down and East decided to double this contract.

Can you imagine the faces around the table when dummy went down with an ace and an ace-king ? +2470 to North South

ARTICLE 2

FROM LONDON'S EVENING STANDARD

BY DAVID BIRD

Hand submitted by Barry Marshall

(published on Thursday 1^st May)

Barry Marshall tells me of this hand from the high stake table at the Schogger's Club. He was watching the play behind his friend George in the South seat. When West's opening pre-empt was followed by two passes, George opted for a takeout double. This was a good choice, more flexible than simply bidding game in one of his suits. Partner might wish to pass such a double, for example. A few moments later, West was in Five Hearts. North had shown a spade suit, however , so it was reasonable for George to take the push to five Spades. Now the opponents went to Six Hearts!

Suppose you had been holding the South cards. What would you have bid now ? Barry Marshall was mentally willing George to Double and take the money. "Six Spades," said George. This was doubled and went one down. Barry was about to scream "Why didn't you take the money ?" when he saw that the Hearts Slam was cold. George turned to him. "Is that what you'd have done on my hand Barry?" he asked. Barry nodded wisely. When in doubt bid one more," he replied.