This Week At North Penn

Mon, 11/24

Tue, 11/25

Wed, 11/26

Thu, 11/27

Fri, 11/28

Open Stardust (50% Gold)

0-1500 Stardust (50% Gold)

Open Stardust (50% Gold)

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Closed

Membership Drive

2026 North Penn DBC memberships are now available for the low, low price of $20. Membership entitles you to our weekly newsletter and all of the other annoying emails as well saving $3 every time you play. (Actually, you should read the annoying emails, they’re short and contain pertinent information).

There will be somebody collecting dues at each of the games the week of December 15, which is also the week of our holiday parties. (See newsletter and/or annoying emails for more party info).

You can also pay anytime in person by placing your payment (cash or check) in the red mailbox at the back of the room or on our website.

Education

Joann Glasson's December Zoom classes will be held on Monday, December 1 and 15 at 10:00 a.m. See flyer for details.

Deal Analysis

A new deal will be analyzed by one of our expert players next week.

Ask the Expert

Playing a team game, West holds 1094 QJ74 A52 843.  

East opens 2NT in 3rd seat. 

Playing Puppet Stayman, what should west respond holding this hand?

John Dickenson. If partner has 5 spades, at matchpoints 3N rates to take the same tricks as spades given there are no ruffing values in the short hand. If I am plus 430 and others are plus 420 that is a big win at matchpoints. OTOH at teams, I want to be in the SAFER contract, so now I would seriously consider trotting out 3C and raise to 4S if partner bids 3S. I risk a lead directing double of 3C though, and if partner does not have five spades I might get the only lead that beats 3N.

Bill Bauer. Although I am almost sure the hand belongs in 3NT, why not find out if partner has a 5-card major? So, I will respond 3C, Puppet Stayman. The real question is what do you do if partner rebids 3S? or 4S or 3NT with that square hand? I would still bid 3C, but with a bit more resolve.

Dennis O’Brien. With no ruffing value in my hand, I will bid 3NT.

Elaine Clair. 3NT with that flat hand.

Mitch Snyder. I considered 3C but I think just bidding 3NT is best.

Email your questions, or a pesky hand, or something you’d like to know about bidding or playing to Toysie Walker. She will forward them to the panel, one will be chosen, and the question and answers will be printed in the following week’s newsletter.

November Birthdays

Dick Abell

Nancy Adelman

William Bauer III

Pat Cieslinski

Christina Dowling

David Ellison

Kay Garrity

Steven Gewirtzman

Alan Meyers

Sandra Salasin

John Shulman

Betsy Smith

Vivien Soo

Lee Stanley

Leslie Tolles

Jackie Zelle