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BARBARA & ALEX'S BRIDGE NEWSLETTER
26 NOVEMBER, 2022
NOTE: In case your iPad or tablet or computer does not deliver the entire newsletter, click on this link below.
https://barbaraseagram.com/pdf/newsletter.pdf
THIS NEWSLETTER ENDS WITH ANSWERS TO QUIZ # 75
IF YOU RECEIVE A NEWSLETTER THAT ENDS WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN ANSWERS TO QUIZ # 75, YOU HAVE ONLY RECEIVED HALF (OR LESS) OF THE NEWSLETTER. IN WHICH CASE, PLEASE CLICK ON LINK ABOVE TO RECEIVE FULL NEWSLETTER
Also, you can CLICK HERE View as Webpage to open the full newsletter in a different way.
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FREE RECORDED LESSON WITH BARBARA & ALEX
I have a new book coming out in spring 2022
BRIDGE: THE MAGIC OF DEFENSE
Two of the hands in the book are discussed by Alex and me in this free recorded video.
Click on link below.
https://youtu.be/Knhe3D5rdYA
After video starts, click on the small square in the bottom right hand corner of the video "box" and now you will see the video full-screen. When it is over, click ESC on your keyboard (usually top left on keyboard) and your screen will return to normal.
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BRIDGE WITH ZIA MAHMOOD & OMAR SHARIF
An excellent lesson: Free
This is a wonderful lesson given by Zia Mahmood to Intermediate players. Truly excellent. Zia is arguably one of the best bridge players in the world. Right after his lesson, you will have a mini-tip about bridge and life from the most famous bridge player that ever lived: Omar Sharif.
https://youtu.be/sGWIKo_9C5w
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Hi everyone, there is a lot in this newsletter but there are also heaps of tips, articles and quizzes included!
Alex and I have just returned from a seven-week journey: Three weeks in Cambodia and four weeks in India. Out of hundreds of pictures that we took, note that we chose to share with you three pictures of people playing bridge face to face. (See above.) We were thrilled to play twice in Mumbai and once in Delhi. Face to face games are so much more entertaining and personal than online games, especially when robots enter the picture. Groan.
It is such a shame that Toronto which had sixty plus bridge clubs pre-Covid now has very few face to face games. Pre-Covid, we all had a choice of 2 or 3 games a day where we could play, now there are very limited choices. So many are choosing LAZY bridge online. We must support these face to face games or we will not have any at all. This story is the same all over the world but mostly in North America. Do make an effort to get out and play, all of you.
We spent a week at the end of our journey in the state of Himachal, in Shimla at the foot of the Himalayas. We stayed at Cecil Oberoi and at Wildflower Hall Oberoi. It was decadent and impressive. We could all take lessons about attitude and level of service from the Indian people. In India, they are diligent about recycling. Single-use plastic items are mostly banned. Plastic bottles still abound but they are recycled. Used oil is even passed on to bio-fuel places that recycle it in some manner.
In the picture above, you will see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, a view from our bedroom window.
THE INDIAN HEAD WOBBLE. Click below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoJ4Bvsq7gQ
but when asked to do the wobble, they can't, unless asked something where they are not sure of the answer!! Hence my unusual question to Manoj and Shreshtha of the very excellent Wildflower Hall Oberoi Hotel in Shimla in Northern India
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ_xJYBG2As
ALEX
Alex starts chemo on Tuesday 29 November for his newly diagnosed non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He is dreading it, naturally, but your emails have helped. Send him emails about hands (or anything) at AKORNEL@SYMPATICO.CA to keep him out of trouble.
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One thing less to worry about is his loss of hair. He says he lost that when he married me. I asked him today: " You really didn't know, when we met in 1981, what you were getting into, did you?" He replied: "If I knew then what I know now, I would have broken the steeplechase record."
I gave him the list to the left!
He has a a wonderful oncologist so we are very optimistic as this is now highly treatable. Fingers crossed and your prayers, please.
BRIDGE CRUISE APRIL 2024: 14 NIGHTS. OCEANIA CRUISES: MARINA
Oceania is our favourite cruise line afloat. Vision Travel / Direct Travel has lined up a sensational Transatlantic bridge cruise for April 2024. Yes, 2024. NOT 2023.
BEST CUISINE AT SEA. Imagine 14 nights on a luxury liner for $5,799.00 CAD or $4,499.00 USD for a verandah cabin, including economy air. Miami to Barcelona.
Linda Tuff will be the tour leader, bridge teacher and Director. Linda is a fantastic bridge teacher and player and director. She is from Halifax, Nova Scotia and we have known her for many years. Linda won Teacher of the Year in 2022 for all of North America an award from the American Bridge Teachers' Association. You will love her. SEVEN days of bridge at sea with lessons and sanctioned games where you win master points.
Book early to get the best-situated cabin. Scroll down to see the flyer.
Barbara & Alex will be sailing as well but just to have fun and visit with everyone.
Click here for a list of all recordings with Barbara
Available for purchase:
https://barbaraseagram.com/pdf/Recordings-links-for-purchase-final-listing.pdf
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JOSÉE'S IN-PERSON CLASSES at ARMOUR HEIGHTS: 105 WILSON AVE.
Details are below. Scroll down
Two Bid and Play Sessions: Tuesdays Feb 7 and 14: 1-3 pm.
For those who just finished Bridge Basics course or need brushing up on very basic bidding and declaring skills.
AND/OR
Introduction to Declarer Play – Eddie Kantar’s excellent book included
4 week course: 1-3 pm. Wednesdays: March 8, 15, 22 and 29. $155.00.
Contact Josée Hammill at mjhammill@rogers.com
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SORRY PARTNER
Scroll down to listen to an interview on Sorry Partner podcast with Barbara.
https://sorrypartner.com/episodes
Do sign up to receive the Sorry Partner podcast link free each week.
https://sorrypartner.com/contact-us
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MIKE KENNY & JULIE BERDOCK ONLINE LESSON
TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 9.30 am till 11.00 am: $25.00
Email Mike Kenny if you wish to sign up for the lesson
then you will be sent the link.
michaelkennybridge@gmail.com
Mike and Julie are great players and you will learn so much.
“Who’s the Captain”
Are you wondering whether or not to sign-up for the 90-minute lesson given by Mike and Julie on Tuesday, November 29th at 9:30 ? ONLINE.
If you are perplexed about the value of the lesson and you are wondering whether or not you should plan to attend…………. we have included a short quiz to help you make this earth-shattering decision.
Look at the hand below.
Decide what the final contract SHOULD HAVE BEEN by E/W (if not 3H).
Assess the “captaincy” blame to the player you think should have made a better decision!! Why???
Your conclusions:
West should have bid _____________________________
East should have bid ______________________________
The “captain” on this hand was ____________
West opened 1H, North overcalled 1S. East bid 2C. Pass by South, West passed and North bid 2D. East now bid 3H and everyone passed.
Come to the lesson to find out this and MUCH more!
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TORONTO IS HOSTING A NATIONAL BRIDGE TOURNAMENT July 18-28 2024
Darlene Scott is the chairperson
oakvilledarlene@gmail.com
It is called the Toronto NABC
North American Bridge Championships
It sounds daunting for less experienced players BUT it s a huge opportunity for novices and intermediates and they have a big room set aside JUST FOR YOU. SO hold those dates!
Darlene needs volunteers to help her to run this very special tournament. It is heaps of fun being involved.
Do contact Darlene if you can help in ANY way
oakvilledarlene@gmail.com
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| S A876
H QJ6
D Q92
CAK8 |
| | S J4
H K1072
D 10854
C 762 |
| S 932
H A95
D K73
C Q1043 | |
| S KQ105
H 843
D AJ6
C J95 |
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The auction on the above hand went:
N S
1N 2C
2S 4S
On this auction, East led a trump. Declarer tried but could only manage to take 9 tricks even though the D finesse worked. However NS did not own the D 10 so had to lose 1 Diamond, 2 Hearts and one Club.
Down one.
After the hand was over, NS realized that while they could not make 4S, they could have made 3NT. So, they pondered, what went wrong?
Just because you have a tool in your shed, it doesn't mean that you have to use it - no matter what. South used Stayman just because he owned a 4 card major. He failed to consider that with a perfectly balanced hand and NO ruffing values (short suits) that it would be easier to make 9 tricks in 3NT than 10 tricks in a major.
RULE: Do not use Stayman when you have a 4-3-3-3 hand. We are programmed to always want to play a hand in a major when we have an 8 card fit. We can draw trump and still have one trump left in declarer's hand and one in dummy. These trumps can then be scored separately by means of ruffing (trumping), allowing declarer to win one more trick in the major than he could in No Trump (420 versus 400 on the score sheet).
BUT for this to be able to happen, there must be a short suit somewhere. With no short suit, avoid using Stayman. Responder to a 1NT opener holding 10+ HCP and a 4 card major and 4-3-3-3 should simply bid 3NT.
Responder with 9 HCP should raise merely to 2NT: This asks opener if he has 15 to pass and if he has 17 to bid 3NT...With 16, he should decide if he likes his hand: 10's and 9's versus 2's and 3's. Possession of a 5 card suit would also be a reason to accept the invitation and bid 3NT.
There is one other factor: He should check to see who he is playing against. If they look like gentle souls, he should bid 3NT !
Responder to a 1NT opener with 4-3-3-3 and exactly 8 HCP should pass. It will be right most of the time.
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A WRINKLE FOR KEY CARD BLACKWOOD
When you know that your side has 10 trumps between you. e.g. You open 1S with AK7642 and partner responds using Jacoby 2NT which guarantees 4 or more of opener’s major suit.
1S - 2NT * (Jacoby 2NT if you have agreed to play this)
3S - 4NT
4 NT asks you how many Key Cards you have (the four aces and the King of Spades if you have agreed to play Key card Blackwood)
You, West, if you have 2 key cards but NO QUEEN OF TRUMPS, would normally bid 5H. BUT if you know that your side has 10 trumps (because you as Opener have a six card suit), respond and pretend you DO OWN the Queen of trump. Respond 5S instead of 5H as odds are high that the Queen will fall. This is a recommended little white lie.
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IF YOU EVER WANT TO VISIT INDIA
Call Carolyn Kremer
Vision Travel/Direct Travel
705-435-5533
or toll-free 1-800-363-5533 # 1435
Email: carolyn.kremer@visiontravel.ca
She will hook you up with the agency we use in India: SITA TOURS
www.sita.in
Ask to have SHISHIR LOHIA as your agent in India. He is amazing. The service, the hotels, the sightseeing. It is all phenomenal.
Carolyn can make it all happen.
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NO TRUMP BIDDING by JEAN COLLINS
Assume the opponents pass throughout and the auction goes 1NT-2D-2H. What does the 2D bidder bid next? Of course it depends on what he has in his hand.
1NT - 2D
2H
So, in the following auctions, what does the final bid shown tell us about the responder’s hand?
1. 1NT-2D-2H-Pass What does Responder have for his Pass?
2. 1NT-2D-2H-2NT What does Responder have for his 2NT bid?
3. 1NT-2D-2H-3H What does Responder have for his 3H bid?
4. 1NT-2D-2H-3NT What does Responder have for his 3NT bid?
5. 1NT-2D-2H-4H What does Responder have for his 4H bid?
6. 1NT-2D-2H-4C What does Responder have for his 4C bid?
ANSWERS by BARBARA
1) Five or six Hearts and no interest in game or in even inviting game.
0-5 HCP and a 5 or 6 card Heart suit.
or 0-7 HCP and a 5-card Heart suit.
2) 8-9 HCP and a 5-card Heart suit.
3) 6-7 HCP and a 6-card Heart suit inviting game in Hearts.
4) 10-14 HCP and a 5-card Heart suit. Opener with 3 Hearts now bids 4H.
5) 8-13 HCP and a 6-card Heart suit (This assumes you are not playing Texas Transfers or you would have bid 4D first with this hand to show 8-13 (or 14) HCP and a 6-card Heart suit.
6) 4C is Gerber. Once Stayman or Transfers have entered the auction, you have lost the ability to now use Blackwood (either variety). After all, you have not agreed on a trump suit as opener COULD have two little Hearts.
Some people play 4C here as Key Card Gerber but your partnership must first agree to that.
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TO DOUBLE OR NOT TO DOUBLE by ANDREW ROBSON | |
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QUIZ # 75
Excerpt from Bidding at Bridge: A Quiz Book
One of my favourite books:
On special from now till Jan 15: $13.00
Email Barbara to get the deal!
1.
S 9
H 10 9 6 5
D A Q 7 6 3
C 10 8 4
Your partner opens 1S and the next player doubles. What action will you take?
(a) Pass (b) Rdble (c) 1NT (d) 2D
2.
S Q 9 8 6 2
H K 5 4
D 10 5
C J 9 2
Your partner opens 1H and the next player bids 2S. What will you say?
(a) Pass (b) Dble (c) 2H (d) 2S
3.
S 10 9 6 3
H A Q 10 7 6
D Q 6
C A J
The bidding starts 1H (from you) – 2D – Dble - Pass. What will you say?
(a) Pass (b) 2H (c) 2S
4.
S K 8 7 2
H 10 9 2
D 7 6 4
C A K 4
Your partner opens 1S and the next player doubles. What will you say?
(a) Rdble (b) 2S (c) 2NT (d) 3S
5.
S A K 4
H Q 10 5 3
D 6 4
C Q 9 6 2
Your partner opens 1D and the next player doubles. What will you say on this hand?
(a) Rdble (b) 1H (c) 2NT
ANSWERS AT BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER
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Three years ago, Alex lost a pair of glasses while swimming in Goa. Our next stop was Mumbai and we found this delightful gentleman on the Colaba Causeway. He sold glasses. We gave him an alternate pair of Alex's glasses and he said: "Come back in an hour!"
We now buy glasses every year from Dilip. This trip, we each bought two pair. We send him our latest prescription from Canada and he sends us pictures of frames. We choose and he ships them to us in Canada or in USA. We order the best quality Kodak lenses, excellent quality frames and choose transition lenses that turn dark in the sun. If you use him, try to send him pupillary distance also if you get that from your optician.
Great quality and much less expensive.
Want to try Dilip? LOVELY man and honest as the day is long. We pay by Western Union which is SO simple and takes 2 minutes only.
hingorani112@gmail.com
TEL NO: + 91 98202 57478
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SORRY PARTNER
SORRY PARTNER is lots of fun. Lots of good interviews. You can always scroll ahead to get to the actual interview, usually around the 10 minute mark.
My interview is to be found on this link below as well as an interview with Barnet Shenkin which you will very much enjoy. Click on the following link.
https://sorrypartner.com/episodes
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Simon Kreindler was born and raised in Barbados. He left to attend McGill University and became a doctor, now residing in Toronto. This is his second book about the Jewish culture in Barbados. For those of you attending the bridge tournament in Barbados in February, 2023 (Feb 12-19), it may interest you to know that the synagogue there is the oldest in the Western hemisphere. We will be offering a tour of the synagogue to those attending the tournament.
Simon's new book is now available on Amazon.
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Dutch merchants including some Sephardi Jews likely began arriving in Barbados in 1627. They assisted the first English settlers with securing food supplies and with shipping the tobacco, cotton, indigo, etc., they produced to England.
Following the Portuguese recapture of Pernambuco from the Dutch in 1654, Sephardi Jews were forced to leave what was then Brazil’s sugar-producing centre. Some returned to Holland; others moved to New Amsterdam (later, New York); and a number came to Barbados where their knowledge of sugar cultivation and processing was welcomed by the island’s early planters.
This book describes the community the Sephardim built in Barbados over the following three hundred years despite numerous prohibitions, restrictions, and overt anti-Semitism. It highlights some of their personalities and the challenging issues they faced while trying to maintain observant Jewish lives.
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LEAD FACE-DOWN
In face-to-face bridge
When it is your turn to make the opening lead, you should always place the card face-down on the table in front of you and ask: “Any questions, partner?” This gives your partner a chance to ask any questions about
significant bids that have taken place at the table. Partner should not ask any questions when it is NOT her turn to lead until AFTER the opening lead is made. This way she cannot be perceived to be transmitting suggestions to you about what you should lead.
After the lead is made face-down, then partner can ask questions. It also gives partner an opportunity to tell you that it is NOT your lead at all! In this case, you would be allowed to pick up your card and put it back in your hand.
Interestingly enough, after putting your card face-down on the table, (even if no questions have been asked,)if you should now decide you wish to switch your opening lead to a different card, you may not do so. This
would be giving a mild message to your partner that your choice of opening lead was not clear-cut.
We may never give unauthorized information to our partner. This just means that we can use our bids or our cards to signal our attitude towards her lead, but we may never use body language of any sort.
So next time your partner says: “Any questions, partner?” don’t look at her as though she’s got rocks in her head, she is merely following protocol. If you have no questions and it is partner’s opening lead, say “no questions, partner!"
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ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS TO LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE
Here is a link to a FREE video of an introductory beginners bridge class. Approx. 28 minutes. A taste of bridge for brand new players. Please send this out to your friends, family, and anyone else you come into contact with.
LINK FOR BEGINNERS' INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE
https://youtu.be/V033as-0bCQ
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Our very own bridge player & everyone's friend
JAN STEWART
BOOK LAUNCH: MARCH 2023
Jan Stewart never thought she would live with fear in her own house.
Hold on Tight: A Parent's Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness
describes her brutally honest journey raising two children with multiple mental health disorders. The author details the roller coaster lives and challenges that both children have faced in detail, from the time they were born to the present as young adults in their 30's.
Through compelling insights and advice, the book educates, inspires and empowers parents of children with similar challenges to better help their children and lead more fulfilling lives. Health care professionals, as well as families, friends, educators, employers and others who interact with those facing these challenges, get an inside look into the lives and unique perspectives of these parents. Powerful, honest and inspirational, the book is a love song to Jan's children and inspires readers to never give up.
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Do read this compelling interview with Jan. Click on link below. Many of you know Jan from the bridge world. She has taken some time off from bridge recently to write her book and work on many things including Mental Health projects. | |
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TRANSATLANTIC BRIDGE CRUISE 2024
with Linda Tuff, teacher extraordinaire, teaching and directing
Barbara & Alex will be sailing as part of the group
APRIL 5-19, 2024
OCEANIA CRUISES: MARINA
VERANDAH cabins from $5,799.00 CAD for 14 night sailing
or $4,499.00 USD
on one of the finest ships afloat. With the best cuisine
BOOK NOW FOR BEST-SITUATED CABINS
Miami, Bahamas, Bermuda, Azores, Cadiz, Grenada, Alicante, Barcelona (the last 4 are all Spain)
Call my new excellent partner in the travel industry: Carolyn Kremer
705-435-5533 or 1-800-363-5533 #1435
OR email her at carolyn.kremer@visiontravel.ca
NOTE; Monday to Friday. Off on weekends
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POPE FOR A DAY!
by Pieter Pieter VanBennekom
It felt funny, being Pope for a day, especially at a bridge game.
For Halloween this year, I dressed up as the Pope for the Monday bridge game at our home club, the Vero Beach Bridge Center.
I got the idea last fall when we were at the Vatican on a tour of Italy and visited souvenir shops where all kinds of outfits were on sale. Except that I didn’t want to carry anything back in our suitcases already packed with other purchases, so I ordered the costume from Amazon when we got back – it looked close enough to the real thing, with the typical white-and-yellow colors of the Vatican.
People’s reactions were funny. One lady wanted to see if the bullet-proof Popemobile was parked outside.
Many asked for blessings, which I generously dispensed. Others asked for forgiveness for their sins – and I magnanimously agreed to forgive anything except for cheating at bridge.
Still others asked if I would hear their confessions – since most are well over 70, I didn’t think I’d hear anything particularly juicy, so I politely declined.
Many asked if I wasn’t afraid that the costume would be regarded as blasphemy by some – I said that was exactly the point, to be as outrageous and blasphemous as possible. I think it was one of my most successful Halloween costumes ever, akin to when I went as a flasher at my last place of employment up north.
At the actual bridge tables during play, I think being the Pope both helped and hurt me. In the beginning of the game, I think I was a little too impressed with my own supposed infallibility and I overbid a few times, and I chose risky lines of play hoping they’d be blessed by the bridge Gods – without success. But after I calmed down and tried to play like a normal member of the flock, I may have received the benefit of people’s slight unease about playing against His Holiness and not being able to concentrate.
“I don’t know,” said one woman. “It feels so disconcerting, looking at him and seeing the Pope. He looks so real.”
All in all, my partner Christine and I had a 55% game for third-place, not exactly a heavenly finish, but enough to earn 1.51 MasterPoints on earth.
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NON-LIFE MASTERS: WIN RED & GOLD MASTER POINTS
TORONTO NON-LIFE MASTER REGIONAL
January 6 - 8, 2023
Intermediate / Novice
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
123 Queen St. West, Toronto ON M5H 2M9
Rooms - Call 1-888-627-7175 Ask for special bridge rate “AC3”
$159 CAD (approx. $119.00 USD) if booked by December 8, 2022
Book this special rate for American Contract Bridge League 2023
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1663169488869&key=GRP&app=resvlink
See below for schedule
OPEN PLAYERS: SECIONAL BRIDGE TOURNAMENT ON SAME DATES
Go to www.unit166.ca
Click on Event Schedule at Top left menu
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NON-LIFE MASTERS TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE IS BELOW | |
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A stepping stone is an action that helps one make progress towards a goal.
Our first goal is to offer bridge in a fun, friendly, supportive and welcoming
environment.
Stepping Stones Bridge with Cyndy Winkler & Josée Hammill
We hold a face-to-face weekly, ACBL duplicate bridge game on Mondays at 12.30 pm for players with 0-20 master points.
Email CYNDY with questions: cwinkler@rogers.com
This game will continue on during the winter. In Jan and Feb, we are lucky to welcome Doug Jordan to run the Monday game in Cyndy's absence.
LOCATION: Armour Heights Presbyterian Church 105 Wilson Ave
Handicap accessible – elevator.
Coming Soon : A game for players with 0-49 master points, starting in March 2023 at 12 noon.
It is difficult and intimidating for new players to compete against opponents who have years of playing experience and have earned many master points.
Both these games are aimed at players who may make mistakes but want to learn by playing and get better. Players must know how to bid, respond and rebid and know how to score.
The 0-49 game: Players must be within the 0-49 ACBL master point range to compete in this non-intimidating atmosphere where all competitors will be patient and show respect for others.
Partnerships can be arranged. Table manners and basic etiquette will be followed at all times. Games will be held on Tuesdays at noon starting on March 7.
Our second goal is for players to reach their goal, AND enjoy the process along the way. Once they outgrow this group, they can move on to the next step and more advanced games.
“Bridge is a competitive, challenging game that should be enjoyed by all who play it”
A huge thank you to the Monday games amazing volunteers:
Susan Trumper, Beth Hemstad, Ruth Oppenheim & Lynn Eplett. In January, we will also welcome Defne Berkin and Jocelyne Mongrain.
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Barbara's Pre-recorded Lessons
Special Price: Now you can buy any Seminar below (with Recording & Notes) for Only $25!
Just note that these are not brand-new lessons, and you may already have a few of them but if not, now you can buy these singly. Some have CAD link and USA link (in blue), others just one link. Please choose the best for you.
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Clues: Become A Deadly Declarer | |
An Introduction To Two Over One | |
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Reverses & Other Challenges at Bridge | |
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An old man in Vancouver BC, calls up his son in Toronto, and says, "Listen, your mother and I are getting divorced. Forty-five years of misery is enough."
"Dad, what are you talking about?" the son screams.
“We can't stand the sight of each other any longer,” he says. "I'm sick of her face, and I'm sick of talking about this, so call your sister in Ottawa and tell her," and he hangs up.
Now, the son is worried. So he calls up his sister. She says, "Like hell they’re getting divorced!" She calls her father immediately. "You’re not getting divorced! Don't do it and another thing, the two of us are flying home tomorrow to talk about this. Until then, don't call a lawyer, don't file a paper, DO YOU HEAR ME?” and she hangs up.
The old man turns to his wife and says "Okay, they’re coming for Christmas and paying their own airfares."
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NOT EVER A MEMBER OF ACBL?
SEE BELOW FOR A GREAT OPPORTUNITY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS
GUEST MEMBERSHIP FREE FOR 120 DAYS
and then join for reduced price.
Try it at acbl.org/guest-join
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Planning a trip? Call a travel agent. SO worth it. NO EXTRA cost except for air tickets.
Call Carolyn Kremer
705 435 5533 or toll free at
1-800-363-5533 # 1435
or email her at
carolyn.kremer@visiontravel.ca
Carolyn is excellent and can advise you and book you on anything. Ocean cruises and river boat cruises are her specialty. But she is terrific at booking anything. VISION TRAVEL/DIRECT TRAVEL.
MENTION that you are a bridge player!
Carolyn is taking over from Paola who is slowing down and trying to gradually retire.
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25 BRIDGE CONVENTIONS YOU SHOULD KNOW
NOW HERE!
$24.00 (reg $27.95 CAD $)
$20.00 (reg $21.95 USD $)
plus postage
or pick up from our home at 220 Lawrence Ave East
Toronto
NEW & FULLY REVISED & REWRITTEN FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1999
Buy online on our store OR email us and we will ship. or pick up in Toronto
Here's the link for CAD store: https://store.barbaraseagram.com/collections/all-bridge-books/products/25-bridge-conventions-you-should-know
Here's the link for USD store: https://storeus.barbaraseagram.com/collections/all-bridge-books/products/25-bridge-conventions-you-should-know
Since its publication in 1999, 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know has sold more than 300,000 copies in six languages. It has become a much-valued learning tool and reference for everyone from social players to those who regularly spend time at their local bridge club.
But bridge has changed in the last twenty-odd years. Bidding has changed. Some of the conventions in the original book have fallen into disuse, while others have gained in popularity and importance. Many basic conventions have changed in subtle ways as bidding methods have developed. It is now time, therefore, to update this modern classic so that today's players can be in tune with what is happening and stay current.
This new edition has been thoroughly updated, while retaining the approach and features that made the original so popular. Each convention in the book has been carefully revised to reflect the way it is used in the modern game. Students are now universally taught to play transfers in response to a strong notrump opening, and the new edition reflects that change in several ways. Three chapters (Landy, Grand Slam Force and Ogust responses to Weak Twos) have been dropped completely in favor of Bergen Raises and the DONT and Meckwell defenses to 1NT.
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JOIN US FOR SUN SEA AND SLAMS IN BARBADOS
FEB 12-19, 2023
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ACBL SECTIONAL BRIDGE TOURNAMENT
AWARDING SILVER MASTER POINTS
SEVEN NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
INCLUDING ALL YOUR MEALS & DRINKS
USD $1,190.00 PER PERSON (DBL. OCC.) $1,505.00 SINGLE OCCUPANCY
EXTRA NIGHTS: $170.00 USD per person DBL OCC. or $215.00 per person SGL OCC.
Come early or stayover to tour this lovely island.
HOST HOTEL: BARBADOS BEACH CLUB: SOLD OUT
MAXWELL COAST ROAD, CHRIST CHURCH
WE INVITE YOU TO STAY ACROSS THE STREET AT SUNBAY HOTEL
$1120.00 (dbl occ) $1435.00 (sgl occ) all inclusive
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AFTERNOON TEA, DINNER & LOCAL DRINKS ARE ALL INCLUDED. HOUSE WINE WITH DINNER. MANAGER’S COCKTAIL PARTY. CLOSING BANQUET SAT EVE. TAXES INCLUDED. GRATUITIES ARE NOW INCLUDED. HOTEL GOVERNMENT LEVY INCLUDED.
TRANSFERS TO & FROM AIRPORT INCLUDED. BRIDGE COMMITTEE TAKES YOU TO & FROM AIRPORT!
BOOK YOUR OWN AIRFARE (NOT INCLUDED). NOTIFY ROGLYN HINDS OF YOUR FLIGHT PLANS.
BRIDGE EVENTS ARE NOT INCLUDED. Average: $15.00 USD per session. All bridge is optional.
This is a smaller tournament. Very friendly and fabulous. It will be sold out so book now.
Highly recommended by Barbara Seagram & Alex Kornel.
Barbados is Barbara’s homeland for MANY generations (almost 4 centuries!)
Barbara Seagram & Alex Kornel will be attending the tournament in 2023. There will be TWO free seminars given by Barbara while there. Alex will also be available to go over hands anytime.
The Barbados Bridge League is a full member of ACBL.
The rate is so excellent that you cannot afford not to do this trip. Get away from the winter!!
TO BOOK
BOOKING CODE IS BRIDGE 2023
DEPOSIT: $595.00 USD per person (dbl occ) or $752.50 USD (sgl occ)
SUNBAY DEPOSIT: $560.00 USD (dbl. occ) or $717.50 USD (sgl occ)
Fully refundable if you cancel prior to November 30, 2022
Think of this as a packaged vacation and not just a hotel room.
Hence the revised cancellation policy.
or by phone at 246-231-0149
13 Feb: 9.30 am: Pairs Game
13 Feb: 7.00 pm: Pelau Pairs # 1 session
14 Feb: 9.30 am: Pairs Game
14 Feb: 7.00 pm: Pelau Pairs # 2 session
15 Feb: 9.30 am: Pairs Game
15 Feb: 3.00 pm: Rum Pairs
16 Feb: 9.30 am: Team Game # 1 session
16 Feb: 3.00 pm: Team Game # 2 session
17 Feb: 9.30 am: Pairs Game
17 Feb: 3.00 pm: Lady Burton Pairs # 1 session
18 Feb: 9.30 am & 2.00 pm: Lady Burton Pairs # 2 & 3
There is no significance to the names Pelau Pairs, Rum Pairs, Lady Burton Pairs etc: It is just a designation to distinguish one event from another.
Average cost per session is $15.00 - $ 16.00 USD
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ORDER OUR CHEAT SHEETS
Great hostess gifts and partnership survival gifts!!!
Laminated fold out sheets with many panels
See below for information
All cheat sheets and books available by emailing
Barbara with your postal address. We will send it to you by postal mail or you can pick up near to Yonge & Lawrence if you live in Toronto.
OR ORDER FROM OUR NEW ONLINE STORE AT
www.barbaraseagram.com
or email Barbara
barbaraseagram@gmail.com
INTERMEDIATE CHEAT SHEET: Regular bidding: $10.00
DEFENCE CHEAT SHEET: Strategy and signalling: $12.00
CONVENTIONS CHEAT SHEET: All the conventions (see below): $12.00
(Formerly called Advanced)
Takeout double, Support double, Negative double, Responsive, Penalty & Lead-Directing Doubles, Splinter Bids, Jacoby 2NT, Roman Keycard Blackwood, Raising Partner's Overcall (Cue Bid Raises of overcalls and opening bids), Balancing, Texas Transfers, Gerber, Bergen Raises, Cue Bidding First Round Controls, Unusual NT, Michaels Cue Bid, Fourth Suit Forcing to Game
DOUBLES CHEAT SHEET: $10.00
TWO OVER ONE CHEAT SHEET: $12.00
SPECIAL: ANY 4 cheat sheets: $40.00 plus postage
or all 5 cheat sheets for $48.00 plus postage
Special is on until December 31, 2022
OR if you live in Canada email transfer to AKORNEL@SYMPATICO.CA
Barbara Seagram
220 Lawrence Ave East
Toronto ON M4N 1T2
Canada
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My book "Barbara's Bridge Tips" has won BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD. This is my fourth time winning this award and I am thrilled. This was my first solo book. It was my Editor's idea (Ray Lee of Master Point Press) and he was an enormous help. | |  |
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Whether you have been playing for a while or you’re not very experienced, this book will help you to move your game up to the next level. The tips cover all aspects of bridge — bidding, play and defense. Advice and examples are drawn from material Barbara has developed for her students over the last twenty years — it’s like having your own personal bridge coach sitting beside you!
Each chapter is in bite-sized portions and easy to digest.
$24.95 CAD + tax
(special price: 22.00 CAD with no tax)
or $20.00 USD
Plus postage
Or pick up from Barbara @ 220 Lawrence Ave East
Between Bayview & Mount Pleasant on North side of Lawrence
A compilation of all you need to know!
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BARBARA'S QUIZZES
A MUST-HAVE
$22.00 CAD but on special for $18.00 CAD
or $16.00 USD
plus postage (if you cannot pick up in Toronto)
Pick up in Toronto is at 220 Lawrence Ave East
(between Bayview & Mt Pleasant)
Postage anywhere in Canada for ONE book: $5.75. Postage anywhere in USA: $8.95 for one book. More if other items are ordered.
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TWO OVER ONE
Learn about Two Over One. Barbara has a recording of a 2 hour lesson that teaches you about this system. You may purchase this for $25.00 by emailing barbaraseagram@gmail.com
Barbara's book on Two Over One is also available: $20.00 CAD or $15.00 USD.
The 2/1 cheat sheet is also very useful. $12.00
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BARBARA SEAGRAM BRIDGE STORE ONLINE
Buy Books & cheat sheets from our online store and we ship them to you. Great hostess gifts and gifts for partners. Click on the appropriate link below to explore.
Canadian Store: store.barbaraseagram.com
USA Store: storeus.barbaraseagram.com
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QUIZ # 75 ANSWERS
Answers by Barbara Seagram & David Bird
Bidding at Bridge: A Quiz Book (on special now: $13.00)
1. S 9 H 10 9 6 5 D A Q 7 6 3 C 10 8 4
Partner opens 1S and the next player doubles. Without the double you would have responded 1NT, keeping the bidding alive in case partner had a good hand. After the double, partner will have a second chance to bid on a good hand. Anyway, 1NT would show 7-9 HCP. You are unsuitable for 2D; your suit is not good enough and you are not in the 7-11 point range. You should pass. Answer (a) Pass.
2. S Q 9 8 6 2 H K 5 4 D 10 5 C J 9 2
Partner opens 1H and the next play overcalls 2C . You should raise to 2H , just as you would have done if your RHO had passed. By showing your support, you will enable partner to bid again in hearts, either to contest the auction further if the opponents bid again or to look for a heart game. Answer (c) 2H .
3. S 10 9 6 3 H A Q 10 7 3 D Q 6 C A J
You open 1H , the next player overcalls 2D and your partner doubles. This is a negative double. Your partner almost certainly holds four cards in spades, the unbid major, and you should respond 2S . If you held the S K instead of the S 10, you would be strong enough to respond 3S . It’s the same situation as when you respond to a normal take-out double, not only must you choose a trump suit (or notrump), you must also give some indication as to your strength. Partner can then judge if a game contract will be a good idea. Answer (c) 2S .
4. S K 8 7 2 H 10 9 2 D 7 6 4 C A K 4
Partner opens 1S and the next player doubles. Your hand is worth a sound raise to 3S and that is what you would have bid if the next player had passed. Over a double this response would be pre-emptive, showing a weak hand (0-6 points) with four spades. To tell partner that you have a sound double raise, you make the artificial bid of 2NT instead. This is called the Jordan Convention, played after a Double by RHO.
Answer (c) 2NT.
5. S A K 4 H Q 10 5 3 D 6 4 C Q 9 6 2
Your partner opens 1D and the next player doubles. A response of 1H would be forcing but it’s not particularly attractive since there is a good chance that the doubler holds four hearts. You cannot bid 2NT because this would be an artificial bid (Jordan) that showed a sound raise to at least 3D. Instead you should redouble to tell partner that you hold at least 10 points and are interested in a possible penalty double of the opponents’ resting spot.. Answer (a) Redouble.
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