This is Sonja's training workshop with Chris

The history of sports and games is littered with examples of matches played at a time of political unrest. A few have increased tension (e.g. the Hungary —Soviet Union water-polo battle at the 1956 Olympics and the El Salvador — Honduras soccer World Cup qualifier of 1969) but the majority pass peacefully. This bridge match, in the fourth round of the Transnational Mixed Team Championships, was an example of the latter. It was reputedly the first time that teams representing Israel and Palestine had met in any kind of sporting contest.

The Palestine Bridge Federation was founded in 1995. Five years later it had about 100 members, representing most of the main cities of the West Bank and East Jerusalem . Three of their six-person squad came from East Jerusalem and the others from Ramalla, Nablus and Bethlehem . The four Israelis were from Tel Aviv (two), Petah Tikva and Givatayim.

The powerful Israeli team were the favorites to win the match, but the outcome was closer than anticipated. A low-scoring match ended 18—12 Victory Points in favour of Israel.  The bidding and play for this hand was the same at each table, but the hand has one interesting question: Should East—West sacrifice in Seven Diamonds (despite the unfavorable vulnerability)?

 N/S are in a contract of 3NT by South – yes a bit of an overbid but there they were. As West, what do you lead?

Archived 15/5/16

To be held at Berry on Saturday 7th May.

Players will be asked to give a voluntary gold coin or a more generous monetary donation to send to NeuRA. Neuroscience Research Australia is dedicated to reducing the burden that disorders of the brain and nervous system place in our community. They are asking that all bridge clubs and players throughout Australia raise funds and or make a donation in support of Alzheimer's research. We will not be participating in the Challenge by receiving the event pack & set boards this year BUT it is something we have aim to do in 2017.  For more information visit  the ABF web site or bridge@neura.edu.au . At last viewing 109 clubs throughout Australia are registered. 

On 23rd/24th April 2016, Southern Highlands Bridge Club will be hosting the State Novice and Restricted Pairs on behalf of the NSWBA.

The event provides a great opportunity for players with less than 100 (Novice) and less than 300 (Restricted) masterpoints to compete against players at a similar level and from a range of NSW clubs.  Click HERE to view further details on this event.  Entries should made via the NSWBA website: (http://nswba.com.au/tourn/calendar.asp).  

Learn a new skill! Offering full tuition and ongoing support for someone to take on administration of the website.  Some computer skills needed and willingness to maintain the website at least weekly.  If interested contact Joy Webster ...

Final Interclub Series for Berry Bridge

Last Wednesday saw the final Interclub series for 2016 held at Kiama Bridge Club.  Two, four-person, teams from Berry, Kiama, Goulburn, Southern Highlands and Bowralpitted their wits and expertise against each other in an effort to take out the finals. Kiama Bridge Club had a stranglehold on the series, being victorious in the previous four encounters and were playing clean sweep for the year, alas this was not to be. 

As can be imagined, competition was fierce with the firsttwo morning rubbers being hotly contested between the two Southern Highlands’ teams sitting in first and third places with Goulburn snapping at their heels in second. The remaining two positions seesawed between Berry and Bowral. The final wash-up after five hours of play wasSouthern Highlands the victors followed closely by Browal who pipped Goulburn out of second place, the final three placings were Goulburn, Kiama and Berry respectively with only seven points of separation. 

This wound up the10th year of the Interclub Series, withthe 2017 Series commencing in April with a trek over the mountains to the Southern Highlands, who, after seizing the trophy, will by all out to retain their title over the new year.

With the festive season just around the corner, plans are underway for the 2016 Christmas Party. The festivities are not only for members but also visitors and will be held on Saturday, December 17, with further details in the coming weeks. The Party commences with the annual players’ awards, then the all important ‘merry making’ which later slides into some very ‘interesting and creative’ bridge!! So put the date in your diary and if you have any visiting bridge players coming for the holidays just telephonemyself, Marea Allen  (0417286764) or Lee Ann  Roberts (4464 2742) as soon as possible so we can streamline catering. As previously mentioned the finer details will be ready in the next few weeks and advised through the media and posted on our website. The Christmas Party also sees the last Saturday of play for 2016 with play resuming for the New Year on Saturday, January 7th.

The following is thanks to the NSW Bridge Association:

Your opponents are entitled to know as much about your system and style as your partner does .... the only secret inbridge is what cards you hold.

And on a lighter note to close......

Q:   -- How should I have played that hand?

A:   --Under an assumed name!!!

Marea Allen

Media Officer BBC

Tel:  0417286764:

Inverted Minors is a very nice, simple tool for Intermediate plus players. For example, when partner opens one of a minor, your reply of two of that minor promises 10-18 HCPs, five cards in that minor and no major holding.  It’s forcing for one round because the point count could be high. 
Example:

North opens 1C, South bids 2C showing 10+ HCPs and a five card club suit.
1C: 2C: ?

With this valuable information, North bids 2NT showing a minimum balanced hand with cover in diamonds and both majors.   South bids 3NT.
1C: 2C: 2NT: 3NT

How would you bid this hand if you don’t play Inverted Minors? 1C: 3C: ? You’re up too high to do any NT exploration.  Partner cannot guess your point count past 10, therefore anything they bid, including a pass, is a gamble.

What do you bid if you have a weak hand in response to partner’s opening of a minor? Normally you pass with less than five card support and 0-5 HCPs.  This stays the same for 0-2 HCP.  However, if you hold 5 card support with 3-8 HCP you jump to 3C.  Partner must pass:
1C: 3C = 3-8 points and a 5 card club suit, no four card major, opener should pass.
1D: 3D = 3-8 points and a 5 card diamond suit, no four card major, opener should pass.

With a balanced 6-9 HCP point hand and no major, bid 1NT.

When the opponents bid ...

Inverted Minors are off.  Minor suit raises and NT bidding reverts to the normal meaning
1C: (1H/1S) ? - a 2C bid is 6-9 points and a 5 card suit.   
1D: (1H/1S) ?  - a 2D bid is 6-9 points and depending on your system promises 4 diamonds (Short Club) or 5 diamonds (Better Minor).
1C/1D: (1H/1S) ? - a 1NT bid is 6-9 HCP, no 4-5 card major and cover (A or K) of their suit. If you don't have cover, pass or support partners bid suit, as stated above.
-KK

The 2nd round of the Interclub Event is being hosted by Bowral Bridge Club on Wednesday 29th June.  Teams representing Berry are:

• Margaret Ann Crossley,  Maggie Elderfield,  Marea Allen and Jenny Moon
• Peter Muller,  Lorraine Penfold,  Brenda Miller and Harriet Champain

We wish them well as they participate in this event.

Bowral is hosting this event on Friday 29 July to Sunday 31 July. Entry is open to players who will have turned 70 before 31 December 2016. Cost is $180 per pair.  For more information email the organiser Rob Ward, rob@robward.com.au or phone Rob on 0418 611 908.

Hideous Hog:
Probability, playing rules, conventions and systems take the place of thinking. That is why they are so popular.
(He) is so bad that he admits to mistakes before he makes them.
If you award Masterpoints for very good results then, logically, you should deduct them for very bad results.