Wearside Bridge Club, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear

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Pearson's rule in action- part 2
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Pearson's rule in action- part 2

Here's a hand from recent play at the club:

Dealer W

none vulnerable

W E

♠ A 6 4 2

♥ 10 4 3

♦ K 6 3 2

♣ A 10

The auction:

South	West	North	East
	pass	pass	pass
?

What's your choice? a) pass b) 1NT c) 1♦ d) 1♠

Pearson's Rule, or the Rule of 15, applies only when there have been 3 passes to you, and you have the choice of whether to bid or not. You add your number of high-card points to the number of spades you hold, and if the answer is 15 or more, you should theoretically bid. What's the logic behind this? Well you could settle for a score of 0 by passing, and probably score something around 50%, beating those who go minus and losing to those who go plus. Your sole intention is therefore to get a plus score of any description, and your chances of winning a competitive auction are better when you hold some spade length, as spades outrank the other suits.

As to the choice of bid, you should be looking for something that gets you into, then out of, the auction as quickly and cheaply as possible. 1NT would be ok as long as partner doesn't put you into 2NT, with a risk of going minus. Similarly, 1S risks getting to a non-making 2NT or 3S. The best option is probably to open 1D and pass whatever partner bids (even 1H or 2C). However, all the options have some validity, and therefore are all rewarded on this occasion!

PASS = 4

1NT = 9

1S = 6

1D = 10

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Welcome to Wearside Bridge Club

We Welcome New Members

Playing Bridge is a great way of making new friends and the mental stimulation is of proven benefit. We are a very sociable and friendly club and have been running for 75 years. The club has its own premises and we have over 100 members

We have regular courses for beginners

There are teaching sessions on Tuesday and Friday mornings between 10-12 open to anyone.

You don't need a partner to come to these sessions.

For more information ring 0191-584-9911. Leave a message if there is no answer and you will be contacted.

The club's e-mail address is wearsidebridgeclub@hotmail.com

There is also an e-mail facility under 'Contact us' on the Menu

The Club is open at the following times:

Face to Face Duplicate Bridge is played on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7-10 pm and on Saturday evenings at 6.30-9.30 pm, with Master Points awarded

Sessions are also held on Friday afternoons at 1-4 pm with advice available

No partner is needed for these afternoon sessions

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

The Club holds a duplicate session online on BBO on Thursday evenings at 7-10 pm

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Players requiring a partner please ring Irene on 07905 567993

December Diary Dates

Saturday 13th Christmas Party

Delicious Food, Pantomime & Other Entertainments, Quiz, Bridge

Doors open at 6 for 6.30 start

Monday 15th Grant Cohen Trophy for Individual Champion

Limited to 26 entries, pre-entry required