Jackie McElhaney retired after 43 years as a Flight Attendant.  She served on military flights during the gulf war when American Airlines used their planes to transport military personnel to/from the war zone. She often carried a large American flag with her and had the military men and women sign the flag. She commented that it was difficult because she realized that some of these soldiers may be killed in combat and others may be wounded. 

Upon retirement, Jackie and her husband, Joe moved from the Dallas area to Lake Cypress Springs near Mt. Vernon, Texas. 

Jackie met a friendly 80+ neighbor, named Peaches, who was an avid bridge player. Peaches then introduced Jackie to her daughter, Dotsy Miller.  Jackie and Dotsy soon became friends, too.

Jackie had never played bridge and Dotsy had only played some party bridge. They both became interested in playing duplicate bridge.

Sandy Lansing and Linda Harrison worked frequently with Dotsy and Jackie at informal “Learning Tables”.  They also took some lessons from Heather Sanders. They were soon playing duplicate bridge at the ACBL sanctioned games in Pittsburg, TX, Soon, Jackie and Dotsy were ready to play in ACBL tournaments.  They went to Athens, Richardson, Tyler and Longview and both became Life Masters April 2022!  They continue to play weekly at the PITTSBURG DBC that meets at the American Legion Building. 

It was a special event to have the American Legion Post 422 recognize Jackie at the October 27th meeting. Jackie had kept one of her flags and gave it to American Legion Post 422 Commander, Frank Harrison a few months ago. This flag has special meaning, so the Post had it framed and hung on the wall at the Legion.  Post 422’s program Monday, October 23 given by Don Sides, Post Chaplin, focused on the History and Highlights of the American flag. District Commander Andy Lowe also gave a brief presentation about the history and importance of American Freedom and Liberty. The meeting concluded with the Post Commander, Frank Harrison, presenting Jackie with a plaque of appreciation.

Jackie McElhaney retired after 43 years as a Flight Attendant.  She served on military flights during the gulf war when American Airlines used their planes to transport military personnel to/from the war zone. She often carried a large American flag with her and had the military men and women sign the flag. ..........

 After a 1 no trump opening, many of us use 2 spades to relay to clubs. This bid comes in handy when responder has less than 7 hcp’s and a long minor suit. This bid should never be used with only 5 cards in length. If responder has a weak hand and a 5 card minor, responder should pass and take his lumps. Although most people know the first bid, very few know what to do after that.

The main question with the South hand is what to do after partner opens 1 nt.

• Should South bid Stayman or relay to clubs?
• If South decides to bid Stayman (2 clubs), what is South to do when North bids 2 diamonds, 2 spades, or 2 hearts?
• Two diamonds or 2 spades seem to present problems that are difficult to solve. In fact even 2 hearts has its problems.

Now, what if South bids 2 spades and North takes the relay and bids 3 clubs? What action does South take after the relay?

• The proper bid is 3 spades, which shows shortness in the bid suit, is forcing to game and a mild slam try. Although 3 spades devalues North’s hand some what, he still should cue bid 4 diamonds.
• At this point south can take several actions such as cue bidding hearts or blackwood. Six clubs should be reached.

At our table, 2 spades was bid by South, West bid 3 spades and North bid 4 clubs. After 4 clubs by North, South reasoned that North liked clubs and took a chance and bid 6 clubs.

The purpose of this hand is to show the follow up bids by south after North bids 3 clubs.

1.  A bid of a major after the relay shows shortness in the suit bid.
2. If 3clubs is not used to relay to diamonds, 3 diamonds shows a long diamond suit and a weak hand. 

 After a 1 no trump opening, many of us use 2 spades to relay to clubs. This bid comes in handy when responder has less than 7 hcp’s and a long minor suit. This bid should never be used with only 5 cards in length. ..........