The EBU have produced 2 new books. The Blue Book takes the place of the current Orange and Tangerine Books.

http://www.ebu.co.uk/documents/laws-and-ethics/blue-book/blue-book.pdf

There is also an updated White Book. This is for Tournament directors but there will be members who will find this enlightening! 

http://www.ebu.co.uk/documents/laws-and-ethics/white-book/white-book-2013.pdf

Local Master          100

Club Master           200

Area Master           500

District Master       1000

County Master       2500

Master                   5000

Advanced Master  7500

*Master                 10000

**Master                15000

***Master               20000

****Master              25000

*****Master            30000

Tournament Master 40000

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When to Call the Director

FACED OPENING LEAD OUT OF TURN (LAW 54)

If an opening lead is made from the wrong hand, CALL THE DIRECTOR.

They will give you the 5 options.

No action should be taken until all the options have been given and considered.

The options are considered by the DECLARER ONLY, without consulting their partner.

LEAD OUT OF TURN (LAWS 53, 54, 55, 56.)

If there has been a Lead out of Turn, CALL THE DIRECTOR.

They will decide whether the Lead has been accepted or not.

They will then give you the options.

No action should be taken until all the options have been given and considered.

INSUFFICIENT BID  (LAW 27)

CALL THE DIRECTOR. They will give you the options.

No action should be taken until all the options have been given and considered.

REVOKE  (LAW 63)

If a revoke is thought to have been established, CALL THE DIRECTOR.

The Director will decide whether the revoke has been established.

If it has NOT been established, the Director will tell you what the Law says about Penalty Cards and subsequent play.

If the revoke has become established,  then play continues.

At the end of the hand, if the Director has deemed that the Revoke had been established, THE DIRECTOR IS CALLED BACK to make rectification.

CALL OUT OF ROTATION (LAW 29)

If a call is made out of rotation, CALL THE DIRECTOR.

This may be quite complicated, so please be patient while the Director explains.

  UNAUTHORISED INFORMATION (LAW 16)

Unauthorised Information can be given accidentally in many ways.

When a player considers that an opponent has made such information available and that damage could well result, they may announce that they ‘Reserve the Right to summon the Director later’.

If the opponents dispute the facts, CALL THE DIRECTOR IMMEDIATELY.

When a player has substantial reason to believe that bidding or play has been affected by the Unauthorised information, CALL THE DIRECTOR at the end of the hand.

OTHER COMMON DIRECTOR ‘PROBLEMS’:

PLACEMENT OF BOARD  LAW 7

If a player doesn’t want the board in the centre of the table, CALL THE DIRECTOR.

It is needed so that all players can check the Board Number and the vulnerability.

DUMMY  (LAWS 42 and 43)

Dummy is very limited as what they may do.

In brief, Dummy plays the cards as the Declarer’s agent and must generally keep quiet except to prevent any irregularity by Declarer.

If they exceed their limitations and you feel damaged, please CALL THE DIRECTOR.

CLAIMS (LAWS 68, 69 and 70)

If a Claim of tricks won (or lost) is made, play ceases.

Players may NOT ask for the hand to be played out.

The Claim MUST be accompanied by a full description of how the hand would be played in order to win the claimed tricks.

If the Claim is then disputed, either because the Claim is incorrect, or, if no description is given and there is an alternative play that would not give the same tricks, CALL THE DIRECTOR.

  ANNOUNCEMENTS (ORANGE BOOK 5A and B)

Announcing is compulsory (5B2). Announce only partner’s calls, never your own.

Announce the range of a 1 No Trump opening bid. Say, for example, ’12 to 14’. If relevant, also say, ‘May contain a singleton’.

Announce if your partner responds with Stayman or a Transfer after a 1 No Trump opening bid. Say, ‘Stayman’ or ‘Hearts’ or ‘Spades’ (NOTE: Alert, don’t announce, 2 Spades if it is a transfer to Clubs).

Announce the strength of your partners opening 2 of a suit. Say ’Weak’, or ‘Strong non-forcing’ or ‘Strong forcing’. If it is a Precision 2 Clubs, announce ‘Intermediate’.

If it is a strong Acol or a Benji 2 Clubs, ALERT, don’t announce.

In general, DON’T ALERT ANY BID OVER 3 NO TRUMPS.

INSPECTION OF TRICKS (LAW 66)

So long as their side has not led or played to the next trick, any player (except Dummy) may, until they have turned their own card face down, require that all cards just played to the trick be faced. Thereafter, the cards of quitted tricks may not be inspected.

CONDUCT AND ETIQUETTE  (LAW 74)

A player should maintain a courteous attitude at all times.

If you are concerned about your opponent’s conduct, CALL THE DIRECTOR.

The club are sad to hear of the passing of one of our dear founder members, Jean Hemmerle.

Jean was a much-loved member always cheeful and full of fun.

She was an excellent card player and for many years developed a formidable partnership with Mary Hopgood.

Jean will be greatly missed.

Linda Ashworth was crowned Grand Slam Champion 2017 for successfully bidding and making 3 Grand Slams during the season, each with a different partner.

The 'John and Bill Grand Slam Decanter Label' adorns a well-deserved bottle of gin.

Maureen Fallows and Bob Bennett were convincing winners of the Leslie Davis Mix and Match Cup.

At our recent Annual General Meeting, Steven Clifton and Alan Biggs picked up  the John Ridding Club Championship.

Alan also won the Clifton Trophy with Rob Mabley.

The winners of the Club Teams Championship 2017 were  Stephen Smith, Ann Bennett, Micheline Smith and Bob Bennett.

Micheline and Stephen also won the Noth Coast Wine Handicap Pairs, and Bob joined Maureen Fallows in winning the Leslie Davies Mix and Match Trophy.

It is with sadness that we learned of the passing of Jacqueline Russell, aged 94, peacefully last Sunday.

A long-time member of the club, Jacky was a feisty bridge player, known for her unauthodox bidding and masterful card play, winning the Club Teams Championship in 2003 at the age of 80!

She continued to play at the club until well into her 90s.

Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols with the John Ridding Club Championship trophies.

Mary Hopgood was our Grand Slam winner this year, bidding and making twice as many Grand slams as any other member.

Hilary Doren (pictured) partnered Gill Lowe to win the Christine Carey Trophy.

Linda Ashworth teamed up with Paul Creighton to win the Mix and Match trophy 2018.

Many thanks to all members who helped raise a magnificent £95 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance at the Bude Heritage Day last weekend.

Lovely Cornwall  

'On a recent, extended and lonely babysitting holiday in the Bude area, I phoned and asked if it was possible to play at the local bridge club. The response was immediate and very welcoming: partners were organised at short notice and I can recommend Deb Delvalle and Ann Bennett (who organises partners) and all the members for their friendliness and warmth towards a 'bridging stranger'. Their kindness changed the time spent there to a lovely memory'.

(English Bridge magazine Issue 280, page 59)

We are very sad to learn of the death of Brian Relton on September 9th.

Brian was a member of Bude Bridge Club for many years, serving as Chairman and Director.

He was responsible for the success of the later Bude Bridge Congresses at the Strand Hotel, organising with his quiet manner and great efficiency.

As Chairman, he updated the Constitution and introduced a more organised playing environment.

Brian was a very accomplished bridge player, winning the Club Championship in 2002, 2008 and 2009, and the Teams Championship in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006.

He played for many years in the Cornwall C Team with his wife Elaine, with both Dave Voller and Linda, and Chris and Jane, winning the Western Counties League in 2017.

When he and Elaine moved to Newquay, he was honoured with Life Membership of the club.

His attention to detail was second to none and he will be greatly missed.

We all send our heartfelt condolences to Elaine and the family.

Maureen Fallows is the first-ever winner of the new Beryl Mardon Cup for service to the club,  voted on by the members.

Annie Quartermain and Rob Irish were awarded the Collian Bowl 2019 at the AGM.

AGM photos by Bob Bennett

 The  Annual General Meeting will be held 'virtually' on Tuesday, April 6th, starting at 6 p.m.

Bob will be sending an email to all members, who can login to the Zoom event from 5.45 p.m.

All members should have received an email giving details of the AGM, the Acting Chair's Report and the Acting Treasurer's Financial Statement.

We are seeking nominations for the Acting Committee, to make decisions until such time as we are able to call an Extraordinary General Meeting.

The present members of the Acting Committee are:

Acting Chair:  Chris Nichols

Acting Treasurer: Stephen Smith

Acting Committee members: Maureen Fallows, Steve Trenner, Neil Trenaman.

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Alan Merchant-White last Saturday (July 3rd).

I'm sure we all join with Deb's tribute:

'We can't imagine what Wednesdays will be without him. He was so welcoming, and so engaging....

and we all became doublers because of his sometimes outrageous slam tries. We were all shown how it's possible, with the right hands, to make slams with a lot fewer points than the books said...'

A gentleman of memorable culinary skills, artistic genius, generous heart and a great sense of humour. Sadly missed. Rest in Peace.

We are delighted that two of our members have won the Falmouth Salver 2021, the first major County tournament of the year.

Playing online from Stratton, Chris Nichols partnered Steven Clifton in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands against 23 other pairs throughout the County and beyond.

Their winning percentage of 70% was the highest in the competition's history.

Alan Merchant-White

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Alan Merchant-White on July 3rd.

I'm sure we all join with Deb's tribute:

'We can't imagine what Wednesdays will be without him. He was so welcoming, and so engaging....

and we all became doublers because of his sometimes outrageous slam tries. We were all shown how it's possible, with the right hands, to make slams with a lot fewer points than the books said...'

A gentleman of memorable culinary skills, artistic genius, generous heart and a great sense of humour. Sadly missed. Rest in Peace.

Peggy Cann was a founder member of the club and had a wicked sense of humour!

She was a delight to play with and against and was always complementing the opposition on good play.

‘Oh, well done!’ could always be relied on if someone made a difficult contract.

Such a lovely lady, sorely missed.

George Booth, a staunch member of the club for many years, has also sadly passed away.

We will remember him as a true gentleman of the bridge table, always calm and polite with a gentle manner and lively sense of humour.

Kathleen Bence was a regular at the club until recent years. She had a very competitive style and always complimented others on good play. She passed away peacefully in December..

Our thoughts are with their family and friends.

David Clarke and Steven Clifton are this year's Club Champions, pictured here receiving their virtual John Ridding trophies.

They also teamed up to win the Clifton Trophy.

 Sarah and Neil Trenaman teamed up with Chris Nichols and Jane Koldewey to win the club Teams Championship for the third successive year in 2020.

Neil was also winner of the June Justice Individual Championship.

   We have started face-to-face bridge again!  Come and join us on Tuesday evenings from 

  7 - 10.30 p.m.  - arrive by 6.50, please      at the Parkhouse Centre, Bude

This will be competitive bridge with Masterpoints.

Please observe all COVID precautions:

Bring a mask, in case your partner or opponents are COVID cautious (there are over 50 cases at present in Bude)

Keep socially distanced as much as possible - we shall spread the tables out as much as possible.

Bring your own drink and mug - biscuits will be provided.

£2.50 pp table money (£3 as from January) - no visitors at present, please

  as well as continuing on WEDNESDAYS

  (please arrive 1.45 for a 2pm start playing until 5ish)

when Duplicate Bridge is played in a relaxed environment (no Masterpoints) - 18 to 21 hands or as time permits.  

All levels welcome including beginner players and those coming back to our great game - this is the place to start!

 If you need a partner for a Wednesday session call Deb on 01840 230510

Please bring you own drink and mug - biscuits will be provided.  

Table money £2.50 per person.(£3 from January)

Winners of the wine prizes for this season:

September: Maureen Fallows and Ian Curtis

October: Noreen Heslop and Margaret Swayne

November:  Terry Abbott and Neil Trenaman

December: Paul Creighton and Alan Biggs

January: Annie Quartermain and Tilly Peck

February: Jenny Tregarthen and Linda Ashworth

March: Mike Newman and Rob Irish

The Annual General Meeting 2022, scheduled to be be held on Tuesday, April 19th, has been postponed until Tuesday, April 26th at 6.30 pm..

All members are encouraged to attend, and to stay afterwards to play (finish by 10 pm)

All necessary paperwork will be circulated to members by email prior to the meeting.

Please note that the Prizegiving of trophies for the 2019/2020 season has been postponed until all winners are present.

The Wednesday Champions 2017 were Alan Merchant-White and Ian Curtis, winning the Christine Carey Trophy.

Keep checking here for the latest news.

Club member Chris Nichols has been awarded the Tony Priday Award by the EBU for services to bridge during the pandemic.

In case you have forgotten, the following Trophies will be awarded at the 2022 AGM.

The Roll of Honour for 2019/2020 was

Club Champions:  David Clarke and Steven Clifton

Teams Champions:  Chris Nichols, Jane Koldewey, Neil and Sarah Trenaman

Collian Bowl:  Tertia and Tom Salt

Handicap Pairs:  Maureen Fallows and Ian Curtis

Winners of the wine prizes for the season:

September: Maureen Fallows and Ian Curtis

October: Noreen Heslop and Margaret Swayne

November:  Terry Abbott and Neil Trenaman

December: Paul Creighton and Alan Biggs

January: Annie Quartermain and Tilly Peck

February: Jenny Tregarthen and Linda Ashworth

March: Mike Newman and Rob Irish

Clifton Trophy:  Steven Clifton and David Clarke

June Justice Individual Champion:  Neil Trenaman

Jug of Bridge Wisdom:  Not awarded

Beryl Mardon Memorial Trophy:  Deb Delvalle

John and Bill Grand Slam Bottle:  Alan Merchant-White, Steve Trenner and Chris Nichols

The Club will be holding two Individual events in the week before Christmas.

On Tuesday evening, December 20th, members will compete for the June Justice Individual Trophy.

Mince pies and a cuppa/glass of wine during the break.

On Wednesday afternoon, December 21st, the competition is for the coveted ‘Jug of Bridge Wisdom’.

Please arrive early (1.15 for 1.30 pm)  for a shared ‘late lunch’ - please let Hilary know (01288-341117) whether you’re providing ‘sweet or savoury’.

No partner required for either event.

                     A Very Happy 2023 to All!

Bridge recommences in 2023 on Tuesday, January 3rd (Handicap Pairs) and Wednesday 4th.

Top Percentages for 2022

1.  Linda and Deb. 79.17%. September 7th

2. Chris and Steve. 73.75%. April 12th

3. Chris and Steve   73.61%   August 9th

4. Robert and Chris  72.22%    October 12th

5.  Chris and Steve  71.25%   Feb 22nd

6. Rosemary and Steve   71.20%  July 5th

7 = Neil and Sarah  70.83%. Feb 23rd

      Deb and Linda. 70.83% April 20th

       Mike and Rob.    70.83%. April 26th

10  Pauline and James   69.79%  December 7th

 2010  Mary Hopgood & Jean Hemmerle

2011 Mary and David Hicks.

2012 George Booth and Paul Laming.

2013 Chris Nichols and Jane Koldewey.

2014 Chris Nichols and Jane Koldewey.

2015 Steven and Charles Clifton.

2016 Steven Clifton and Linda Ashworth.

2017 Alan Biggs and Robert Mabley.

2018 Alan Biggs and Robert Mabley.

2019 Steven Clifton and David Clarke..

2023  Steven Clifton and Chris Nichols

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Coming to Bude Bridge Club soon - a change of day for afternoon bridge.

As from April 17th, ‘relaxed’ Duplicate bridge will be held in Rooms 2 and 3 at the Parkhouse Centre on Mondays at 1.45 pm instead of Wednesdays.

Tuesday evenings will continue as usual.

Hope to see you all there.

Please note that the Extraordinary General Meeting of all Club members scheduled for Tuesday, August 1st at 6.30 p.m. at the Parkhouse Centre has been cancelled.

We are very sad to hear of the passing of Charles Clifton on July 10th.

Charles was ‘double champion’ of the Club in 2011, winning both the Club Championship (with brother Steve) and the Teams Championship (with Jenny Tregarthen).

Charles and Steve were again Club Champions in 2013 and 2015.

Charles was a real ‘gentleman’ at the bridge table, kind to opponents with a gentle manner.

We send our condolences to all his family.

 Annual General Meeting and Prizegiving 

For Chair’s report, see under AGM Minutes.

Prizewinners included 

John Ridding Club Champions: Steve Clifton and David Clarke

Frank and Doris Clifton Trophy 2020: Steve Clifton and David Clarke

2023: Steve Clifton and Chris Nichols

Teams: Neil and Sarah Trenaman, Jane Koldewey, Chris Nichols

Handicap Pairs: Ian Curtis and Maureen Fallows

june Justice Individual 2020: Neil Trenaman

2023: Peter Oldfield

Collian Bowl: Tertia and Tom Salt

Beryl Mardon  Memorial: 2020 Deb Delvalle

2023: Bob Bennett

John and Bill Grand Slam: Steve Trenner, Chris Nichols and the late Alan Merchant-White

An exciting competition saw 13 pairs competing for the Mix and Match Trophy.

Top North/South were Ann and Andrew, with Rob and Geoff top East/West.

Thanks to Bob for Directing, Deb for organising, and all club members for providing a superior cream tea!

Congratulations to Mick and Jim, winners of the local heat of the Ecats Pairs for the Earthquake Appeal on Monday, April 17th

However, internationally, Sue and Chris took the honours,  47th out of 434, with Rosemary and Vicki 48th. 

Full international results can be found on the Ecats website.

ECatsBridge - Turkiye-Syria Earthquake Appeal (simpairs.com)

The joint winners at the Club  on Tuesday, April 18th were Mary and Jim, Rob and Linda.

Well done, Jim, for winning both heats.

Nationally, Linda and Rob were 31st out of 391 pairs, with Chris and Steve in 54th.

For the latest positions, please click here:

ECatsBridge - Turkiye-Syria Earthquake Appeal Tuesday (simpairs.com)

£289 was raised for the UNICEF fund for the Earthquake Appeal 

Thank you, everyone!

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Two of our members are on a magical 107 night world cruise on the Queen Victoria.

Bahamas, Panama Canal, San Francisco, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia..

On  to Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, South Africa, Tenerife and finally Madeira - then home!

The Top Ten percentages for 2024:  

1st. Nick and Janet                  82.29%   April 22nd

2nd.  Linda and Peter O.            72,22%. March 4th

3rd. Neil and Sarah                     69.64%    April 30th

4th.  Rosemary and Vicki         69.44%   April 1st

5th =  Ann and Rob W                 69.05%   April 2nd

5th = Pamela and Chris             69.05%   May 6th

7th.  Tertia and Val.                 68.75%.    March 11th

8 th.    Chris and Peter R            68.52%       April 8th

9th. Rosemary and Vicki            68.25%      May 6th

10th.  Peter R and Chris              68.08%       May 13th

Bridge is for all ages and experience - Come and join us!
(not our actual membership….)

Roll of Honour

Club Championship – Mary Francis Cup

1991    Simon and Angela Ainger

1992    Veronica Thres and Nora Routledge

1993    John Justice and Bill Walton

1994    Simon and Angela Ainger

1995    Simon and Angela Ainger

1996    Tad and Eva Sochanik

1997    Frank and Doris Clifton

1998    Ray Bird and Alan Curtis

1999    Brian Rogers and John Hudson

2000    Ray Bird and John Justice

2001    Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols

2002    Brian and Elaine Relton

2003    Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols

2004    June Justice and Linda Ashworth

2005    Alan Merchant-White and Dave Lincoln

2006    Linda Ashworth and Dave Voller

2007    Linda Ashworth and Dave Voller

2008    Brian and Elaine Relton

2009    Brian and Elaine Relton

2010    Roger Alway and Chris Nichols

2011    Steven and Charles Clifton

2012    Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols

The John Ridding Club Championship

2013   Steven and Charles Clifton

2014   Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols

2015   Steven and Charles Clifton

      2016   Alan Biggs and Carole Reid

      2017   Alan Biggs and Steven Clifton.

      2018   Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols.

      2019   Alan Biggs and Paul Creighton

      2020  Steven Clifton and David Clarke

      2022 Steven Clifton and David Clarke

      2023 Bob Bennett and Rob Irish

Teams Championship

1991 Wilf and Nora Routledge, Dick and Joan Godden

1992 Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols, Marian Grimshaw  and Pat Clark

1993 Veronica Thres and Nora Routledge, Dick and Joan Godden

1994 Veronica Thres and Nora Routledge, Dick and Joan Godden

1995 Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols, Marian Grimshaw and Pat Clark

1996 Ron and Paula Mansfield, Tad and Eva Sochanik

1997 Ray Bird and John Hudson, Dick Godden and Paul Laming

1998 Ray Bird and John Hudson, Dick Godden and Paul Laming

1999 Ray Bird and Mary Barr-Hall, John Hudson and June Justice

2000 Lillian Roger and Godfrey Newcombe, Brian and Elaine Relton

2001 John Justice and George Dunkin, Dave Voller and Linda Ashworth

2002 Maureen Keane and Ursula Wilde, Brian and Elaine Relton

2003 Maureen Keane and Ursula Wilde, Jacqueline Russell and Brian Morgan

2004 June Justice and Mary Barr-Hall, Ray Bird and Brian Relton

2005 Linda Ashworth and Dave Voller, John Ridding and George Dunkin

2006 Brian and Elaine Relton, June Justice and Mary Barr-Hall

2007 June Justice and Colin Hollister, Mary Barr-Hall and Elaine Relton

2008 June Justice and Colin Hollister, Elaine Relton and Alan Biggs

2009 June Justice and Colin Hollister, Elaine Relton and Alan Biggs

2010 Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols, Alan Merchant-White and Dave Lincoln

2011 Jenny Tregarthen and Charles Clifton, Ian Edwards and Alan Biggs

2012 Mary Hopgood and Sylvia Rogers, Brian Morgan and Brian Rogers

2013 Jacqueline Russell and James Sim, Brian Morgan and Brian Rogers

2014 Steven Clifton and Dave Clarke, Ian Edwards and Alan Biggs 

2015 Steven Clifton and Dave Clarke,Alan Biggs and Carole Reid

2016 Steven Clifton and Dave Clarke,Alan Biggs and Carole Reid

2017 Bob Bennett and Ann Bennett, Stephen Smith and Micheline Smith

2018 Chris Nichols and Jane Koldewey, Neil Trenaman and Sarah Trenaman 

2019 Chris Nichols and Jane Koldewey, Neil Trenaman and Sarah Trenaman 

2020 Chris Nichols and Jane Koldewey, Neil Trenaman and Sarah Trenaman

We are very sad to hear of the passing of Maureen Fallows on July 17th, aged 91.

Maureen was born on June 4th 1933.

She died peacefully at home after a short illness. At her own request, there was no funeral.

Everyone at Bude Bridge Club remembers her cheerful personality and her untiring work for the Club.

Maureen was still playing an inspired hand of bridge at 86, winning the Handicap Pairs with Ian Curtis in 2020.

The Club’s respect for all the unheralded tasks she undertook brought her the unanimous votes of Club members to be the inaugural recipient of the Beryl Mardon Cup.

Our thoughts are with her family. She will be remembered with great affection.

It’s that time of year again!
We are planning to run beginners’ bridge lessons, starting in September.

Lessons will take place on Monday mornings at 9.30 am using a PowerPoint presentation on Zoom.

This is followed by bidding and play on Realbridge, with EBED teacher Steve Clifton to coach and support.

If you have family or friends you think may like to loin the fun, please put them in contact directly with Steve by ‘phone, email, text or WhatsApp.

stevenclifton99@gmail.com

07836-231284