Board 16 was unusual in that at all seven tables the auction was the same as was the strain of the lead! However the number of tricks made by the defence differed.

As in the illustrated auction west opened 1NT then raised to 3NT by east and all the norths either lead ♠6 (4th highest) or ♠9 (top of a sequence). At six of the tables of the tables declarer inserted the ♠J and from here paths diverged with 3NT making a few times. At the runners up table John P covered with ♠Q then accurately switched to a diamond (a second spade at this point would allow 3NT to make). Countdown Andy won his a ♦A to play a 2nd spade through dummy. John had dummy covered with his ♠A ♠10 and when declarer played low inserted the ♠10, then ♠A and ♠5 to scoop the suit and take the first five tricks,to set the contract. Very nice defence guys

At one table after ♠9 was lead declarer tried a cunning small spade from dummy. South was not to be missled and could see all the cards higher than ♠9 so let the card hold the trick. When a second spade was played the suit too was picked up and the first five tricks taken.

Well done to the winners Jim and Irene, Countdown Andy and John 2nd, Ann and Margaret 3rd, with Colin and Robert 4th!

Five tables, so perfect for a full Howell movement. That meant nine matches of three boards at a good 18 minutes per round. So not only did all the pairs play one another but also a record for the No Fears! Twenty seven boards played in the normal time! Well done everybody and the winners Robert and Colin just ahead of Karen and Polly in second with Andy D and John S in third spot.

Infact it was board 13 where the winners and the third placed pair clashed on a decisive board that determined the overall result. Andy (north) opened a light 1♥, with a weak 2♥ an alternative option. No stopping John now with the very good eighteen points from bidding to slam (illustrated auction). Unfortunately there is a major flaw to this contract, N/S are missing ♣A♣K  but on the other hand have twelve tricks themselves. Namely six hearts, five spades and ♦ A.

Colin was on lead and only a club would defeat 6NT. Robert saw the ♣8 flash up on the screen and grabbed his ♣A  to accurately return the ♣3 to partners ♣K and take their two tricks before declarer cashed his twelve! Great lead Colin and nice return Robert.

This relaxed tourney is twenty four boards of two or three board matches with an estimated run time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Everybody who have attended my classes, played in the live No Fears and friends are welcome to join in the fun ($4:00 buy in).

1) Please anounce your system.

2) If you misclick in bidding or play no probs..its easily done. Just request an undo. If you misclick in play, there is no undo available once the trick has been won. If your opponents ask for an undo you should generally accept. However if you are not sure, please call me and i will give a ruling. It keeps everybody happy.This is not an SBU event and Edinburgh No Fears bridge club rules apply. 

3) You are not allowed to ask for an undo if you change your mind about an action

4) Please alert and explain conventional bids. For example transfers, the Landy convention and Jacoby. 

5) Edinburgh No Fears bridge club system limitations: 

 a)The Multi 2D is not permitted.

 b) If you open 1C you must have at least 3 clubs. 

c) Apart from strong 2C and Benji Acol all two level opening bids must be natural and single suited.

6) Please, as a courtesy to your opponents display your name on personal details. Its nice to know whom you are playing! 

7) The main thing is to have fun and be kind to your opponents

Note:Sometimes we get a half table so and i will use a pair of robots. This allows me to substitute in No fears late comers, a player on standby or friends that fancy playing a few boards. Sorry if you start off against a pair of 'Pesky Robots'  but it gives me flexibility to add players whom would normally miss out . 

Also if you get disconnected from BBO and cant get back for a while to keep things going i may ‘sub in a Robot’. Anyway, if  you are subbed by a robot, dont worry, just hang in there on your return, you will be reseated to the table for the next deal.