More from our Prez

As the country grapples with the new Delta strain of Sars-CoV-2, so does the bridge club! We have had one vaccinated player test positive, but likely not from exposure at the club, as they had not played for over a week before the game during which they might have been a source of exposure to others. All players at that game were contacted, and happily appear to have had no associated illness. The affected player has had a mild illness.

I would like to remind all players that we require a completed vaccine series to attend our games. I would also like to remind all players that the vaccine is not a magic shield that totally prevents infection with the virus. It is our best defense, and according to nationally respected medical personnel it will prevent infection in almost all persons and prevent serious disease in almost all those that slip through the first barrier. You may still want to consider using a mask at the club if you are concerned.

 

I am sorry to say that our beloved Bulletin editor Mike Jacobs is under the weather right now and will not be publishing the August issue. Please send thoughts that he feels better soon.

 

Our online morning games during the week have not been attended well enough lately. The board will be considering whether to continue these games after August 1. We will offer these games this week, and the ACBL is running their Stardust Week, offering a chance for some Gold points. Twenty-five percent of the double point award will be gold, and the games cost an extra $1.00 through Sunday August 1st. — Pamela Gorbics

At the club this week

North American Pairs qualifying games will be held this Monday (July 26) and Friday (July 30). If you have not yet qualified, here’s your chance. If you have qualified, here’s a chance to win extra masterpoints.

 

There is still time to join the beginner lessons held at 1:00 pm every Thursday and taught by Elaine Garofalo. Elaine also directs the new 0-750 game on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm. You are always welcome to join Freida’s supervised play sessions Fridays at 9:30 am.

 

 

Bridge trivia answers

Question 1: What do red, yellow, and green mean?

These terms refer to vulnerability. Red means you are vulnerable, and the opponents are not; yellow means equal vulnerability; and green only the opponents are vulnerable.

 

Question 2: What do turn the cube and return the cube mean?

These slang terms are stolen from backgammon. To turn the cube is to make a penalty double and returning the cube means to redouble.

 

Question 3: What is the official definition of transfer?

An artificial bid promising length in another suit. For example, if your 2♠ to your partner’s 1NT opening promises long clubs, it is a transfer; however, if your bid promises either clubs or diamonds, it is not a transfer. If, like the example above, it is not a transfer, you need to Alert rather than simply say “clubs.” The explanation should be “Shows a long minor suit and asks partner to bid 3♣.”

 

Questions for this week

1. What is the “rule of n” in ACBL’s Convention Charts?

 

2. What is the minimum number of high card points necessary to meet the ACBL’s definition of “Average Strength?” Alert! Trick question

 

3. You play that a 4♦ opening shows a stronger version of a 4♠ opening. Your partner opens a natural 4♠ bid. Is this alertable?

 

 

Word of the week

Crwth

Definition: Ancient Celtic stringed instrument

Example: Bob McClelland’s suggestion of this word for Word of the week was like the sweet tones of a well-tuned crwth.