Explanations

What does that bid mean? A good and fair question that deserves an answer. It used to be all right to respond “I take it as…” or “I think it means” but no longer. As per the new changes in the laws, Law 75 Mistaken Explanations or Mistaken Call, players should always disclose partnership agreements fully and freely but must not use the phrases “I take it to mean” or “I think it means” in the answer.

Now it is proper only to give the neutral answer, “We don’t have an agreement on that.” Guessing not only can cause misinformation to opponents, it gives unauthorized information to partner that you don’t understand his bid and now he can adjust his responses. If harm is done to opponents, an adjusted score can be made.

Congratulations to all who went to Myrtle Beach for the New Year’s Regional. All of them came home with points and good memories. Special events always tend to cement relationships with bridge friends that carry over to our local games. Here’s to a great 2018 bridge year.

Our Friday, Dec. 29 Evergreen game was smaller than usual because so many were away at the tournament. Winning the Howell movement game were: 1st Sonjia McHone and Pat Featherston, 2nd Carol Bachl and Judy Gealy, 3rd Fern Albracht and Pat Macon, 4th Patsy Reynolds and Lawana Ford.

Featured is board # 6 from Friday’s game

E/W vulnerable, East Dealer

NORTH:

S   9 6

H  A K Q

D  K Q J T 6

C  K 9 7

WEST:            EAST:

S  A K 7 4        S  J 5 2

H  7 5 2            H  T 9 8

D  7 4 3            D  5

C  8 6 5             C  A Q T 4 3 2

SOUTH:

S  Q T 8 3

H  J 6 4 3

D  A 9 8 2

C  J

Sonjia McHone and Pat Featherston had the best N/S score bidding and making 3NT while best E/W made by Fred Bachl and Wade Lowder was 3NTN going down 2. A club lead did the trick.

Our Tuesday, Jan. 2 Women’s Club game was once again large and lively. Winners were: N/S 1st Fern Albracht and Shirley Jeffers, 2nd Georgia Sorensen and John McLaughlin, 3rd Lawana Ford and Betty Bills;

E/W 1st, our newest players Ann Hamm and Mary Hennie, 2nd Marvin Jones and Don Webster, 3rd Carol Winecoff and Myrnie McLaughlin.

An invitation to those who would like to play in friendly Duplicate Bridge games: Tuesdays at the Salisbury Women’s Club at 1 p.m. and Fridays at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center also at 1 p.m.  For more information call 704-636-9781.