BRIDGE!

Yesterday, I got back from my exercise class feeling somewhat the worse for wear (we had no class last week, and it showed) and sat down at my computer, as you do!

The telephone rang and it was the secretary from the bridge club saying had I not got the message on my answering machine? Well, I use BT1571 and my current phone doesn't flash a light to show that a message had been left.

Anyway, the purpose of her call was to ask if I would like to play that evening as someone was looking for a partner.

Would I?

You betcha!

I had never met the lady before, but we had a good chat about the conventions we use, and then we were off!

I can't remember much about the hands but my overriding memory was that I kept getting hands with less than 6 points (meaning I couldn't bid).

However, on one particular hand, I opened 1 No Trump and the player on my left doubled.

Now I really don't like playing in No Trump, and 1 No Trump is the worst possible contract as it means that the points are probably evenly distributed.

Anyway, after all that, I made it!

And I bet the player who doubled bitterly regretted it as it gave us over 500 points (instead of the 90 had he not doubled).

All in all it was a good night, but, boy, you keep coming up against pairs who have played together for years, often married couples, and have reached a complete understanding over their bidding.