Games: Bridge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference."Bridge is a sport and, as such, your place is here like all other sports." The words of Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the IOC, spoken in Lausanne at the inauguration of the IOC Bridge Grand Prix last year. With Duplicate Bridge due to be played at the 2002 Winter Olympics as a demonstration sport, and hopefully as an official discipline in 2006, it now becomes necessary for the British government to recognise it as such, as is the case in many other countries. Changes will be required to the 1937 Physical Training and Recreation Act, and the National Lottery Act 1993, so that sports of the mind fall within the meaning of these acts. After all, the brain is part of the body!
My wife, when she was a teacher, ran into this problem. Selected to represent Great Britain in the European Teams Championship, she was initially told that bridge is not a sport, and so not recognised for official release. She won the day, having made the point that it was a curious anomaly that time off is permitted to represent the country at a discipline that requires brawn, but not for one which requires brain! Another paradox - she taught PE.
Against Five Clubs West led _A, followed by _K, ruffed by South. The contract depends on playing the trumps for one loser. There is no problem if they break 3-2. The poor spot cards means that there will always be a trump trick for the defenders. But if they break 4-1 there will be two losers - unless the king is singleton. So do not attempt to finesse for the club king. Simply lay down the ace, then play small towards the queen and you will hold your trump losers to one, whenever the king is singleton.
Alan Hiron wrote this, and forthcoming columns, prior to his death two weeks ago. He will be sadly missed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments