Ann Kuperberg
We are saddened to report that Vicki Hansen, a longtime MountainView bridge player, has passed away. She will be missed.
The MountainView Duplicate Bridge game will continue throughout the summer but may miss the second Tuesday of the month. Check our website to be sure there’s a game at the Catalina Room at 1 p.m. on other Tuesdays.
If you need a partner or further information, contact JoAnn Aiken at [email protected] or phone 520-256-2702. Our website is www.bridgewebs.com/mountainview.
Some of the clubs had a special game for the Longest Day, as an Alzheimer’s fundraiser, and our players participated in that event.
Larry Cohen had advice about doubles in a recent Bridge Bulletin: “If the opponents open 1NT, there is no such thing as a “takeout double.” He said many players use a convention to show a long suit or 5-4 hand. One convention is called DONT, and another is Cappelletti. It’s worth reading about them as defensive tools. Cohen also describes a double over opponent’s preempt. Double is then for takeout. The player is showing support for the other three suits. He says not to double at the three-level with only 12 high card points. Those are just a few examples.
Cohen continued that topic in another issue of the magazine. He then described a “big” double when you have 18 or more high card points. If the partner didn’t jump in his suit, he was limiting his hand to 0-8 high card points. “We double and plan to bid again,” said Cohen. Other experts have written about doubles, including negative doubles, and the topic is extensive.
Another topic, opening in fourth seat, is addressed by Marty Bergen. “When you are truly in doubt as to whether to pass or open, you can use the rule of 15.” You add high card points to number of spades. If they equal 15 or better, open. If not, pass! It’s tempting to bid, especially when you’re not vulnerable. However, if your opponents are experienced, you may get doubled for penalty and end up with a negative result. That little green card is your safest option.