News Sheet 7 – April 2017
It seems a long time since the last News Sheet so we thought it was time for another.
Unfortunately we have had little response to our request in the last one for comments or ideas to
improve it so we will keep trying. One thing you will notice is that we have included a
crossword and there will be a modest prize of a free night of bridge with a partner. This is not a
particularly “bridge” related one although some clues will be and it has been done at the request
of several members. It will be open to both members and non-members.
You will have noticed that on each table we have placed a small sheet which brings attention to
some etiquette and bridge laws that are frequently overlooked, particularly by less experienced
players. Also by a number who should know better! In particular, the habit of fiddling with the
bidding box while thinking what to bid thus letting your partner know that you have a possible
call. And putting away your bidding cards before the opening lead – which should be made face
down. Perhaps we should explain that it means that the card should be face down, not the
leader. And you must not stare at your partner while playing as this can send signals. Each one
of the above was seen frequently at the recent Lupane Cup event and it spoils the enjoyment of
the opposition.
Thanks are due to Helen Hall who introduced the idea to the Board.
Disabled Parking:
After sterling efforts by Rosemary Kilpatrick we have now got a disabled parking slot so please
don’t abuse it.
Seating Position:
Your attention is drawn to the rule about seating which is on our home page. If either pair
wishes to sit the seating position has to be decided by a toss of a coin or drawing lots. Of
course, if there is a particular reason for one pair to sit in a particular orientation then this does
not apply. Also, if the director asks a pair to move to another table to assist in the layout (such
as when there is more than one half-table) then they must agree without argument.
Claims:
Quite often, when there are only a few cards left to play, declarer will claim the rest. This is
good bridge as it saves time and it is against the rules to unnecessarily prolong play. However,
sometimes there is a trump outstanding that has been forgotten and it is not good enough to just
say “Oh well I would have drawn that out”. Alan Hill has kindly compiled the following
explanation of the relevant rule:
Claiming / conceding tricks is part of the game, not least because players should not unduly
delay the game. Four of the 93 Laws cover this area of the game which underlines its
importance. With limited space to discuss the finer points I would emphasize that the key thing
is to give a full statement immediately you claim. That is what you will be judged on by the TD /
appeals committee if there is disagreement. If you don't mention an outstanding trump you are
normally
considered to have forgotten about it. If you do not mention unblocking a suit it is blocked.
Once a claim is made play stops. There is no ability to request play to continue (This may
change at least in part, when the new version of the laws comes in September.) The one
exception is if a defender concedes a trick partner may immediately object. (Now we may be in
the realms of unauthorised information!) Doubtful points go against the claimer. With an
insufficient statement the TD will look to see if any (more) tricks could be lost by any 'normal '
play. This includes play that would be careless or inferior for the class of player involved.
(Footnote in the Laws.) Irrational plays are excluded.
Styluses:
For any pedants, this can also be written styli.
We wrote last time about the use of the stylus for entering information on the tablets. It would
appear that someone who did not agree has taken the law into their own hands and removed
several of them. Efforts are being made to track down the phantom stylus pincher but
meanwhile Joan has researched the matter and has ordered a new batch. They will be a while
coming because we have agreed that they will be specially made to operate within the range of
the router on the wall. Once they get out of that range they will explode and we will then have
the culprit who will have a bandage round his hand (or elsewhere if he had it in his pocket). We
are also padlocking the router to the wall to prevent it being stolen with the stylus.
While we are on the subject of culprits, David Leeman and I arrived one morning to find
chewing gum on the floor. David demonstrated his undoubted talents and removed it after a lot
of hard work under my supervision. We have sent it off for DNA analysis and will compare it
with those we have collected from you over the last year or so and the culprit will be named.
Hygiene:
You will have noticed (we hope) that some new paper towel dispensers are being fitted. This is
because the others were unsatisfactory in that the paper was coming out in larger sections than
needed, thus wasting paper and resulting in them spread on the floor. The new ones should
overcome this but please USE THEM. We all have to touch the cards and many of our bridge
population are getting on in years and don't have the immune systems they had when younger.
This makes us much more susceptible to highly communicable diseases such as stomach
viruses, colds, or even the flu. If you have a respiratory-borne illness, please stay home until it
is gone.
Also, while on this unsavoury subject, please be careful what you flush down the toilet. This
should NOT include paper towels which have been blocking the sewers.
Rules:
Perhaps players would understand the rules if they were presented in a more memorable way.
For example, in verse. The following is my attempt which perhaps might encourage others to
follow suit (sorry!).
“You are old Father William, the young man said
And your hair has become very white
So count your cards before they are led
We must always do everything right.”
“In my youth” Father William replied to his son
“I feared it might injure the brain
But now that I’m sure that I have none
Why I do it again and again”
“You are old” said the youth as I mentioned before
And have grown most uncommonly fat
When you bid your hand you must really be sure
Not to play with the bid box like that”
“In my youth” said the sage as he shook his grey locks
“I trained all my limbs not to fumble
With all the cards in the bidding box
And I’m sure that no-one will grumble”
With apologies to Lewis Carroll and thanks to Rex Anderson who gave me the idea in a
different context.
Board:
Helen Hall has kindly agreed to join the Board and Eric Lesage has taken on the role of
Membership Secretary.
Heating:
There have been complaints excessive heat recently and we have found that the thermostatic
radiator valve settings have been altered to a higher position than the 2 that they have been set
at. Please do not change them unless the director agrees and they should then be returned to the
original setting at the end of the session or sooner.
While we are on the subject of heating, if you open a window would you please ensure that it
its closed at the end of the session. This will prevent damage to the blinds, reduce heat loss and
avoid a security problem.
STOP PRESS:
Most of you will be aware that the pound coin has been superseded by the new multi-sided one.
Also the old £5 notes go out of circulation on May 4th. We are willing to dispose of your old
coins and notes in an environmentally friendly way and without charge if you leave them in the
red box in the lobby. We cannot keep this offer open after the end of April so please take
advantage of it while you can.
KMBC 1 CROSSWORD
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Across
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Down
1 TSEBD in Queer Street (3,5)
1 Hoodwinks black sail edges (6)
5 Read verbose sentence needing action
modifier (6)
2 More beloved swimmers initially
swallow chlorine causing them to call
out (9)
10 Peacekeepers sliced rough ice (5)
11 Manners spaceman held broken
silence there and back (9)
12 Fat or bald makes all the same (4,5)
13 Silkie agreed when held by both
hands (5)
14 No gardenia likes summer inside (6)
15 Red tyre roundabout (7)
18 Seed lifted joint (7)
20 Company Hardy formed without
enthusiasm (6)
3 Winner upended firm, one got rid of
vehicle front door (11,4)
4 Alone it makes a pinky protector (7)
6 Pale ale works wonders with
agreement to score more. Or not.
(7,8)
7 Door open - trying to get in with card
(5)
8 One king left out swallowed another
dazedly (8)
9 Tenderer religious man in hearse (6)
22 Pull back, including university
provost (5)
16 Broccoli from acres able to be eaten
(9)
24 Shuffle, dealt crab, supporting cards
(4,5)
17 Less gloomy right in the middle of
Siberia (8)
25 Chatty story about king, ace and ten,
beginning with four (9)
19 Setter drawing one round therapy (6)
26 Beer right for warning (5)
27 Brides change around and tries again
(6)
28 He set tea for one appreciating beauty
(8)
20 Procession with escort, e.g. easily
included (7)
21 Ear smells in the middle (6)
23 Freely notice party (2-3)