Priyanka Gulati Two paths diverged in the HCL bridge’s play, To play the pro- am or not, what to say, Opting for the pro-am event, I chose one to attend, A novice amid pros, the choice I would defend. Full of nerves, I embarked on the game’s direction, To make unique connection. With amateurs and […]
The Road Less Traveled – HCL Pro AM Read More »
The 20th HCL International Bridge Championships concluded yesterday after hundreds, nay thousands of hard fought, exhilerating, annoying, frustrating (at the same time) boards between close to a thousand contestants. Here are a few thoughts on the championships (all my own work). To comment on the performances of the winners and boards etc., we have an
Reflections on the HCL Bridge Championships Read More »
Very often, the urge to preempt at favorable colors is one that most players give in to. Typically, a minor suit preempt should show two of the top three honors, the idea being that partner is likely to bid 3NT with the missing honour and prime cards on the side. Some may want three of
The value of constructive preemption Read More »
V N Ramamoorthy Ladies and Gentlemen, What, in your opinion, would be the most challenging role for a bridge player? Being declarer or a defender? I would posit that being a Dummy is harder than either! Basically, one has to “Use a blind- fold and a duct tape when dummy” It’s all very well to
How to be a good dummy, “Dummy”! Read More »
Today’s deal is from an IMP match. N-S pair in the Open Room reached 4H in quick time and declarer went down in the contract. He got distracted by an irrelevant issue which did not allow him to concentrate on the job at hand. Test your skill in the hand below on the lead of
Don’t get distracted Read More »
If you are able to find the winning defence in today’s a deal from an IMP pairs contest, you can rate yourself as world class. Are you ready? West, your partner leads the D2. Take the East seat and plan your defence. How the defence went: East won with the Ace
V N Ramamoorthy Ladies and Gentlemen, There are benefits, both from winning and losing in a bridge game! Post a session of bridge, invariably, an animated discussion follows till the players and cows both go home 😇. More often the after-effects continue even in your dreams ! What is common is that both winners and
Bridge – A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma Read More »
Today’s deal is from a match-point event that had fifteen tables. The popular contract of 5D was reached on all the tables and except for one, all declarers failed to fulfill the m inor suit game. It required special play and most players did not possess the technique. See whether you can match the play
V N Ramamoorthy Ladies and Gentlemen, Bridge players have to be mavericks, magicians and tricksters, all rolled into one unique and unknown species. They, in my opinion, are a balanced kind even if holding unbalanced hands! They have to be trapeze artistes to deftly handle the violent swings and yet land safely on the bar
Bridge – A 4 Rung Circus Read More »
After reading various comments about our team’s performance in the recent Bermuda Bowl an evening of gyan during my much younger days popped to mind. Some of this may still be relevant. Players from Bombay (usage of the word is deliberate) will surely remember the names and locales. I recall late one evening sitting in
Ramblings of a Bridge Afficionado Read More »
