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Fire Prevention Month
This month is filled with observances we need to know about. We have “Jury Rights Day” to remind us that juries can’t be punished for voting against laws they feel are unfair. Bridge Pards should remember that. Then we have “National Iguana Awareness Month.” Taking care of iguanas isn’t as easy as one might imagine… sort of like learning a new bidding system. And a big favorite of bridge players, “Sisters’ Day,” where we celebrate our affection for sisters, whether related or chosen.
Next, we come to “National Caramel Month.” My Faithful Readers might assume this would be one of celebration, rejoicing and indulgence for me, right up there with “Bacon Month” and “Bourbon Month,” right?
Well, not exactly. All my life I've been (mis)guided by the following two mottos: "What can possibly go wrong?" and "How hard can it be?" So I decided to make my own caramel. I will skip the details, but three years later, I'm still finding spots that need to be scraped off the kitchen walls, even after the repainting. I still shudder when I see a caramel.
And finally, we come to "Fire Prevention Month," which holds a special place in my pantheon of observances, ever since the Great Caramel Debacle. I'm more vigilant than Smokey the Bear, and actually have several fire extinguishers around the house.
And in bridge, it's important to prevent fires also. What bids are too high? How close can you come to the edge of disaster? What does it take to make your partner spontaneously combust? That’s where we, your friends from Vu-Bridge, come in.
Let’s start out with DAVID BIRD. Three of his six hands are about the Killer Lead. Each hand has a slightly different focus including side suit singletons, leading against a No-trump slam and when to choose the less obvious suit. He also has a very interesting hand from a historic match between the “Naturalists” and the “Scientists.” Read all about it.
BEN NORTON presents us with six hands, each featuring a winning technique. When and why to ignore “Second Hand Low.” What does it mean to finesse against the dummy? How can we “freeze” a suit? The importance of visualizing Pard’s holding based on the lead. And why to resist temptation. Plus more!
PAUL BOWYER brings eight hands built around what many consider the single most important defense concept. Here’s what he says: “This series of eight deals (the first series out of three) is all about Counting Declarer's Tricks. It is about knowing whether to play passively or whether to attack in an attempt to develop tricks for the defense.” Pay close attention!
MATTHIAS HUBERSCHWILLER has two quizzes for us. One on No-Trump leads, and the other one on Suit Contract leads. This will help you!
And finally I’ve got two warm-up hands, helping to put out that fire of hope in the declarer’s eyes.
Don't forget: if you like Marti's style, have a go with her Bridge Boot Camps. Click here to ask Marti about the schedule...
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