Hi Mr. Wolff,

Would a small trump from East when he won the CQ have had a similar effect to the successful defence in the other room? I must admit that I’d have had the SQ on the table as well, although I admit that I’m a far weaker player than either Hackett twin (or their dad).

On the BWTA today, one agreement I have used is that “disturbed” responses e.g. 1D (1S overcall) 2H where the response is forced up a level (as opposed to 1D (1S) 2C where the overcall doesn’t make a difference, at least if responder was going to bid clubs anyway) are limited and non-forcing so a stronger hand starts with a negative double then bids hearts; this seems to be quite a useful treatment – any thoughts?

Lastly, where are Greater and Lesser Slobbovia relative to Elbonia – see Scott Adams’ Dilbert cartoons. I suspect their people may have common backgrounds. This could be a horrrible faux pas of course, as there could be historical deadly enmity.

Regards,

Iain Climie

Do the Elbonians sit at the Bridge Table with those big coats and hats on?

Hi Iain and Clarksburg,

I only remember Slobbovia???? by Al Capp, the genius who created Lil Abner (cartoon character) and his referral to Lena the Hyena to contrast with Lil Abner’s sexy girl friend, Daisy Mae.

Question of the day: Would it be bad table manners for Elbonians to put their elbows on the table, or leave their hats on while indoors?

And that remembrance by me may be totally confused with something else in my youth which reminded me of Lena. Only The Shadow knows (aka Lamont Cranston a 1940’s radio good guy who had the ability to make himself invisible).

Jim2, we need help, if you can give it.

Hi Iain, Your suggestion of a small trump at trick 4 will work, as the problem of the fourth diamond loser cannot be solved, I am sure our host will correct me if otherwise. Best regards-Patrick.

Hi Iain & Patrick,

Yes, I agree with both of you as I cannot see a way home for declarer if East leads a small trump at trick 4.

Perhaps, especially in the play, both declarer and the defense need to follow JATE in order to be successful at a high-level. Judgment, Analysis, Technique and Execution. This defensive problem emphasizes A&E.

Our Host is, of course, quite correct.

Lena – whom Al Capp never actually drew:

http://www.american-buddha.com/lenahyena.htm

Slobbovia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Slobbovia

Elbonia is, as Iain stated is a Dilbert comic invention:

http://dilbert.wikia.com/wiki/Elbonia

I mentioned the name of the country that dragged me into the match (Slobbovia) because I knew Our Host would be familiar with it. Yes, it dates me too, as does the fact that I knew of Lena. I may even have met her that day but, if I did, her visage was so extreme that I blocked out its memory!

Hi Mr. Wolff,

The trouble with A and E is that in the UK we all think of Accident and Emergency departments in hospitals. The way I was playing on Friday, my partner felt that interpretation would have been more appropriate than analysis and execution – although I killed several good scores stone dead by mistake, usually after confused thinking.

Regards,

Iain

Hi Iain,

You are always way too modest in your assessment of yourself, however it could have been worse for you on Friday, if you are speaking about playing badly. Your partner might have interpreted execution with a different, but more lethal definition. Thank heaven for moderation.

Hi Mr. Wolff,

Your comments are too kind. What was perhaps rough on my partner was my mixture of plays and bids – some good, some dreadful, although I was fairly tired after a wearing week. If playing with a known bad player, he can make allowances. Playing with someone who is all over the place, but is capable of playing soundly, can be much harder – a Russian Roulette feeling from his viewpoint.

Iain