THE ANDREW ROBSON BRIDGE CLUB THE ANDREW ROBSON BRIDGE CLUB MAGAZINE MAGAZINE Summer 2010 / Issue 34 t: 020 7471 4626 www.arobson.co.uk ARBC Bridge at the Notting Hill Harbour Club Fabulous Malta Holiday - still a few places left Includes Summer 2010 Lesson and Playing Schedules How (not) to be Dummy Gold Cup Victory
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THE ANDREW ROBSON BRIDGE CLUBTHE ANDREW ROBSON BRIDGE CLUB
MAGAZINEMAGAZINE
Summer 2010 / Issue 34
t: 020 7471 4626 www.arobson.co.uk
ARBC Bridge at the Notting Hill Harbour Club
Fabulous Malta Holiday - still a few places left
Includes Summer 2010Lesson and Playing Schedules
How (not) to be Dummy
Gold Cup Victory
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 1
For a more certain approach.Don’t leave the selling or letting of your property to chance.
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ContentsSectionsClub Dates p 3Editorial p 4Club Photos p 10 - 11Lesson & Club Programme p 12 - 24ARBC Holidays p 26 - 31Club Shop p 32 - 38
FeaturesARBC at Notting Hill Harbour Club p 6Zermatt 2010 p 7Gold Cup Success p 8 - 9Children’s Bridge p 9How (not) to be Dummy p 39
Lesson & Playing SchedulesBeginning Bridge at ARBC p 12Lesson Flow Guide p 13Lesson Information p 14 - 16Course Form p 17Membership Form p 18How to get to ARBC p 19Lesson Schedule p 20Playing Schedule p 21Session Information p 22 - 23Standing Order Form p 24
Dates For Your Diary20th - 21st March 2010 Improver Weekend 10.00 - 16.3023rd - 26th March 2010 Millstream Midweek Break12th - 14th April 2010 Childrens Courses 10.30 - 12.30 / 13.30 - 15.3013th - 16th April 2010 Harrogate Midweek Break14th April 2010 Open Evening 18.00 - 19.1524th - 25th April 2010 Beginner Weekend 10.00 - 16.308th May 2010 Annual Teams Championship 11.00 - 16.008th - 9th May 2010 Next Step Weekend 10.00 - 16.3015th - 16th May 2010 Intermediate Weekend 10.00 - 16.3022nd - 23rd May 2010 Improver Weekend 10.00 - 16.304th June 2010 World Simultaneous Pairs 13.00 - 16.1512th - 13th June 2010 Advanced Weekend 10.00 - 16.302nd - 3rd October 2010 Intermediate Weekend 10.00 - 16.3016th - 17th October 2010 Improver Weekend 10.00 - 16.3011th - 18th September 2010 Trip to Malta18th - 19th September 2010 Beginner Weekend 10.00 - 16.3019th – 21st November 2010 Millsteam Weekend20th - 21st November 2010 Next Step Weekend 10.00 - 16.304th - 5th December 2010 Beginner Weekend 10.00 - 16.3011th - 12th December 2010 Advanced Weekend 10.00 - 16.3015th – 22nd January 2011 Hotel Alpina, Klosters4th – 6th February 2011 Millstream Midweek Break
Editor : Andrew, Design: Printalicious, Holidays: Jack StockenFront Cover: St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valetta, Malta
How to contact us : ARBC, 31 Parsons Green Lane, SW6 4HH T: 020 7471 4626 E: [email protected] W: www.arobson.co.uk
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It has been a greatstart to the year atARBC, a lovelyatmosphere with lotsof exciting stimulatingBridge. I am sorry Ihave not been aroundto witness it; I havebeen recuperatingfrom my footoperation. Things are going well – bit of along haul having my foot elevated thewhole time – but we’re getting there.Thank you so much to all of you wishingme well.
There are lots of exciting newdevelopments at the Club I’d like tomention. For starters we have begun aMonday morning duplicate 10.00 – 13.00,under the leadership of the wonderfulMartin Jones. What better way to startthe week! We now have seven daytimeduplicates, the four weekday afternoonones all playing 24 boards. For theTuesday and Thursday evening players, Iam newly renaming the Trophy,previously known unimaginatively as theTuesday-Thursday Cup, as the StockenCup - in honour of Peter and his threesons Jack, Simon and Zebedee all ofwhom have contributed so much to thesuccess of the Club since its beginningback in 1995. We will be celebratingPeter’s 1000th Hand Analyses onThursday evening April 29th – do comeand play that night. Also, by populardemand, we have reinstated the AnnualTeams Day, to be held on Saturday 8thMay 11.00 – 16.00. Make early plans andrecruit your dream team of four.
I have devised another full package ofcourses for you this summer (we countApril as summer here, perhaps a tadoptimistically). I am personally lookingforward to a return to teaching (with the
possibility that I will have an assistant tohelp on the early weeks, as I will behobbling or possibly still on crutches).Particularly of note are David’s Delightswhich run on Friday mornings until theend of June and Wednesday eveningsthrough July and August; Caroline’sRevise and Play on Thursday afternoons;and the Big Four (Conventions) withRichard on Monday evenings in July. Fulldetails are on page 20.
Summer classes do tend to besmaller, travelling to the club is easierand so I would really recommend doing acourse of lessons next term. Bear inmind (if you have to be away for a week ortwo) that almost all courses have asecond (or third) time slot, typicallyrunning a week before/after. So, bycoming to that alternate lesson and doingtwo lessons one week, you don’t miss aweek by being away. Worst case scenario– come to the lesson you’ve missed on afollowing term (no need to let us know).So no excuse to procrastinate! Sign upnow – you can do it online as well as byphone/post.
My latest Bridge Lesson Booklet“Hand Evaluation and the Losing TrickCount” is shortly out. This really gets tothe nitty-gritty of the game (for £5).Alternatively why not buy (for £10) theupdated Essential Flipper, now coveringall the themes of the Improver Course aswell as Intermediate. For details of allthe flipper, books, CDs etc see the shop(pages 32-38).
Shortly after Easter, towards the endof the school holidays, we are having ourEaster Children’s Bridge. I know mychildren Hannah and Mimi are lookingforward to them. My experience ofteaching Bridge to a more matureaudience is that if someone has learnt to
Andrew’s Editorial
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cont..play when young, they can stop for fortyor fifty years yet have a huge head startwhen they take it up again later in life.For more details of Children’s Bridge seepage 9.
Our Bridge at the Notting Hill HarbourClub is going very well, buoyed by thekindness of the Harbour Club who havewaived the £5 visitors fee. Nick, Natasha,Lucy and Helen are really enjoyingstarting this new venture and we thankall of you who have supported it. Natashais to teach three classes each Thursday –Beginner, Next Step and Improver -starting on April 29th. For more detailssee page 6.
Jack, our holiday guru and Lorna haverecently run perhaps our best ever skitrip – read more on page 7. They areabout to take a sizeable group to Jack’s
home territory, the lovely YorkshireDales, so, together with more away-breaks to the charming Millstream inBosham, you can see that our holidaysare going from strength to strength.People love the combination of activitycombined with structured, instructiveand entertaining Bridge. There are still afew places left on our summer trip toMalta (see Front Cover picture) so don’thesitate. For more details see the six-page Holiday Section on pages 26 – 31.
In the meantime I’ve missed you alland look forward to seeing you again atour special Bridge haven. Thank you somuch to all of you – our Club – your Club- is truly unique in the world,
‘Move Better!’We expertly assess the function of your joints and know how to get you moving. Improved
function and movement means less pain and better health. Book in today for an initial functional assessment (50% discount with this advert).
We provide care and advice for a range of conditions including: Low back and upper backpain, shoulder dysfunction, headaches (cervicogenic and migraine), motor vehicle
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1 PARSONS GREEN LANE, FULHAM, LONDON SW6 4HP (JUST UP THE ROAD FROM THE BRIDGE CLUB)T: 0207 731 3737 [email protected] www.fulhambackcare.co.uk
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Notting Hill Harbour Club By Natasha
"Expert tuition for all levels - and questionsalways welcomed! I'm hooked." Claire O’Connor – one of my Intermediatestudents
Since January this year, I have thoroughlyenjoyed teaching a couple of Andrew’scourses at the Harbour Club in Notting Hill.
Living and working in Parson’s Green hasbeen very easy, so it was a bit of a shock tocommute to North London. It gave me thepush I needed to buy a decent bicycle; now Ienjoy cycling through Hyde Park, Queenswayand up to the Harrow Road in rain and snow!The club is easy to find just off the HarrowRoad under the A40 and you can always parkas cars can be stacked three high in their carpark (Free!).
We use a large, light, airy room with bigwindows and a great selection of coffees aswell as an extensive menu of delicious food,which I am slowly making my way through.
Every Wednesday Nick and his highlyexperienced, charming team run a Supervised session and Duplicate.
On Thursdays, from the end of April, I will beteaching Beginner, Next Step and Improvercourses, so please tell all your bridge-playingfriends as well as your non-bridge-playingfriends, who live in north London.
Weekly Schedule - Every WednesdaySupervised Play 9.30 - 11.30Duplicate 11.45 - 15.00
Summer Term Lesson ScheduleThursdays beginning 29th AprilNext Step 9.15-10.45Beginner 11.00-12.30Improver 13.00-14.45With the eight lessons on the followingThursdays:
29th April6th May
13th May20th May27th May
10th June* 24th June*
1st JulyNo class on 3rd June, being half term, or 17thJune, being my sister’s wedding!
* Note missing week
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Zermatt 2010 By Lorna & Bim Wilson
Lorna...How lucky we were to have such fabulousweather and snow for our annual ski tripwhich this year was in Zermatt staying at thebrilliant Hotel Alex. We were very spoilt tohave three wonderful ski guides to look afterus all namely William, Gerry and Suzi whoalternated between our three groups: the“long lunch group”, the “medium-sized lunchgroup” and the Ascetes (naturally where Ibelonged). One of my highlights in Zermatthas to be the wonderful Gornergrat trainwhich winds its way from the centre of thevillage to the top of the mountain. On abeautiful day (which we had many) it has to beone of the most picturesque train journeys.
The culinary delights at the Alex wereendless – we ate like kings and I for onethoroughly enjoyed the pool etc – a great wayto end the ski day. We had a fun non-skiergroup who were extremely happy going forwonderful walks which culminated indelicious lunches in various locations.
Our Bridge programme was busy as usual.Wonderful lessons compiled by Andrew anddelivered skilfully by Jack – plus great funduplicates after dinner. Our stars of thebridge tables were Sam and Bim Wilson andCaryl and Sadie - the unbeatable duo…..
Bim...I have known Jack for a long time but not wellas I was a very absent godmother to hisbrother Simon. And although keen readers ofthe Andrew Robson column in the Times, wehad never been to the bridge club, so it waswith trepidation we joined the group at theHotel Alex. It turned out to be an unqualifieddelight-if exhausting.
There were six beautiful clear days ofskiing with encouraging guides not showingthe least condescension to us in the slowgroup with lunches in those charmingmountain restaurants. Then we returned tothe comfortable Hotel Alex for lessons beforedinner. Jack and Lorna were unfailingly tactfulwhen I fell into yet another heffalump trap onthe prepared hands. “Well, Bim, that would bemy second choice….”. After the deliciousdinner we returned to the tables for duplicatealways played with courtesy andencouragement due in great part to the ethosgenerated by Jack, but also the niceness ofour fellow guests.
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David, Alexander and Andrew win the Gold Cupfor the third time in six years
As I parked my bike to look at pelicans and sealsin San Diego’s Pacific Ocean, I reflected that inthe space of the next seven days I had to play theFinal of the US Reisinger, take the dreaded red-eye back, hop off the plane to teach my last weekof classes at ARBC, then rush up to Scotland toplay the semi-final and (hopefully) final of theGold Cup, Britain’s big annual knock-outtournament. All that plus a trip to hospital (XRays, Cat scans etc ahead of foot op.) plusspending time with my family (we had seenprecious little of each other lately).
Hardly ideal preparation (isn’t travelling Westto East so much harder than East to West –something to do with our circadian rhythms). Allwent smoothly – made the Reisinger Final andfinished 4th (best British finish and an aboveexpectation achievement amidst all the world’sbest); easy flight back – a row of three seats andsome kip; delightful classes at No. 31 – ofcourse; and I was soon in Peebles ready foraction.
The semifinal pitted us against five wilycampaigners, including regular ARBC playerVictor Silverstone. None of us could claim to beon our “A game”, my big “chuck” being to let theopponents make Two Clubs redoubled (ooh dearI shudder even now to think what a defensiveabsurdity I perpetrated). However we prevailedby a small margin, my favourite deal being onewhere partner Alex (who runs our Wiltshireoffshoot with Suzy Lewis) and I bid and madeFour Hearts plus one whilst in the other roomthe contract was – well there was no contract.The deal was passed out.
On to the final – after a sleepless night tryingvainly to adjust to UK time – which saw usopposing three of my teammates in the WorldJunior Championship-winning side exactly 20years previously. 64 deals were played in bothrooms – but Deal Two was perhaps the mostcrucial of the lot. Here it is:8
♠♥♦♣
9 510 9 8 36 310 9 8 4 2
♠♥♦♣
10 7 3K 6 2K J 9 8J 6 3
♠♥♦♣
J 2Q J 7 5Q 10 7 4 2Q 7
♠♥♦♣
A K Q 8 6 4 A 4A 5A K 5
(1) 23+ points, any hand.(2) Negative or, as here, waiting.(3) Game force with five+ spades.(4) Better than 4♠.(5) Naturalish bid, looking for a spade slam.(6) Control-showing bid – ace or king ofdiamonds.(7) Roman Key Card Blackwood agreeingspades. I had a shrewd suspicion my partnerwould have no key cards (8), but needed to askabout aces so I could enquire about kings (9).(10) In our sophisticated methods, this reply tothe king-ask showed either ♣K or both ♦K plus♥K. I knew it was the latter.(11) I could count 12 tricks – six spades andthree ace-kings. I followed the motto “wherethere’s 12 (tricks) there’s 13”, hoping partnerheld a queen or a doubleton club.
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Cont..West led a passive trump vs Seven Spades,
normal against a grand slam on the grounds thatit gives little away. After winning and drawingtrumps, your leader faced a choice betweencashing ♣AK on the off-chance the queenwould drop (as it would here), then (if not)playing ♦A and a diamond to dummy’s jack (thebest chance for three diamond tricks). Or,alternatively, running lots of trumps and forcingthe opponents to discard: perhaps a squeeze-ending would develop, perhaps I would get aread on the opposing hands to tell me to playdiamonds differently, or perhaps the opponentswould simply discard erroneously.
I took the latter option, the downside beingthat I would have to discard clubs from dummy,removing the option of dropping a short ♣Q.When I threw a club from dummy on the fourthtrump, I had theoretically gone down in a grandslam with 13 tricks easily available (if I justplayed clubs from the top, dummy’s ♣ J wouldbe a third-round winner). I threw another club onthe fifth trump, then played ♦AK and ruffed adiamond. Nothing good happened there, butmercifully West had by this point discarded threeclubs, so when (after ♥AK) I led ♣AK and tabled♣ 5 at Trick 13, it was the only club left. Phew –13 tricks and grand slam made.
The opposing North-South pair at the other
table – the Tredinnick twins – settled safely in SixSpades so we gained a large swing – and alsounsettled East-West who had let the grand slammake after I had selected the wrong line(arguably right in theory, though, I think).
62 deals later and we were holding the GoldCup aloft (it was never easy and our final marginof 22 imps reflected a tight battle). That wasabout the only time you get to hold the cupthough – insured for forty thousand pounds, itreally is a gold cup.
It was the fourth time in eight years thatDavid and I (either as partners or teammates)have won the Cup and the third for Alex. Ourfourth and fifth members were Tony Forrester,Bridge maestro and Daily Telegraph columnistplus Peter Crouch, with whom I shared a houseback in the Eighties (and who used to pass me at7 am as I was returning from all-night bridgegames and he was setting off to his moreconventional accountancy job – but that’sanother story…).
Easter dates: 12th - 14th April (times: 10.30-12.30 & 13.30-15.30)
Cost: £20 per SessionPlease book in with Lorna
• Led by Andrew & Natasha• Bring your children to whichever
sessions you want. • Should you wish to leave your children
for both sessions, we will look after your children over lunch (and feed them).
• Free squash and biscuits mid-session.• Everyone welcome, from complete
beginners to more experienced players
Children’s Bridge
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Club Photos
Alison Thwaites, Angie Birts, Alice Coptcoat Andi Wellman, Edward Sunley, Tania Bader
Kathy Koch and Ruth Glazebrook Peta and Vera Jankovic
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Club Photos
Sarah Laidlaw Catherine Armitage Claudia Coulson
Lynne Miller Gilly Cardiff Valerie Dalton
Winners of Championship PairsIvor Cooper and Luigi Molinarowith Caroline and Andrew
Kooky Fallah Winners of Championship PairsLouise Anderson and RichardKossow with Caroline and Andrew
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Beginning Bridge at ARBCWhy Learn Bridge?Whether aged 8 or 88, Bridge is the best way to keep your brain agile, whilst making new like-mindedfriends. It is an endlessly stimulating game and great to learn. Seize the moment – start now!
Why Learn at ARBC?Recognised leaders in our field, we specialise in teaching from absolute scratch, taking things slowlyenough for everyone to get the hang of it, but keeping things moving, as you will be dying to get to thenext stage. Andrew may be a World and European Champion, but he has taught many thousands ofBeginners over the past twenty years. By making things practical, he knows exactly how to make thegame as easy as possible to learn, and, most importantly, he and his team make it fun!
FREE Taster SessionsNext date: 18.30-19.45 on Wednesday 14th April£145 for our eight-class Beginner Course represents fantastic value – especially as it includes FreeClub Membership, plus a folder and clear handouts with each class. But if you have any doubts, cometo one of our optional three-times yearly Taster sessions. These sessions will give you a flavour - andwe are sure you will not look back.
Beginner CourseStarting from absolute scratch and assuming no knowledge, Beginner gives the perfect introduction toBridge. After this course you will say a confident “Yes” when asked if you can play the game! Free Clubmembership until September 2010 included. The next course is Next Step.Beginner Courses coming up…
Andrew’s team of teachers – the best in the landARBC has an unrivalled strength in depth of teachers, both in their excellence as players and, mostimportantly, as teachers of the game. Apart from Andrew himself, Daily Bridge Correspondent of TheTimes and teacher extraordinaire, there’s David, who possesses a rare talent: one of the World’s Top100 players with many international successes under his belt, his clarity and communication skills areexceptional, as his large and devoted following will testify. There’s Caroline, whose enthusiasm knowsno bounds; a class with her will put a smile on your face for a week, plus you’ll learn tons of excitingnew Bridge. As indeed you will from Richard, Nick, both with national successes, and Natasha. Allhave never-ending keenness to impart their wisdom.
Beginner in a Weekend - Summer 23rd - 24th April 10.00 - 16.30 (David),Autumn 18th - 19th September, 10.00 - 16.30 (David)Autumn 4th - 5th December 10.00 - 16.30 (Richard)
1. Getting Started2. Playing Bridge3. Introducing Notrumps4. The Play - Making Tricks5. Finding Fits & Bidding Game6. Notrump Bidding7. Trump Bidding8. Overcalling
BEGINNERWednesday
18.35 - 20.05Andrew
Tuesday20.25 - 21.55
Richard
21st April28th April5th May12th May19th May26th May9th June*16th June
4th May11th May18th May25th May1st June8th June15th June22nd June
Wednesday11.30 - 13.00
Natasha
5th May12th May19th May26th May9th June*23rd June*30th June7th July
Tuesday12.00 - 13.30
Richard
11th May18th May25th May8th June*15th June22nd June29th June6th July
* please note these weeks are not consecutive
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Lesson Flow Guide
Improver
Intermediate Play
Advanced
Advanced Play
Beginner
Next Step
Intermediate
Improver Play
You know all the basic conventions and strategies.Time for Gentle Duplicate and on... you’ll then be hungry for ...
You’re confident with the basic moves
You can play an enjoyable social game
Advanced Defence
David’s Delights
The Big Four
Caroline’s Revise & Play
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Our Courses• All courses last for eight weeks (unless stated), once a week.• You must be a Club member to take a course. Free membership is included in the price for Beginner
and Next Step.• All eight week courses and weekends cost £145.• All courses are carefully constructed, fun, interactive and stimulating.• Whichever course you choose will make a huge difference to your Bridge, especially if it is backed up
by practice in our many Supervised Rubber Bridge sessions.
Special Features• If you cannot make a lesson, come to that same lesson at another time (without letting us know).• You will receive clear handouts each week. • You will each receive a special ARBC folder, in which to put your notes.
Weekends• For those who prefer the intensive course, rather than the once-a-week approach, we teach theBeginner, Next Step, Intermediate, Improver and Advanced Courses in a weekend. Includes lunch bothdays, 10.00 - 16.30. Dates of all weekend courses now fixed until the end of 2010.
Next Step is an essential practical course, consolidating and extending the basic principles covered inBeginner. It is also suitable for those who have played some Bridge outside. Free Club membershipuntil September 2010 included.
Intermediate is our most popular course, Intermediate covers all basic aspects of the game. Manyrepeat it – and all say it was most worthwhile!
Next Step in a Weekend - Summer 8th - 9th May (David)Autumn 20th - 21st November (David)
1. Notrump Play2. Trump Play3. Bidding Unbalanced Hands4. Finding Fits5. Overcalling6. Opening Bids at the 3 Level7. The Opening Lead8. The Defence
NEXT STEPWednesday
20.30 - 22.00David
28th April5th May12th May19th May26th May2nd June9th June16th June
Tuesday18.45 - 20.15
Richard
4th May11th May18th May25th May1st June8th June15th June22nd June
Wednesday09.45 - 11.15
Natasha
5th May12th May19th May26th May9th June*23rd June*30th June7th July
Tuesday11.45 - 13.15
David
11th May18th May25th May1st June8th June15th June22nd June29th June
Intermediate in a Weekend - Summer 15th - 16th May (Richard)Autumn 2nd - 3rd October (Richard)
29th April6th May13th May20th May27th May10th June*17th June24th June
INTERMEDIATE1. Bidding as Opener2. Bidding as Responder3. Making Tricks (1) with trumps4. Making Tricks (2) without trumps5. One Notrump6. Overcalling7. The Opening Lead8. The Defence
Thursday09.45 - 11.15
David
Wednesday18.45 - 20.15
David
Wednesday13.00 - 14.30
Andrew
Tuesday20.30 - 22.00
Andrew
20th April27th April4th May11th May18th May25th May8th June*15th June
21st April28th April5th May12th May19th May26th May9th June*16th June
28th April5th May12th May19th May26th May2nd June9th June16th June
Lesson Information
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Intermediate Play is the ideal follow-on from Intermediate. The play themes will link inwith Intermediate, giving you the confidence to move forward. I’m sure this consolidation course willmake a big difference to your game.
Improver features all the basic conventions to equip you for a decent game. I have noticed a huge risein the level of those who have taken the course. There are six carefully constructed set deals per week.
Improver Play is a universally well-received course and practises the bidding themes of Improver,whilst introducing exciting and essential play themes to improve your game. Once you have completedthe Improver Play course, you are well equipped to face the big wide world of ARBC Gentle Duplicateand beyond. Repeat viewing highly recommended, especially for course-junkies.
1. Force2. Length3. Position - The Finesse4. Using Trumps5. Overcalling SQOT6. Defending Notrumps7. Defending Trumps8. Pot Pourri
19th April26th April10th May*17th May24th May7th June*14th June21st June
Monday 20.30 - 22.15
DavidINTERMEDIATE PLAY
21st April28th April5th May12th May19th May26th May9th June*16th June
Wednesday 14.45 - 16.30
Andrew
Improver in a Weekend - Summer 22nd - 23rd May (Richard)Autumn 16th - 17th October (Richard)
10th May17th May24th May7th June*14th June21st June28th June5th July
Monday 14.00 - 15.45
RichardIMPROVER
28th April5th May12th May19th May26th May9th June*16th June23rd June
Wednesday10.15 - 12.00
Caroline
Tuesday 18.35 - 20.20
Andrew
20th April27th April4th May11th May18th May25th May8th June*15th June
* please note these weeks are not consecutive
1. Signalling in Defence2. Finesse or Drop3. Retaining the finesse position4. Throwing Losers5. Setting up a long suit6. Trumps - draw or delay?7. TOP Defence8. Pot Pourri
19th April26th April10th May*17th May24th May7th June*14th June21st June
Monday 18.35 - 20.20
DavidIMPROVER PLAY
29th April6th May13th May20th May27th May10th June*17th June24th June
Thursday11.30 - 13.15
David
Lesson Information
Tuesday 09.45 - 11.30
David
11th May18th May25th May1st June8th June15th June22nd June29th June
4th May11th May18th May25th May8th June*15th June22nd June29th June
Tuesday 13.30 - 15.15
Caroline
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Advanced is suitable for duplicate players, or experienced social players, I have thought very carefully about the themes. They will surely illuminateand fascinate.
Advanced Defence has been recently rewritten, with new themes, new deals and new handouts. I am sure you will find it really quite eye-openingand lots and fun.
Caroline’s Revise & Play[Pay by Session - £20]Caroline invites you to practice somekey tools that will improve your Bridge no end. With such a charismatic teacher, how can you turn her down?
Big Four Conventions[Pay by Session - £20]Your chance to learn and practice four of the most crucial bidding tools under the captivating tutorlage of Richard.
David’s Delights[Pay by Session - £20]Some wonderful, instructive deals from our Bridge whiz, perfect for Duplicate players.
Advanced in a Weekend - Summer 12th - 13th June (Richard)Autumn 11th - 12th December (Richard)
1. Losing Trick Count2. Uncontested Bidding Review3.Coping with Intervention4. Fourth Suit Forcing5. More ways to Signal6. Unassuming Cue Bid7. More uses of Double8. Notrumps
10th May17th May24th May7th June*14th June21st June28th June5th July
Monday16.00 - 17.45
RichardADVANCED
1. Principle of Restricted Choice2. Suit Combinations3. Communication4. Cooperative Signalling5. Card-placing6. Seven-card fits7. Fun with trumps8. Elimination and Throw-in
4th May11th May18th May25th May8th June*15th June22nd June29th June
Tuesday 15.30 - 17.15
CarolineADVANCED DEFENCE
Lesson Information
1. Losing Trick Count2. Stayman3. Double4. Preemptive Bidding5. Defence6. Overcalling & the UCB7. 4th Suit Forcing8. Roman Key Card Blackwood
29th April6th May13th May20th May27th May10th June*17th June24th June
Thursday 14.00 - 16.00
CarolineCAROLINE’S REVISE & PLAY
21st April28th April5th May12th May19th May26th May9th June*16th June
Wednesday20.15 - 22.00
Andrew
Every week David presents eightnew challenging conundrums
Date & Time ................................................................................................................................................................................................
FIRST NAME: ....................................................................................SURNAME:......................................................................................
The Andrew Robson Bridge Club is a members, only Club. You must be a member to play in the Club or take a course.
N.B. If you are taking our Beginner or Next Step courses, Club membership is included in the price of thecourse and lasts until the start of the following term.
We offer two payment options, either by standing order or by cheque/cash. Membership is renewable onthe 1st of January each year. If you join the Club mid-year, the cost of membership is proportionallyreduced.
You will notice that membership is cheaper for those paying by standing order. This is because it reduces ouradministrative costs.
If paying by STANDING ORDER, please complete the separate Standing Order Mandate.If paying by CHEQUE, please make this payable to: THE ANDREW ROBSON BRIDGE CLUB LTD If you are paying for both course and membership, please write only one cheque.
If you are applying solely for membership, and have not completed the form overleaf, pleaseprovide your contact details below
FIRST NAME: ....................................................................................SURNAME:......................................................................................
The management reserves the right to refuse/revoke membership at any time without giving reason
Cost:
£52
£36
£20
FREE
Month Joined:
January-March
April-August
September-November
December
Cost:
£65
£45
£25
FREE
Month Joined:
January-March
April-August
September-November
December
Standing Order Payment Cheque / Cash Payment
OFFICE USE ONLY ENTERED M.O.P TOTAL
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 18
19
How easy is it to get to the Bridge Club?... Very easy here’s how.
1. Our favourite way - walking - or like Andrew and many of his team - why not cycle?We actively encourage all our members to either walk or cycle into the Club. There is cycle parkinglocated to the side of the Club, and also by the entrance to Parsons Green Underground Station.
2. Public Transport – another fine option and easier than you may think. Tube – Parsons Green Station is less than a minute’s walk from the club. The station is on theWimbledon branch of the District Line and trains run every 10 minutes.
Bus – The No 14 stops on the Fulham Road, near the top of Parsons Green Lane. The service linksPutney Heath to Tottenham Court Road Station. Daytime frequency is every 6-8 minutes and night timefrequency is every 12 minutes. The 414 also goes down the Fulham Road up to Edgware Road. The No 22stops on the New Kings Road, near the bottom of Parsons Green Lane. The service links PutneyCommon to Piccadilly Circus. Daytime frequency is every 7-10 minutes and night time frequency is every12 minutes.
3. Taxis/mini-cabsThe Club loves members using local taxi and mini-cabs rather than their cars. If you would like to booka cab, there are several numbers of local firms displayed on the notice board in reception; alternativelyask a member of staff.
4. Private CarsWe would like to discourage you from driving tothe Club. The local residents are understandablyvery concerned about increasing the number ofcars in an already congested area. In particular,please avoid parking on the Residents Bays thatdouble up as Pay and Display in the streetsbetween the Club and the Fulham Road. If youmust drive, please try car-sharing. The BridgeClub has 12 of its own spaces in the yard just nextto the Club (clearly marked).
• After 5pm you can park free on yellow lines inthe side streets and on Resident Bays.
• After 6.30 pm you can park on the yellow line, onthe far side of the Parsons Green Lane, from thechip shop opposite the club up to the FulhamRoad.
• The remaining yellow lines on Parsons GreenLane are off-limit until 8pm.
Scale
100 m
Getting to ARBC
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 19
COURSES (£1
45)
MO
ND
AY
TU
ESD
AY
WED
NESD
AY
TH
UR
SD
AY
Su
mm
er
WE
EK
EN
DS
Begin
ner (D
) A
pril 2
4/2
5
Next S
tep (D
) M
ay 8/9
Inte
rmediate
(R)
May 1
5/1
6
Impro
ver (R
)M
ay 22/2
3
Advan
ced (R
)Ju
ne 1
2/1
3
Weeke
nds ru
n fro
m 1
0.0
0 to
16.3
0
on S
aturd
ay and S
unday
Courses last for 8 weeks each. You can change fromone slot to another. See Course Planner over the page
for all topics and dates.
OPEN
EVEN
ING (FR
EE)W
ednesday 14th April 18.00 - 19.15 All visitors welcome to the free session
Special ‘have-a-go’ taster session for absolute beginners: 18.3
0 to
19.4
5
TEACHER
SA =
Andrew
D =
David
C =
Caro
line
R =
Rich
ard
N =
Natash
a
14.00 - 16.00
CA
RO
LIN
E’S
RE
VIS
E &
PL
AY
29th A
pril to
24th Ju
ne (m
issing
3rd Ju
ne)
1. L
osin
g Trick
Count
2. S
tayman
3. D
ouble
4. P
reem
ptive
Bid
din
g
5. D
efe
nce
6. O
vercallin
g & th
e U
CB
7. 4
th S
uit Fo
rcing
8. R
om
an K
ey C
ard B
lackw
ood
29th
April
6th
May
13th
May
20th
May
27th
May
10th June*
17th
June
24th
June
£20 A
SESSIO
N
NO
BO
OK
ING
RE
QU
IRE
D
14.00 - 15.45Im
prover
(R)10th May
16.00 - 17.45Advan
ced(R)
10th May
18.35 - 20.20Im
prover P
lay(D)
19th April
20.30 - 22.15In
termed
iate Play
(D)19th April
11.30 - 13.15Im
prover P
lay(D)
28th April
09.45 - 11.15In
termed
iate(D)
29th AprilDA
VID
’S D
EL
IGH
TS
David
create
s stimulatin
g han
ds fo
r Duplicate
playe
rs
WED
NESD
AY
19.4
5 - 2
1.4
5
FR
IDA
Y10.3
0 - 1
2.3
0
June 2
3rd
Aug 4
th
June 3
0th
Aug 1
8th
July 1
4th
Aug 2
5th
July 2
1st
Sep 1
st
Pla
nn
ing a
he
ad to
A
utu
mn
2010?
WE
EK
EN
DS
Begin
ner (D
) Sept 1
8/1
9
Begin
ner (R
)D
ec 4
/5
Next S
tep (D
) N
ov 2
0/2
1
Inte
rmediate
(R)
Oct 2
/3
Impro
ver (R
)O
ct 16/1
7
Advan
ced (R
)D
ec 1
1/1
2
Weeke
nds ru
n fro
m 1
0.0
0 to
16.3
0
on S
aturd
ay and S
unday
19.45 - 21.45BIG
FOU
R C
ON
VEN
TIO
NS (R
)1. R
om
an K
eycard
Black
wood
5th
July
2. S
plin
ters
12th
July
3. W
eak
Twos
19th
July
4. T
ransfe
rs26th
July
£20 per sessio
nN
O B
OO
KIN
G R
EQ
UIR
ED
£20 a S
essio
n
NO
BO
OK
ING
RE
QU
IRE
D
12.00 - 13.30Begin
ner
(R)11th May
11.45 - 13.15Next Step
(D)11th May
13.30 - 15.15Im
prover P
lay(C)
4th May
15.30 - 17.15Advan
ced D
efence
(C)4th May
18.35 - 20.20Im
prover
(A)20th April
18.45 - 20.15Next Step
(R)4th May
20.30 - 22.00In
termed
iate(A)
20th April
20.25 - 21.55Begin
ner
(R)4th May
09.45 - 11.30In
termed
iate Play
(D)11th May
10.15 - 12.00Im
prover
(C)28th April
11.30 - 13.00Begin
ner
(N)5th May
13.00 - 14.30In
termed
iate (A)21st April
14.45 - 16.30In
termed
iate Play
(A)21st April
18.35 - 20.05Begin
ner
(A)21st April
18.45 - 20.15In
termed
iate(D)
28th April
20.15 - 22.00Advan
ced(A)
21st April
20.30 - 22.00Next Step
(D)28th April
09.45 - 11.15Next Step
(N)5th May
April 1
6th
May 2
1st
April 2
3rd
May 2
8th
May 7
thJu
ne 4
th
May 1
4th
June 1
1th
June 1
8th
Lesson Schedule - Summ
er 2010
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 20
Doors
open
hal
f an
ho
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bef
ore
th
e st
art
of
pla
y. N
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equir
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. S
ee L
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ched
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fo
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MO
ND
AY
13.3
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17.0
0
DU
PL
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£10
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19
.30
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19.3
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22
.45
RU
BB
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/SU
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RV
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PL
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& D
INN
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Please Bo
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PL
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’S D
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ne
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ept 1st
Gre
en s
had
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e su
itab
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for
AL
L (
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inn
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Red
shad
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essi
on
s ar
e fo
r m
ore
ex
per
ien
ced
pla
yer
s.
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 21
22
Which session should I come to?Andrew talks you through your options…
• You do not need to have a partner for any session that we run. Many players arrive without partners.• We will always find you a suitable partner, and there are house players. • Please book for Monday or Wednesday Dinner & Bridge. For all other sessions, just turn up.
Supervised Rubber Play for Beginners upwards with Natasha and others £10
Never forget the three best ways to overcome the first hurdles in Bridge: practice, practice andpractice! As you see from the green shading on the Playing Schedule, there are two mornings and twoevening sessions for beginners upwards. Don’t be daunted - ARBC is gentleness itself.
Supervised Rubber Play £10 Bridge & dinner - £20 with dinner or £15 without
Imagine playing relaxed Bridge with your friends in your living room, able to ask advice from friendly,expert supervisors. This is exactly what we aim to provide. Suitable for all levels, you will be seatedwith those of a similar level. On Monday and Wednesday evenings the supervised Bridge includes adelicious dinner, and booking is requested (though for no other session).
Supervised Duplicate with Caroline £12Tuesday Morning 10.30 - 12.30
This session introduces the challenge and excitement of Duplicate by replaying hands from theprevious week’s Duplicates. Led by Caroline, we give on hand help with every bid and play. You will notmove from table to table so the next step up is the Gentle Duplicate.
This session perfectly bridges the gap between Supervised and Duplicate Bridge. You will movearound the room like regular Duplicates and there will be a winner (and a prize!). However the tempowill be much gentler and less competitive. We have written recommended bidding for each deal (onthe Travellers) and will be on hand to explain the scoring and give some tactical pointers, although wewill refrain from actually telling you what to bid/play.
Supervised Special Hands with Caroline £12Friday Morning 10.30 - 12.30
We have a large base of instructive and challenging hands. Caroline and the team will enthuse andexplain the key plays. Highly recommended.
Which Session?
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 22
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Social Chicago Bridge with Paddy £10(for the Susan Hampshire Salver)Friday Evening from 18.30 - 22.30
Held every Friday night, Chicago is the perfect relaxing way to start the weekend. Four hands, dealt atthe table, are played against a couple. Then you move to another table and do the same thing again.The ever-genial Paddy will be delighted to give his friendly pearls of wisdom when asked. Chicagocombines the excitement of playing dealt hands with the conviviality and friendly competition ofplaying different partnerships throughout the evening. Arrive any time from 6.30pm onwards. Barsnacks and drinks will, of course, be available throughout. Unmissable!
Duplicate £10
Duplicate Bridge is non-supervised and is the way Tournament Bridge is played. All our Duplicates areplayed in a friendly atmosphere. Bridge Mates are used and we provide hand records and immediateresults. All Ladders and Trophies run three time a year: from January 1st - April 30th: from May 1st -August 31st: from September 1st - December 31st. Winner of our Top 10 Trophy wins a prize and agame with Andrew (no repeat games).
Daytime: We offer a hugely popular daily daytime Duplicate. Score Ladder Points - with a delicioushamper prize for the winner donated by club member Luigi Molinaro [of Luigi’s Delicatessen fame].We have recently begun a Monday morning Duplicate - proving very popular. Our four weekdayafternoon Duplicates always play 24 Boards; the two morning Duplicates play 20/21.
Evening: Two Duplicates: Tuesday 19.30 - 22.45 and Thursday 19.15 - 22.45. Our Evening Ladder willcombine both Tuesday and Thursday evening’s results. Enjoy Peter Stocken’s ‘special deal’ and takehome his wonderful hand analyses. Winner of the Ladder will be the holder of the newly named“Stocken Cup”.
Saturday Duplicate with Nick £1013.45 - 17.00
Come for a stimulating weekend afternoon Duplicate, with points counting towards our DaytimeLadder and Andrew’s Top Ten Trophy. Not run on Bank Holiday Weekends or during August.
Which Session?
Winners!Luigi’s Daytime Duplicate Ladder: Patti GambleEvening Duplicate Ladder: Paul MeadowsAndrew’s Top 10 Duplicate Trophy: Winner: Denis BennettSusan Hampshire Chicago Trophy: Elizabeth Bishop
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 23
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Standing Order Form
STANDING ORDER MANDATE - complete in BLOCK capitals
TO: Name of Member’s bank ..........................................................
i) make any reference to Value Added Tax or other indeterminate element
ii) advise payers address to beneficiary
iii) advise beneficiary of inability to pay
iv) request beneficiary’s banker to advise beneficiary or receipt
Please return this form to the Bridge Club, not the Bank. If you have any queries with this form please ring the Bridge Club on 020 7471 4626
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 24
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ARBC Holidays
Dear ARBC Members,
We will be very glad when Spring arrives as thiswinter has been bitterly cold with snow on ourlawn for an entire month, either side ofChristmas. Thankfully it was a quiet time forBridge teaching so I didn’t have to venture outtoo much on icy and untreated roads!
Our Harrogate midweek break in April is almostfully booked with 48 bookings and we are veryexcited about the exodus from South to North.One of the highlights of the holiday will be theexcursion to the ruins of Fountains Abbey.
Our summer holiday to Malta is gathering paceas September becomes ever closer. There hasbeen a lot of interest in this fantastic 5* holiday and I would encourage you to make a firmbooking soon to avoid disappointment. You will also be pleased to hear that I havearranged for us to eat “a la carte” every night, thus avoiding the vagaries of a Europeanbuffet! There will be two excellent excursions that you can read more about on page 29.
I could write all day about how good our January ski trip to Zermatt was, but I don’t wantto make non participants too jealous. I will just say a big thank you to the ski party andsuperb ski guides for making it so jolly and friendly. Please put 15th – 22nd January 2011in your dairy for our return to the Hotel Alpina in Klosters.
We had another full house (Bridge not Poker!) at the recent February Millstream weekendand will return for our November 2010 and February 2011 weekends. Find out foryourselves why they now have two AA Rosettes for cuisine. Please book early as we arealways fully booked.
Over the last three years I have seen a large increase in numbers in ARBC Holidays aspeople appreciate friendly Bridge with like minded people, staying in quality hotels. Thankyou for your continued support.
I do hope to see you on an ARBC Holiday soon.
Best wishesJack, Annabel and Sophie.
Contact: Jack Stocken Email: [email protected]: 07775 892 720 www.arobson.co.uk/holidays.php
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 26
St. Julian's, Malta Radisson Blu Resort HotelSaturday 11th – 18th September 2010
Overlooking the clear blue water of theMediterranean Sea, the five-star, deluxe,Radisson Blu Resort, St. Julian's, Malta,offers views stretching from the historicGrand Harbour in the east to the island ofGozo in the west. The hotel is located in St.George's Bay, a peaceful haven that is just akilometre away from St. Julian's.
All 252 excellent rooms and suites come witha balcony or terrace with wonderful seaviews. The hotel has indoor and outdoorpools, a fabulous sports and leisure centre,beauty salon, sauna and massage services totantalize, refresh and relax guests. Dining willbe in Le Pellitant Restaurant which servesexquisite cuisine from the a la carte menu.
Valletta, Malta’s capital, is built on top ofMount Sceberras, surrounded by harboursand sea on three sides. There are magnificentviews from strategic points of its formidablefortifications, possibly the best medievalfortifications in the world, and still almostentirely intact.
There will be an informative Bridgeprogramme led by Jack who will teachAndrew’s lessons and supervise the sethands. We have exclusive use of the Bridgeroom which overlooks the Mediterranean.
A couple of interesting excursions will beplanned and flights are direct from Heathrow.Lorna and I would be delighted if you couldjoin us on ARBC’s first trip to Malta.
Prices from £ 1195
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 28
The Three Cities tour commences with acruise around one of the world's deepestnatural harbours and a backdrop to the twoGreat Sieges of 1565 and 1942. A detailedcommentary will unfold the gallant history ofValletta and the Three Cities connected withthese Great Sieges, as well as all the otherplaces of interest including the historicalfortifications, battlements and creeks whichcan only be admired from the sea.
Following this, a drive through Senglea,Cospicua and finally up to Vittoriosa - thehistoric fortified towns on the other side ofthe Grand Harbour from Valletta and then astroll along the restored waterfront and theMaritime Museum, before lunch. After lunch,a brief tour around the Collachio (an area thatused to be reserved for the Knights) will showyou the many old Auberges of the Knights,and the Inquisitor’s Palace.
Excursion – Valletta and the Silent City
A full day guided tour of the Capital city ofValletta and Malta’s old capital city, Medina,also known as The Silent City. The entire cityof Valletta, Malta’s capital, is inscribed as aUNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit theUpper Barracca Gardens which commandbreathtaking views of the Grand Harbour andthe Palace of the Grand Master of the Knightsof Malta.
After lunch the group will set off to Mdina,Malta’s old capital city. The tour includes avisit of Bastion Square and the bastions whereone can admire the spectacular views,Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum and awalking tour of the Silent City with its windingmedieval streets and impressive architecture.
Magazine Layout L (Issue 34):Layout 1 2/3/10 17:57 Page 29
Harrogate Midweek Break The Old Swan HotelTuesday 13th – Friday 16th April 2010
Due to popular demand, I am delighted tohost a midweek break to my home town,Harrogate, which has a glamorous heritageas a European spa town. Explore the beautifulValley Gardens opposite the Swan Hotel orhave afternoon tea in the world famousBetty’s tea room. There will be an excursionto Fountains Abbey, the largest abbey ruins inthe country and one of England’s mostspectacular Georgian water gardens.
Further details can be found on the fullinformation sheets in the club foyer or on thewebsite above.
Prices from £420
We now open at 9:30am
We serve freshly ground coffee, a selection of fine teas and freshfruit drinks
Klosters Ski HolidayHotel AlpinaSaturday 15th - 22nd January 2011
We are delighted to be returning to Klostersfor our annual ski trip, which proved anextremely popular destination three yearsago. Jack Stocken and Lorna Heaton will behosting an informative and entertainingBridge programme. The Bridge (and skiing!)standard is friendly Intermediate and nopartner necessary.
By popular demand, we have booked William,Gerry and Suzi, once again, to be our personalski guides for the week; they are all former orcurrent Ski Club of Great Britain reps. Jackand Annabel will be arranging all otheraspects of the holiday.
We return to the Hotel Alpina (www.alpina-klosters.ch) which is a beautiful,family run four star hotel in the heart ofKlosters. The restaurant has been awarded 16Gault Milau points for culinary excellence.Facilities include an excellent beauty centre,swimming pool, sauna etc and the bedroomsare all stylish and modern.
Klosters (www.klosters.ch) is a captivatingand welcoming mountain village, well linkedto Davos, and with extensive skiing right onthe doorstep and just 3 minutes from ourhotel. The well-preserved village, the refinedambience and the hearty welcome extendedby the locals all combine to make visitors feelat home. Winter sports enthusiasts will find abroad range of activities, while those lookingfor more relaxing recreation can enjoy thescenic landscape during leisurely walks.
In the past few years we have been very luckywith the January weather with sun and blueskies. Please book early as last year the hotelwas full by early November.
Prices TBC
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A lesson and an illustrative deal per page, to perfect your understanding of ...
Available in the Club, by post using the order form or from our online shop where you can order and pay : www.arobson.co.uk
ARBC Shop
Intermediate upwards
£5 each
Introducing Andrew’s NEW Lesson BookletHand Evaluation and the Losing Trick Count
“Really gets to thenitty-gritty of the game”
NEW
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ARBC Shop
• Over 100 instructive deals per CD• Interactive quizzes and questions• Lots of fascinating insights to help you master these vital
topics & the game in general• Play the deal afterwards and see if you can make the contract• Thought-provoking Post Mortems after each deal
£25 each or buy all three for £60
Play Modern Bridge - DVD
£20
Beginner upwards
Intermediate upwardsDoubleOvercallSlam
FinesseOpening LeadSignal & Discard
Stayman & TransferWeak TwoEndplay & Squeeze
Bridge Lesson Interactive CDs
me”
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ARBC Shop
Bridge Secrets Includes: Andrew’s lifein Bridge told through his best and worstdeals at the table.
Common Mistakes - and how to avoidthem. Andrew’s acclaimed first book, now inits third reprint.
Need to know? BridgeAll Andrew’s core teaching material underone cover. Perfect for beginners andupwards.
Intermediate upwards
Advanced upwards
Beginner upwards
£10
£13
£9
Common Mistakes Arrow Packs
£10
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ARBC Shop
Bridge Flippers
£10 each
BeginnerAll the information to get you properly started.
EssentialAll the information you need to play a decentgame of bridge. Now updated to includeImprover themes such as Double, Stayman,Signalling and Slamming.
ConventionsAll Andrew’s favourite conventions - and howto play them.
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ARBC Shop
£13
Intermediate upwards
69
2128
3233
3845
5259
6168
8286
8793 100 103
104 113 118 123 125 130A N D R EW R O B S O NWhat Should Have Happened
130125
123118
113104
103100
9387
8682
6861
5952
4538
3332
2821
96
132 134 141 143 154 161164 170 184 191 199 206215 223 229 234 236 243244 246 248 249 250 251A N D R EW R O B S O NWhat Should Have Happened
251250
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243236
234229
223215
206199
191184
170164
161154
143141
134132
Andrew’s recent book‘What Should have Happened’
£10
Arrow PacksThese magic Arrow Packs will enable you to play 48 carefully selected dealsfrom the book. Afterwards, refer to the deal. What should have happened?
Interactive CD (see demo on the website)Play all 251 (+ two bonus) deals on the computer. Without the restriction of thepage of a book Andrew - in collaboration with Lex de Groot - has elaborated onthe themes. Lots of extra quizzes - endless hours of instructive fascination.
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ARBC Order Form Please cut out and send to the Andrew Robson Bridge Club
Product Name Cost Qty TotalBooks & Arrow PacksBridge- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them £10Bridge- Common Mistakes Arrow Packs (40 selected deals) £10Bridge Secrets £13Need to Know - Bridge £9What Should Have Happened £13What Should Have Happened Arrow Packs (48 selected deals) £10
Bridge Lesson BookletsDouble £5Finesse £5Overcall £5Slam £5Weak Two £5Opening Lead £5Stayman & Transfer £5Endplay & Squeeze £5Signal & Discard £5Responder & Fourth Suit Forcing £5Bidding as Opener £5Hand Evaluation & the Losing Trick Count £5
Bridge DVD & Computer BridgeBridge Lessons - Finesse, Opening Lead, Signal & Discard £25Bridge Lessons - Stayman & Transfer, Weak Two, Endplay & Squeeze £25Bridge Lessons - Double, Overcall, Slam £25Bridge Lessons - All Three CDs £60Play Modern Bridge - DVD £20What Should Have Happened - CD £40
Cheque - Please make cheques payable to: The Andrew Robson Bridge Club Ltd
Notes & other info.
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One quarter of the time at Bridge you aredummy. Phew - a chance for a breather! In France, the dummy is often called “LeMort” and that is a good summary. You candisappear to the bar/kitchen and make tea /gin + tonic. Much of the time you will remainat the table to lend moral support, but it isimportant that your support is of the moralevariety and not more...
What Dummy should do...• After the opening lead is played, thedummy lays their hand face up on the table infour columns, one for each suit, with thecolumn of the trump suit (if there is one) onthe right as they look at the table. It is thedeclarer who is responsible for decidingwhich cards to play from their hand (as wellas from their own hand). • Dummy is allowed to prevent declarerfrom infringing the rules but otherwise mustnot interfere with the play. For example, theymay attempt to prevent declarer from leading
from the wrong hand (by stating,e.g., "you won the last trick in dummy") butmust not comment on opponents' actions ormake suggestions as to play. • In casual bridge games dummy will oftendo nothing, but in duplicate bridge dummymust play cards from their hand at declarer'sinstruction e.g., after declarer says "jack ofhearts please, partner”. In short you do not do much. Enjoy the break.
What Dummy should NOT do...• Tap the table to remind declarer they are
in dummy (unless declarer is clearly about to play from hand).
• Play a card before one has been called.• Play a different card to the one called.• Question the card called .• Offer to 'run the clubs'.• Point to a suit on the table.These things may not affect the outcome butthey lead to confusion about who is playingthe hand, and create ill feeling at the table.
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