[Phil]

As some of you know, I spent much of the 'season' in the Palm Desert, CA area teaching and playing with clients.

As a survival (multiple meanings btw) skill, you learn an immense amount of self control at the table, since your partners generally make a lot of mistakes per session. This is to be expected and its no big deal. As a bridge player, you also learn to be very self-reliant.

One of my favorite clients is heading back to Chicago for the summer and we played twice last week. Our last session was lousy, but we are great friends and have fun.

Here's a memorable hand:

Scoring: MP

1H - dbl - 2H - 3D
All Pass

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I started with the ♥K won by declarer's Ace. Declarer immediate took a club finesse, and partner did not give me a club ruff right away but played a heart.

I exited the ♠K won by declarer's Ace.

At this point, declarer played a diamond off dummy and partner played the King(?!). I have no idea if she was thinking I needed the ♦A for my opening bid or what.

At this point, I'm sure declarer thought I had ♦Jxxx, and there was no urgency to draw trump, so she led a club. I ruffed, cashed the ♠ and gave partner a ruff. A 3rd club was led and I was able to overuff declare for +200.

I don't what I'll be doing next November, or where I will be, but this one I'll remember.

[mtvesuvius]

Those Little Old Ladies can be clever! I have some good stories of similar things... Now to remember them.