I don't like to rabbit on about how terrible the bidding can be when a very basic system is being played, but sadly, it happens all the time. Sometimes it results in disaster when you have competent opponents, sometimes you can get lucky and be gifted an undeserved top when opponents are incompetent. This deal illustrates just that.

Board 3 from Thursday 05/07/2018
Dealer S EW Vul

	J92 AK97 94 QJ84
AQ8 JT52 KQ63 96		KT753 Q A752 K75
	64 8643 JT8 AT32

Bridge isn't just about getting the bidding right, though it does help. I find that defence is often pretty well non existent, and declarer play leaves much to be desired. Often, when a declarer gets a bad contract to play or finds bad breaks, panic sets in and a contract that can still be made turns to custard. Here is one that our friend “Deep Finesse” tells us can make 3S yet most of the declarers in 2S were down two. I will set this as a problem for the reader and later offer a simple solution. But first, let's look at the full deal:
Board 6 from Thursday 14/06/2018
Dealer E EW Vul

	64 AKJ76 8754 QJ
T T853 AT3 K9543		KQJ52 92 K2 AT86
	A9873 Q4 QJ96 72

Hi there
Thank you for your interest in reading my Thursday Reviews. I hope you have enjoyed them and will continue to do so.

I would like to tell you about a new series that I am about to write: Evil Acol, a better way to play Acol. That series will introduce a number of new ideas for getting better results from the basic Acol that you may be playing at the moment. Each of the suggestions will show the reader how bidding and play could go with the basic Acol and also how it would go with “Evil Acol” which I believe is not too difficult to work with and would give you as a partnership, a considerable edge over your opposition. As an example I am attaching a chapter from the series. I am also attaching information about the series in another file. If you would like to subscribe, then please fill that form out and return to me or let me know separately. I’m sure this series will be of interest and benefit to you and your regular partner.

With best wishes,
Vil Gravis

You might be interested in the attached story. I could call it “How to lose at Rubber Bridge”. Some of you will be taking part in the Rubber Bridge NZ wide competition but even if not you may be interested in this story. It will also be sent to the subscribers to “Thirteen Tricks”.
Hope you enjoy it.
Vil

Thursday Review 18
Another weak 1NT opening but I wonder how many people know what they could, or should, do. I would think that most Wests opened 1NT and most Norths doubled. Most Easts would then bid 2C which should be a weak takeout and not Stayman. Most people have the simple agreement that after you are doubled in 1NT transfers and Stayman are off. But that is where partnership disagreements occur. I would certainly double with the North hand rather than bid a natural (if your system allows) 2D. With EW vulnerable it is simply too tempting not to double.