Board 18 Tuesday adds to the list of recent examples of Missed Splinters:

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……………9432

……………109

……………852

……………蚕闯87

碍闯765……………….础10

蚕闯653……………….础碍8742

闯……………………….础蚕96

础4…………………….碍

……………蚕8

……………惫辞颈诲

……………碍10743

……………1096532

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While reaching small slam at half the tables is not always terribly disappointing, here that half the room missed slam with a combined 32 HCP, eleven-card trump fit, four aces, three kings and non-duplicated shortages was a bit of a letdown, even with Karleta having the bad luck of playing N-S on the board. One pair could be excused both on the grounds of being not fond of slam and of this being their second board of the game; the third seems inexplicable unless its being their last board of the first half caused them to rush because they were behind. The second pair to miss slam was the truly tragic case. Theirs was the only table in the room where West did make a splinter raise, but East missed it. Making matters worse, declarer was so flustered by the missed splinter that only twelve tricks were taken.

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The control-rich East hand is not solid enough for a 2C opening, due to the singleton king. With Ax? AKxxxx? AKQx? x, East could easily open 2C, reaching an almost sure game (indeed, a possible slam) opposite a flat Yarborough. With AK? AKxxxx? AQxx? x, it would be less obvious but still worthwhile. Had East opened 2C, West would have had no trouble driving to 7H opposite four key cards.

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At multiple tables, South overcalled 2NT over East’s 1H opening bid. At this vulnerability, such an overcall becomes considerably less appealing. N-S can only afford to go two down against a slam, which reduces the chance that N-S genuinely want to declare. Declaring is possible; North could hold Kxxx? xxxx? x? AKxx, on which both sides might make game. In a way, the heart void can be considered to work against 2NT, as the chance rises that E-W have a strong enough trump fit that 2NT will not keep them out of a good contract, while it may keep them out of a poor one. Give North, say, J10xx? QJ10xx? Qx? Ax. With 25 HCP and an eight-card major-suit fit, E-W left to themselves will probably reach 4H, which might fail even without the bad trump split, but seems certainly doomed with it. South’s coming in with 2NT, if the E-W point division is something like 18-7, could keep West from bidding 3H on three-card support (if the division is 14-11, West will be able to make a limit raise via cue-bidding) and stymie strong East, effectively trading a defensive plus for an offensive minus.

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Over an unusual 2NT, West is not short of options. 3M is competitive only, with 3m used to show invitational-or-better hands, clubs tied to hearts and diamonds to spades, here 3C showing a heart raise and 3D showing a spade suit. 4M is competitive with more offensive potential than 3M. 3NT is not often seen, as, with both minors covered, one might well be open to doubling to show interest in defending. The only sensible meaning left for 4m is a splinter raise.

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If South passes 1H, West might either splinter or show the spades. Either could prove pivotal to reaching the appropriate contract. East could hold AQx? AKxxx? Ax? Jxx for an easy 7H make, one easier to find after a 1S response (despite the strong support and playing potential, the hand is too jacky for a strong jump shift). 1H-1S; 2NT-3H; 3S-4NT finds the spade queen as well as the four key cards. 1H-4D; 4S-5C; 5D-5S and East has run out of steam. After 2NT, the emphasis on the control of the opponents’ suits emphasizes value in the splinter. East finds West’s key card with the trump queen, and then the spade king (specific kings are necessary if East is asking) – 7H.

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West’s ability to take control of the auction makes it difficult for interference (which is often so effective) to seriously incommode a Precision or Schenken 1C auction. North would have to have the sangfroid to compete immediately to 5C (especially against Jerik, if their West’s call over 1C-2NT would only indicate controls; Precision could bid a natural 3S, over which East would bid 4H if possible and West would be off), which should be set more than small slam and may go down more than grand slam, leaving a narrow margin for gain. If left uninterrupted, the Precision auction would begin 1C-1S; 2H-3C, West showing Qxx or better in hearts but at most three controls. East might be tempted to try 3S next (a winning move if West holds KQxxxx Qxx xx Ax), but loses space if West shows only one top honour, which could be the king or the queen). A 3D question is answered by 3NT to show second-round control, then 4C-4NT showing first-round control. East can then find the spade king with 5S-6D (confirming that the diamond control is a singleton). 7H will face at worst Kxxxx? Qxx? x? Axxx, which should be enough. East’s last alternative would be a general shape check with 3H, but West would go to 4H to show extra trump length. East would like this, but would not have the room to find the club ace, spade king and singleton diamond.

Average Bulls-Eye: Alff 7, Algernot 15, Allen 2, Allerole 2, Alluva 12, Barold 8, Boan 2, Boyce 2, Carlene 4, Carowen 3, Carthurl 3, Carudy 2, Chancy 9, Charise 2, Charry 2, Chirene 2, Choyce 2, Chuncan 3, Clarlene 6, Dane 28, Davoe 11, Deboryl, Debreta 3, Destheron, Doe 2, Donnole 5, Elhen 7, Elki, Gandy 9, Garek 23, Garon 3, Georene, Georma 2, Georob, Gerene 3, Gerlene 2, Germa, Glynneth 9, Haorge 33, Harene 3, Harlan 2, Harob, Heve 7, Hillarry 8, Hocki, Huncan 2, Janoug, Jargie, Jaune, Jendy 3, Jerik 15, Jerri, Jevin 14, Joill 9, Jorene 7, Joyrik 6, Joythur 3, Judary, Julona 2, Karlen 7, Karleta 40, Keff 2, Kellen 7, Kedndall, Kerma 3, Kleen 4, Lab 6, Laff 4, Lara 29, Lib 28, Lillarol, Loucki 3, Loucy, Louwen 20, Lucann 12, Lucindy 23, Lune 5, Lynnce 6, Manny 2, Marenor 7, Marise 2, Maroan 22, Marolee 3, Marthur 2, Marudy 2, Mick 2, Nane, Nanice 20, Nanny 8, Nicki 6, Norene 7, Pereth, Phary 16, Phyndy 5, Rayle 25, Rekenee 18, Riko 7, Ritold 21, Ruleste, Saranne 5, Sareff 4, Saren 7, Sarger, Shane 20, Sharuth 2, Shircki 8, Shirise 6, Shirlene 13. Shmicki 6, Soe, Stalona 3, Subert 11, Susynn 5, Suth 13, Synn 10, Toborah 4, Trelen 16, Trill 2, Vane, Voanne 2, Vynn 4, Wendric 29, Zeenda 2

Blitz Room: Trill 23, Haorge 21, Ritold 18, Saren 18, Wendric 16, Mick 15, Leevin 14, Jevin 12, Kellen 12, Pereth 12, Boyce 10, Alluva 5, Lara 5, Rekenee 5, Caronna 3, Lib 3

Consistency Marker: Algernot WPL2, Alluva PL, Boan L2, Chuncan M. Dane P2L2, Daniko P, Davoe M, Deboryl L, Diaron W, Diaul P, Doanna P, Gandy W4M, Garek M2L, Georob M. Gerene L2, Geucy L, Glynneth L2, Handall L, Haorge ML2, Harlan P, Harob P2, Hedara L, Heve ML, Hillarry P2L, Jark P, Jendy P, Jeniko W, Jevin W3P2, Jerik P2M, Joill L, Jorene P, Jorles PM, Karlen M, Kellen M, Kerma P2, Lancie L, Larma M, Lib ML, Louwen M, Marita PL, Maroan PL, Marolee M, Nanice M, Nanny L, Phyndy WL, Ritin L, Rucy P, Ruleste L, Saranne P, Saren PM, Shirlene PL, Stalona PL, Stulie L, Suth PL2, Synn M, Trelen M, Trill P, Vindall M, Visan, Vynn L, Wendric P

Double Wins: Carollen, Diaron, Gandy 4, Harob, Jeniko, Jevin 3, Leerah, Phyndy

1100 Club: Alan Milstone 2-4, Ahuva 2-0, Allen Sparer 4-2, Aniko 1-0, Ann 1-0, Arlene 1-1, Arthur Rosenfield 0-2, Betty 0-1, Bill 1-0, Bob Silverstein 8-3, Breta 1-10, Carl 1-0, Carole Broadus 1-0, Carole Chiang 0-2, Carolyn 1-1, Charles Heckman 0-1, Charlie Needle 1-0, Cheryl 2-0, Cindy 2-0, David Kaminsky 0-1, David Silver 1-0, Deborah 2-0, Dick 1-2, Donna Gagliardi 0-1, Doug 3-0, Ed 1-0, Eleanor 1-1, Eric Frieden 2-2, Erik Rosenfield 1-3, Francie 1-0, Gareth 1-2, Gail Carroll 1-0, George 2-2, Gernot 2-4, Gerri 0-1, Gloria 3-2, Hank Banach 2-0, Hank Voegeli 2-1, Hara 0-5, Harold 7-3, Harry 1-1, Hill 1-4, Ilona 0-1, Irene 0-2, Jane Mathias 2-0, Jane Tendler 1-0, Jatin 2-1, Jeff 5-0, Jim 1-3, JoAnne Szoke 1-0, Joanne Dargan 0-3, Joan 2-0, Joe Hellman 1-0, Joe Pagerino 0-1, Joe Zelson 1-0, Joyce Handleman 1-6, Judy Paletta 1-0, June 2-1, Karlene 1-10, Ken Shafarman 0-1, Ken Graebe 1-0, Ken Steele 4-0, Kendall Clark 1-0, Kevin 2-0, Larry Stern 3-2, Laurel 1-0, Lin Li 4-2, Linda Bell 0-1, Linda Bradford 0-3, Linda Chaffkin 1-1, Louise 0-5, Lucille Alderman 1-0, Lucy LaCava 2-1, Lynn Greenspan 1-4, Lynne Leibowitz 2-1, Lynn Novicki 0-1, Maribeth 1-1, Mark Blumenthal 1-0, Mark Stasiewski 1-0, Martin 3-0, Mary Connolly 2-3, Mary Whittemore 0-1, Mike Hellman 1-0, Nancy Needle 1-0, Owen 0-3, Norma 3-1, Phoebe 3-1, Renee 0-1, Rita 4-1, Robert Alfandary 1-0, Roy 0-1, Sharon Kay 1-0, Shelley 0-1, Shirley Fruchter 1-2, Stacy 0-1, Steve 2-1, Susan Nurock 1-0, Susan Smith 1-1, Tom 2-0, Tracy 0-2, Vicki 1-4, Wendy 2-2, Zeena 0-1

Flat Boards: Game 49, Game Set 6, Partial 10, Partial Set 2, Slam 2

Grand Slams: Algernot 5 Allerole, Barold 2, Betroy, Boric, Boyce 2, Dane, Davoe, Debreta, Garek 3, Haorge 4, Harob, Harrolyn, Heve 3 Hillarry, Hillen, Jevid, Jerik 2, Karleta 9, Kerma, Laff, Lara, Lib, Louwen, Marenor, Marther. Marise, Marudy, Mick, Riko, Ritold 2, Saranne, Saren, Shane, Subert, Suth 2, Trelen, Trill 3, Wendric

Halved Rounds: Algernot 4, Allerole, Allinda, Alluva 4, Arthorge, Betroy 5, Boan, Boyce 3, Carlene, Caronna 3, Carthurl, Carudy, Charise, Chicki, Chirene, Choug, Dane 7, Davoe 3, Deboryl 2, Debreta, Diarcia, Diarri, Dicki, Doanna 3, Elhen, Gandy, Garek 3, Garon 2, Gerlene, Gerlona, Geucy, Glynneth 4, Haorge 10, Harene, Harob 2, Harrolyn, Heve 3, Hillen, Hownda, Huncan, Iredene, Irendall 2, Jackill, Jark, Jendy, Jerce, Jerik, Jevin 11, Joane, Joill, Jorene 2, Joythur 3, Karlen 2, Karleta 5, Kedndall 5, Keff 2, Kellen 2, Kerma 2, Kleen, Lara 8, Larma, Leeff, Leerah, Leevin, Lib 3, Linn 2, Lintin 2, Loucy, Louwen 7, Lucann 2, Lune 2, Mallis, Manny 2, Marise, Marita, Maroan 4, Marudy 2Mick 2, Nane, Nanny 2, Nicki 2, Paun, Phary, Phyndy 2, Phyrry, Rayle, Rekenee 5, Ricy, Ritold 5, Ruleste 5, Salliane, Saranne 5, Sarborah, Sareff, Saren, Shane 4, Shirise, Shirlene, Stalona 2, Subert 4, Suth 7, Synn 2, Toborah 3, Trelen 3, Trill 2, Vindall 2, Vioebe, Voyce, Vynn 4, Wendric 2, Zeenda 2

Intimidators: Aheiva 2, Algernot 8, Allerole, Alluva 10, Arthinda 2, Arthorge, Barold, Betroy 2, Bilma, Boan 2, Boyce 2, Carlene 4, Cary 2, Chancy, Charise 4, Chirene, Choug, Chynne, Clarlene, Dalley, Dane 5, Davoe 5. Deboryl 5, Debreta, Dialynne 2, Diaron, Diarry, Doanna 7, Donary 2, Elki 2, Gandy 2, Garek 5, Georene 2, Gerene 4, Germa 2, Giselaine, Glynneth 4, Handall 2, Haorge 13, Harlan, Harob 3, Heve 6, Hillarry 3, Iredene, Irendall 4, Jaune, Jerik 3, Jevin 3, Joill, Joythur 2, Karleta 24, Kedndall 2, Kellen, Keryl, Lancie, Lara 10, Lib 2, Link, Linn, Louck, Loucy, Lourchard 2, Louwen 8, Lucann 2, Lucindy 5, Manny 2, Marenor 2, Maroan 9, Marudy, Maurel 3 Miken 4, Norene 2, Norise 2, Paun 3, Pereth 2, Phary, Phyndy, Rayle 2, Rekenee 4, Riko, Ritin, Ritold 8, Rucy 2, Runn 2, Ruleste 2, Saranne 3, Sareff 3, Shane 3, Shirise, Shirlene 5, Stalona 5, Stoanne 2, Stulie 3, Suth 6, Synn 9, Trelen 5, Trill 7, Vinda 2, Vindall, Vynn 3, Wendric 8, Zeenda

Justified Confidence: Algernot 12, Allerole 5, Alluva 6, Betroy 2, Boan 2, Boyce 5, Carollen 2, Carudy 2, Charise 2, Cherthur, Chirene 2, Choug, Dane 10, Davoe 3, Deboryl, Diarri, Doanna 2, Doe, Elhen, Gandy 4, Garek 10, Garon, Georene, georise 2, Glynneth, Harlan 2, Haorge 8, Harrolyn, Hedara, Heve 8, Hillarry 2, Iredene, Irendall, Jark, Jendy, Jerik 4, Jevid 2, Jevin 8, Joill 2, Joythur 6, Karleta 5, Kedndall, Kerma, Lara 8, Larma 2, Lib 9, Lindara, Loucki, Louwen 6, Lucann, Lucindy 3, Lynnce, Mallis, Marenor, Marita 2, Maroan 5, Mick 3, Nane, Nanny, Norise, Phyndy, Rayle 2, Rekenee, Riko, Ritold 6, Rucy, Shane 3, Shirise, Shirlene 2, Shmicki, Stalona, Suth 4, Synn 2, Trathur, Trelen 7, Trill 5, Vindall 2, Vynn, Wendric 4

Killer Comebacks: Alff, Algernot 3, Alluva 2, Alvin, Aniva, Barold, Betroy, Boyce, Cariko, Carita, Cary, Chancy 2, Chuncan, Debreta, Doanna 2, Donary, Friank, Gandy, Garek. Garon, Geena, Geucy, Glynneth 4, Hanole, Haorge 3, Heve, Hillarry, Jara, Jerik 2, Jevid, Jevin 2, Joill, Jorma, Karlen, Karleta 2, Kedndall 2, Lara, Larma, Lib 2, Lindric 2, Loucki, Louwen 4, Lucann, Lucindy, Lune, Manny 2, Marinda, Marise, Maroan 3, Nanice, Nanny, Nicki, Nune, Paun, Rekenee 3, Ricose, Riko, Ritold 6, Ruleste 2, Salliane, Saranne 2, Sareff, Sarger, Shirise, Subert, Suth 2, Synn, Trelen, Vinda, Vynn 3, Wendric 6, Zeenda

Late or Missed Boards: Alff 2, Algernot 13, Allerole 3, Alluva 27, Arthorge, Barold, Bilma, Biluva 2, Boyce, Carollen, Carudy, Cary, Charise, Charry 2, Chellen, Chicki, Chirene, Chuncan 2, Chynne, Clarlene, Dane 33, Davoe, Deboryl, Doanna 2, Gallen, Garek 15, Georise, Georry, Gerlona, Germa, Geucy, Glynneth, Haorge 12, Harene, Harlan 4, Harob 4, Harrolyn 5, Harry, Heve, Hillarry 5, Huncan, Janoug, Jara, Jasan, Jaune 2, Jendy, Jerold, Jevid, Jevin, Joane 2, Joill 3, Joleste, Jorene 3, Jorles, Jorma, Joylin, Joythur, Julona, Karleta 14, Lara 6, Lib 11, Linn, Louwen 12, Lucann, Lucindy, Lune 2, Manny, Maroan 14, Marudy 2, Maurel, Mick, Miken 2, Nane, Nanny, Nicki 3, Normill, Phary, Rayle, Rekenee 4, Ricki, Ritold 20, Rucy 2, Sallaine 2, Shane 13, Shirise 2, Stalona 6, Stoanne, Stulie, Stynne, Suth 6, Synn 4, Trathur, Trelen 5, Trill 7, Uncharged 16, Voanne, Vynn 7, Wendric, Zeenda

Middle March: Allinda, Betroy, Bettara, Boyce 2, Dane, Davoe, Dicki, Doanna, Gerene, Glynneth, Haorge, Iredene, Juria, Larma, Lindric, Lucann, Maurel, Nynn, Ruleste 2, Runn, Sharuth, Stalona, Vindall

开云体育

Thanks Rick. ?Please add Linda Bell and I to the list. ?I hope others will join us.

开云体育

Both, thank you.

开云体育

Rick I sent an earlier email reserving a place for Susan and Lynn, doesn’t seem to be on list. ?Thanks

12/11 (Unitwide, 4):

Louise-Lucy L
Norma-Irene
Sarah-Dianne E
Micki-Ellen

Vicki would like to play with a partner with under 1200 masterpoints (to remain in Flight C). It would be nice if people who have been thinking about playing on Wednesday or perhaps had discontinued would turn out; this would be the right week, with a C overall.

12/13 (32):

Erik R-Jim
Karlene-Breta
Ed-Kendall C
Deborah-Lynn G
Hill-Larry
Joe Z-David
Irene-Charles
Mark-Lin L
Ann-Lucille A
Doug-Cheryl
George-Hank B
Hank V-Steve
Ruth-Celeste
Norma-Ken S
Gayle-Rick
Hara-Linda Br
Linda Be-Zeena
Carl-Ken G
Ahuva-Sharon
Mary C-Phoebe
Friedens
Selmons
Donna G-Joanne D
Bob-Joyce
Martin-Judy
Donna H-Carol C
Jatin-Gloria
Lynne L-June
Maribeth-Eleanor
Linda C-Lucy L
Jeff-Sarah
JoAnne-Bill

12/20 (14):

Karlene-Breta
Phoebe-Cheryl
Irene-Kendall C
Donna G-Joanne D
Ann-Lucille A
Ruth-Celeste
Arlene-Shirley
Joe Z-David
Louise-Mary
Erik R-Jim
Hank V-Steve
Lynn G-Gareth
Stacy-Ilona
Tom-Deborah

Pls add Stacy/Ilona fri dec 20. ?Thx.

Cancel Stacy/Ilona for Fri, Dec 13. ?Thx.

Update - I misread the section; the only way it would have been possible to play the board normally had the irregularity been discovered in time would have been if the canceled call were repeated. But I have still checked to see whether the passout should have stood or whether the pairs should have been given average-minus/average-plus (or better had the non-offending side scored over 60% overall). This will not affect masterpoints in our game, but may affect the overall.

I've asked Don to see if he could check with anyone to see whether one pair should be given an average-minus instead of their normal result (which was lower) on a board which produced a strange irregularity. After passing out, one table discovered that dealer had passed with the cards he'd just held on the previous board and that he had not taken out the correct hand. The correct hand contained 19 HCP. Had the error been discovered while the auction was still alive, the call with the wrong cards would have been canceled. It might have been possible to play the hand normally, as the altered auction might not have conveyed anything pertinent to the offending side. However, in this situation the irregularity was not discovered until the hand was technically over. It is possible that the offending side should have been given an average-minus and the non-offenders average-plus instead of keeping the passout.

As I was typing this, Don responded that I should forward the question to Marilyn Wells, who is often in charge of our STaC games. Stay tuned for developments.