We are pleased to present the fifth issue of the Irish Bridge Journal.
Thanks again to our editor Enda Murphy, our designer Sue Power, all our contributors, and of course our advertisers. You’ll find lots of interesting and informative articles, and reports from recent major competitions, along with tips and guidance from some of our top teachers
Following a review of the two quizzes, the Editorial Board (in other words Enda and the two quizmasters, Bob Pattinson and Tomás Roche) has decided on a change. Entries for the Play Quiz were very limited, so we have decided, starting with the current edition, to make this a self-test item. You’ll find the quiz on page 3, and the answers on page 40; if you’re keen to test yourself, develop your solution without peeking ahead, and then check how you did. The Bidding Quiz generated more responses, and also has the external panel involvement, so that will stay as it is, with the exception that we will in future award a prize to both the best Novice/Intermediate and the best Master (below Life Master) answer in EACH edition, rather than running it over an entire season. So more chances for you to win! You’ll find this edition’s Bidding Quiz on page 4, and the closing date for entries is 7 April. Why not give it a go and see how you get on when the expert panel answers will appear in the next edition.
We continue to welcome your comments and suggestions, and we are also in the market for new contributions, especially from intermediate, novice, and junior players, so if you have any ideas for features, please let Enda Murphy know.
A reminder that the IBU’s Burke (Open) and O’Connor (Intermediate) teams championships are on next weekend, 9/10 March, in the Cavan Crystal Hotel. Entries are open on our website. And the Regent Bridge Club will hold a special open competition for novices and beginners in their club (25 Waterloo Road, Dublin D04 AR25) next Friday, 8 March, at 7:30 p.m., and all are welcome. If you have not played in a competition outside your club or classes previously, then this is an ideal chance – all the participants will be of similar standard and experience, and the club will make sure that you will be playing in a friendly and well-managed setting. You can enter online, or you can contact Anne Vaughan on 087-6688587.