January 2025 - 41

Problem 7
South deals. Both vulnerable.
West
s A 4
East
s 9 2
h A 9 8
d A K 7 5
c J 10 8 7
h K 6 4 3
d Q 9 8 6 3 2
c 5
Binder Watson
Aquino
1NT
3d
Pass
The contestants had identical
auctions. West opened a completely
standard 15-17. Both pairs use 2NT
as a transfer to diamonds. West's 3d
call said that West liked his diamond
holding. East could take a chance and
bid 3NT, but was quite light in high
cards with no assurances 3NT would
be a good contract. It is worth pointing
out that East didn't begin with
Stayman because following up with
3d if opener shows spades is forcing,
and East's hand doesn't justify such
strong bidding.
Bridge Bulletin auction: 1NT-
2NT; 3NT-Pass. Although 3d by
West would say they like diamonds,
Scores: 3NT(W) 11; 3NT(E) 9;
2NT 8; 3d 5; 4d 4
Binder-Watson 41;
Aquino-Cappelli 41
Problem 8
West deals. None vulnerable.
West
s A 4
East
h K Q J 7 6 3
d K 6 5
c 4 3
1h
2h
Pass
s 9 8 7 6 5
h A 2
d A Q J 10 8
c 8
Binder Watson
Aquino
4h
Cappelli
1s
Cappelli
2NT
West's hand is arguably stronger
than that. West can see eight solid
tricks opposite any six-card diamond
holding, and only needs one more
for partner to make game. There are
other ways for 3NT to win as well.
The opponents might be prevented
from balancing against a 3d contract
and finding their own contract in
a major. Or if 3NT goes down, 3d
might also have been down. Overall,
3NT seems like a good shot.
For the second straight problem,
our pairs had identical auctions.
West opened 1h. East bid 1s despite
the weakness of the suit, as finding
major-suit fits is paramount. West
had a normal 2h rebid, showing a
minimum with six hearts. East had a
hand that looked like it might be invitational,
but both Easts realized the
increased value with the heart fit and
the singleton, and thus raised directly
to 4h. Unfortunately, the level of fit
was even better than what they imagined,
as slam in hearts (or diamonds)
is almost cold.
Bridge Bulletin auction: 1h-1s;
2h-4c; 4NT-5h; 6h-Pass. East
might easily make a slam opposite
a hand like West's, so it's worth it to
investigate with a splinter bid (4c).
West doesn't know whether the tricks
will come from spades or diamonds,
but West does know that the hand is
a nearly perfect fit opposite a splinter
bid in clubs.
Scores: 6h 12; 6d 10; 5h 5; 5d 1
Final score: Binder-Watson 46;
Aquino-Cappelli 46
Maurice de la Salle | 1946-2024
By Susan Culham
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of
longtime ACBL member Maurice de la Salle on April 25.
Maurice suffered many years with Alzheimer's, but he
did not complain and accepted his fate with his customary
quiet, dignified demeanor.
Maurice loved the game of bridge. If we were having
a poor game, he would say, " Just enjoy the hands. " This
was his philosophy. Win or lose, he was happiest when
playing.
Maurice was an expert player. He won the Canadian
Open Pairs Championship in 1987, and he was second
twice (in 2007 and 2009). Yet despite all of his tournament
successes, he was a patient teacher. He willingly
played with any and all at the Edmonton Bridge Club in
Alberta.
Maurice greatly appreciated his
friends while competing at the bridge
table and in long discussions after the
game until club manager Matthew
Greenways started turning off the
lights.
Maurice spent his entire career as a
psychiatric nurse caring for those with
mental health challenges. He was good at his job, and
kindness was an integral part of his personality.
We had a wonderful life together. How fortunate was
I that he chose to share his life with me. I'm so thankful
for the memories.
From his favorite song by The Doors: " Love me two
times, girl, one for tomorrow, one just for today. Love
me two times, I'm goin' away. " 2
January 2025 | Bridge Bulletin |
41
January 2025

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