BRIDGE

NEXT up on the international scene is the European mixed team championship in Lisbon from February 22-28. The team is Anna Onishuk and Cian Holland; Teresa Rigney and Gay Keaveney; Heidi Lillis and Michael McGloughlin 2019. NPC is Paul Porteous.

On then to the second weekend of the Camrose with little chance for Ireland. Then the Lady Milne team event for ladies and then the European open in Turkey in June. Paul Porteous has all the details.

I have a note from IBU joint secretary Harold Curran telling me about a recent development in the North which, he says, is most welcome. Apparently, a group of top junior players have been travelling regularly to Belfast to play in the local League — and as he says that has to be good for the game, both here and up North.

And we mustn’t forget the Junior Camrose and Peggy Bayer trophy which will be played next weekend at the Le Mon Hotel, Belfast.

Here is a hand from Monday’s Sim Pairs which illustrates my point about the poor quality Bridge of today.

Lazy bidding at its worst. How many would you think bid any slam? In a so-called top section, just one. Actually the South bid is a big help to EW get there. And what about the rigid Grand in Clubs. Not one pair played in any club contract.