Calm, cool and collector of points

Oamaru’s Frances Sheehy is well known for her sangfroid and fine judgement at the table.

Here is Frances (sitting West) in action at a recent tournament held at the Taieri Bridge Club’s Mosgiel rooms.

East’s opener was an unusual two no trump, promising both minors and fewer than 11 or so points. For many years this convention was almost always used only in defence.

Frances was undoubtedly in a spot. She quickly determined her only hope was the opponents would venture into the bidding. Some players might choose to pass the two no trump bid but such contracts invariably play very badly. It could also discourage astute opponents from bidding because it would mark Frances as being stacked in the majors and without a minor fit.

Instead of carrying on like a dying duck in a thunderstorm (apparently ducks’ miserable behaviour in such weather has been proverbial since the 18th century), Frances briskly bid three clubs. North was convinced the opponents had found a fit and was happy to put his toe into the water.

East seriously considered raising his partner; after all, he had an extra club and his offsuit should set up very easily when headed by the ace and king. Fortunately sanity prevailed.

And who can blame South for raising to game?

East led off with the ace and king of diamonds then switched to a club. He had done his bit; now all Frances had to do was sit back and collect a couple of heart tricks for a welldeserved top board.