Serving a slam at the lunchtime game

West	North	East	South
2	Pass	3	3
Pass	Pass	4	Pass
Pass	5	5	Dbl
Pass	5	Dbl	Pass
Pass	Pass

Both sides vulnerable. West Deals.

Lunchtime bridge can be "wild and woolly" at times. First, we have only an hour, so there is not a lot of time involved in shuffling. Second, even though we keep score as though it were a three-penny game, no money is involved. I am amazed at how adamant players can get about "keeping the scoring accurate" when it is just a friendly game.

This hand came up right after we all agreed that it was going to be the last hand of the day (always important to know). Both sides weree vulnerable with 60 points "on" toward game.

The opening two-diamond bid was "weak". Normally, one would have a six-card suit, no void and less than three-card support for any major suit. This was not one of those times. East bid three diamonds in a vain attempt to keep South out of the auction. But South also knew it was the last hand.

When East bid five diamonds, South doubled to tell North that enough was enough. North, refusing to give in bid five hearts. East's double was pure frustration.

The opening diamond lead was trumped in the closed hand. After the outstanding hearts were pulled, declarer played on clubs and made 11 tricks. Interestingly, the North-South combined holding was only 20 high card points, yet they were able to take 11 tricks. Don't be afraid to bid a little more when it appears that there are distributional values.

When lunchtime was over, both sides had won a rubber and everyone left happy, looking forward to the next game. Ask any of us what we had for lunch and you are more likely to hear about a small slam in spades than about the roast beef.

Great Game Products of Potomac, MD. Has just announced the newest version of its computer bridge game, Bridge Baron Version 12 includes the ability to play random but re-creatable deals using most of the current bidding conventions.

There are also a large number of deals that have been included which tournament results so you can determine how your score would have compared to the actual scores. You can ask for help and review lessons whenever necessary. Also, software is included to allow you to play with other Bridge Baron owners online. The game comes on a CD-ROM and has versions that are compatible with PC or Mac systems.

If you already are a Bridge Baron owner and want to upgrade to Version 12, the cost is $29.95 plus shipping. For those who do not own a version of Bridge Baron, the cost is $59.95 plus shipping. You can order by phone at 800-426-3748 or by visiting www.bridgebaron.com .

The following local players have achieved new levels of success in the quest for master points.

Bernard Olmstead of Warren has passed 5,000 points and is a diamond life master.

Sandra Fleischman of Beachwood has accumulated 2,500 points and is a gold life master.