You Hold…

Playing in the ABA, part 1.

by Tom on August 18th, 2006

In addition to the ACBL, there is another American bridge orginization, one which has been around about as long: The American Bridge Association. The ABA was created back in the days of racial segregation. Most of its membership consists of Black bridge players, however all events (just as in the ACBL) are open to all races.

The ABA recently had its summer nationals in Atlanta, where I live. I had obligations which kept me from playing throughout the tournament, but I was able to play in one national event, a swiss team event.

It was an enjoyable experience, if a little different. There were a number of interesting difference between the organizations that was easy to see even from 1 day of play. The level of competition was overall not nearly as strong as in the ACBL, but I had been expecting that from everything I knew. What I hadn’t been expecting was the large number of procedural irregularities in that one day of play. (Revokes, people missorting their hand, that sort of thing.)

One hand stands out during the day as my favorite.

¹ Pick a game

Opening Lead: Ace of Spades (A from AK).

	QJ9x
	x
	JT
	KT9xxx
	x
	QTx
	AKQ8xxx
	Ax

East discouraged spades. West shifted to the Ace of Hearts (East encouraging) and played a second heart.

I’ll leave you here to plan the play. Conclusion in part 2.

Share This

POSTED IN: Declarer Play, Intermediate, Tournaments