Dubious Logic

The Suffolk Congress - Coming up for Twenty Five

The Suffolk Congress is twenty five this year – who would have thought it? When the Suffolk Association was formed it was natural that after finding its feet, it would seek to show its organisational confidence by holding an annual congress. Closely modelled, it must be said, on the successful formula of the Essex association's event at Clacton, it opened in something of a golden age for weekend bridge.

Locally there was a growing interest and nationally, many fewer tournaments to divert demand. It became a necessity to get entries in as soon as dates were announced, and it wasn't unheard of for players to book a year in advance. Yet how times changed; the advent of the Green Point one-day events, cultural and demographic changes that altered the ease travelling and cost of accommodation, the vicious demand from all quarters for the leisure pound. In fact, Suffolk's Congress at Felixstowe has done very well to survive and retain its character – ironically, Clacton went into sudden decline and ceased some years back.

After experimentation the format is as it was at the outset; a warm-up pairs event for those lucky enough to escape for Friday afternoon (now with the addition of a 'no-fear' section), then teams each evening and pairs each afternoon – a qualifier on the Saturday, final on the Sunday. It amounts to an awful lot of bridge for the money – about three times the value of those formulaic Green Pointers…

Reflecting on those early days, I managed to unearth a hand from 1986. As you can see, I guessed no better then than now:

I overcalled South's 1♥ opener with 2♦ and got a typically aggressive raise from partner – I like to think we were young then. The defence started with the heart queen then played a spade to South who cashed two more hearts and led a fourth. To make nine tricks I had to avoid a trump loser. Ruff with ♦Q and squash North's for 98 doubleton under the J10? Or ruff low and hope they started with just three-deuce?

Well I ruffed low and North had the 98 - same as it ever was. Oh, and my opponent's slightly peculiar actions did for us as well: at the other table the West hand doubled 1♥ and East took a shine to their 108762 for defence and passed, scoing +500. That sort of happening hasn't altered much either.

If you're looking for bridge this weekend – Ipswich and Kesgrave are holding their popular annual Swiss Pairs – turning up on the day is OK but make sure you call beforehand.

Suffolk Congress – 25^th Anniversary
The Pier Leisure Centre Felixstowe, 30^th September – 2^nd October
Entries to Jane Moore (Tel. 01206 263209, email vjmoore[-at-]onetel.com) - full congress £25 per person, pairs only, £13, teams only £26, Friday events; pairs £6, 'Bridge for All' £3.

Ipswich and Kesgrave Swiss Pairs, Sunday 11^th September, 2:00pm, Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach (off Bell Lane). Entry on the door but call before - Mike Bone, 01728-685392 or mbone[-at-]frambroadband.com, £10 per pair – tea/coffee only.

Published Saturday 10.Sep.2005