presents

Bridge & Beyond at KSBA

Author : Karnataka State Bridge Association
Bridge & Beyond at KSBA
© 2021 : Author : KSBA
Published by Karnataka State Bridge Association
Printed by Grafiprint Private Limited :(a division of WQ Judge Press) 97, Residency Road : Bengaluru : Karnataka 560 025

All rights reserved.

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Photographs used in this publication belong to various individuals and/or organizations. Acknowledgements have been made with each
photograph.
 presents

Bridge & Beyond at KSBA

With a rich legacy of over 70 years in diverse business
endeavors, Machani Group is one of the most revered
family businesses in India. We may also be known as
Stumpp Schuele and Somappa or MG Brothers to Old
Bangaloreans. Our portfolio currently spans
Manufacturing, Real Estate, Defence, Design, Augmented
Reality, Electric Mobility, Social Enterprise, Robotics, and
more.
Among our newest forays, is a unique expression of Indian
Heritage in architecture through our first real estate
venture - Svasa Homes.
The term ‘Svasa’ is associated with the simple act of
breathing which holds in it life’s greatest answers. Svasa
represents the eternal exchange every living being
undergoes in every moment. It suggests that in order to
receive we must first give and that in order to gather, we
must first let go.
We have imbibed this philosophy into the residential
community that we have built in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru.
It stands on three core values of Heritage, Luxury, and
Community. On that front, we feel a kinship with the
Karnataka State Bridge Association (KSBA) whose function
is to maintain the heritage of the game and build the
community around it.
In this book, interspersed with the work of the KSBA is a
glimpse into the thought and work we have put into making
Svasa Homes. We hope you appreciate it.
We are pleased to be associated with the KSBA in such a
venture which showcases talent and at the same time
preserves the interest and values of the Bridge community
CR Shashidhar
CEO, Machani Group
 Photo courtesy : Vignesh Gangan
The public durbar hall in the front part of the palace, where the king held court.. The Architectural style of Amba Vilas Palace is Indo-
Saracenic Revival architecture. The palace is built by creating a fusion of Gothic, Hindu, Muslim and Rajput styles of architectures.
The Karnataka Bridge Association, known for its enthusiasm for the game, presents a
Coffee Table Book for the first time in its history. This book showcases the perfect mix of
creativity, energy and the amazing bonhomie we, as a group, enjoy.

Prose and verse jostle to capture the essence of the game. I am sure glimpses of our
activities and triumphs will interest all enthusiasts of the game.

Some of our stalwarts have also talked about the intricacies of the game. We have
embellished our offering with the splendid visuals of Karnataka's natural beauty. and
architecture. Our aim is to reach the hearts of our readers as they join us in celebrating
the growing popularity of this mind game.

KSBA is most grateful to SVASA Homes for their assistance in bringing out this
publication. SVASA, an organization with a rich heritage of over 80 years, is inspired by
one of India's first Padma Sri recipients, Machani Somappa, and is known for it’s historic
contributions to society.

S Vaidyanathan
President KSBA
 Photo courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Pattadakal. situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River, is a testament to
the architectural prowess of the Chalukya dynasty.
Photo courtesy : Bishnu Sarangi
Udupi Collectorate
 Karnataka State Bridge Association
Presidents
KSBA was founded by GuruDutt, NP Ubhayakar, BV Baliga and VLK Swamy in B V Baliga
1962. Baliga was the first president and Ubhayakar, the first General Secretary of the G M Jacoby
KSBA. Swamy who was the secretary of the Karnataka Table Tennis Association,
B Krishnan
used his experience to draft the initial bye-laws. Of the players in this period, Guru
K M Shetty
Dutt was arguably the best and today there are several tournaments held in his
Maj Gen Ramaswamy
memory in India. Ubhayakar later went on to become the General Secretary of the
BFI. N S Sundara

A S Viswanathan
Canara Union was the initial meeting point for players and soon other venues like Dr D J Kini
Century Club, LRDE (DRDO), ITI Sports Club began to host weekly events. Dr S Vasantha

N Ubhayakar
BK Satyan was largely instrumental in helping develop bridge in Karnataka. He
D R Shridhara
conducted tournaments, prepared set deals, coached players and is a legend in
K Vijayaraghavan
Karnataka Bridge circles. Even today he is actively associated with the game in
Bangalore. S Vaidyanathan

Ashok Fernandes
What has always been talked about in Bridge circles in India was the spectacular S Vaidyanathan
Summer Nationals held at The World Trade Centre in 2015 and again in 2016.
These two events showcased KSBA as the best host for National level tournaments.
 Photo COurtesy : Justim Miramda
St. Lawrence Shrine Basilica is a Roman Catholic church in Karkala. Built in
1759, it is purported to be the site of many a miracle and is characterized by its
Attur Jatre or Attur Festival.
 KSBA - a timeline
1981 1986
The Karnataka team Jacks (R. C. Mishra, Dr.

1962 1977 comprising of Krishnan,

The first South Zone
championship was held
at the Century Club
The Ruia Gold is held in
Bangalore for the second
time and won by the
Railways team.
Viswanathan, Mishra,
G. V. Anand, K. Vijay
Kumar and Girish Bijoor)
Satyan, Iyengar and won the Ramamoorthy
Ningaiah won the Trophy in Board-a-Match
Summer Nationals which event.
was held at Indore.

B. Krishnan, partnering The Karnataka team

The Ruia trophy was
Vigyan B. Gupta, won comprising of Krishnan,
held in Bangalore for the
the Holkar Trophy at the Mishra, Viswanathan,
first time and won by
Nationals. Satyan, Ningaiah and
Bhowanipure Card Club
Iyengar also won the
The Bowring Institute
and the Catholic Club 1980 Indian Selection trials
and represented India at
are added to the list of
the World Bridge
playing venues.
Championship in Biarritz,
France.
1970
1982

2008
SK Iyengar was part of
CV Rao’s team that wins
the Ruia Gold.
Jacks (R. C. Mishra, Dr. G. V.
Anand, L. K. Saboo, K. Vijay
Kumar and Girish Bijoor) won
the South Zone Championship
Holkar Match Point pairs
and the Prince Basalat Jah
Trophy
Kini’s team comprising
Krishnan, Satyan, Rajendra,
Durgadas, Ningaiah & Kini won
the Ruia Gold Trophy
1988
2017
2015 R. Venkatesh (Bermuda Bowl, Lyon), Manoj Kumar
(Youth, Wuhan, China), S. K. Iyengar (Ladies Team,
R Venkatesh and Vijay win the
Asian Games, Indonesia) were appointed by BFI as
Holkar Match Point Pairs
the official coaches for the Indian teams at World
event.
Team events
KSBA hosted the Summer
Mukesh Ghatia and Mridul Das won the Agarwala
Nationals at the World Trade
Center. This event is regarded
Trophy at the Inter State Bridge Championship held in
Mumbai.
as the best National Event
ever organized in the history of
Koushik Mukherjee represented India in the Asian
Indian Bridge.
Test Games held in Indonesia and wins the ICBA
Team event and gets a Bronze in the Pairs event.
Mini Naidoo represented India in the
KSBA again hosts the Venice Cup at Lyon.
Uttam Gupta and
Summer Nationals at the Mini and Priya represented India in
Anklesaria win the
World Trade Center. the Mixed Pairs event held in Wuhan.
event.
2016 Whitefield Club, Domlur Club,
Koramangala Club and Century Club, Galaxy Club (Brigade
Koramangala Indoor Gateway), 13BC (near ITC Windsor),
Stadium are added as are added as playing venues
playing venues
2011 2019
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
The Biligirirangana Hills is a hill range in south-western Karnataka Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary or simply BRT Wildlife
Sanctuary. You will mainly find herds of wild elephants here. About 62 tigers live in this sanctuary. Other animals include gaur, sambhar, chital,
the shy barking deer and the rare four-horned antelope. Carnivores include tigers, leopards, wild dogs, lesser cats, sloth bears and three
species of squirrels including the giant flying squirrel.
Bridge Addicts' Prayer
Lakshmi Ishwar
Give us this day our daily bridge
Pray we successfully cross the conventions' ridge.

May we understand the dance of the minors,

In a larger number, they outsmart even the majors!

When we want to run in the slam race,

Give us the power of many a king and ace.

It is a roller coaster ride at the table we sit,

Yesterday was a high, today is the opposite!

We may know all conventions by heart,

But at the crucial moment we need a strong heart.

Bridge they say is a bidders' game,

Slight aggression can get one a lot of fame!

May we thaw the blocks in our mental fridge,

And reach a new high in our game of Bridge!
 A Game
Reena Venkataraman
For me, bridge is a game
Of both my head and heart.
My heart gives a leap
But my head company does part,

I see 18pts and the universe seems to be mine

I forget to show Reverse
And show 6-9.

My partner, a strict grammarian

A very conservative man
Sticks to the rule
(Later calls me a fool)
And I don't have a clue,
Why he passes my bid
Doesn't give me a Cue
Why he did what he did!
When he passed my bid
 Difficult times
Lovie D'Sa
As a difficult year comes to an end
I'd like to add my two little cents

Though we saw the world spiral down

The bonhomie here, turned it around

With the best of Bridge in the worst of times

The game and players reached new highs

For those of us who could only watch

We could surely smile and learn as we saw

Thanks to our Bridge community

For your time, talent and energy

You kept our spirits high and free

With banter, wit and poetry

Cheers to an awesome period to come

Be safe and happy everyone
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Pattadakal is a complex of 7th & 8th century CE Hindu and Jain temples located on the
west bank of the Malaprabha River in Bagalakote district. This UNESCO World
Heritage site is 23 km from Badami.
 Brave Hearts
Vasanthi Vasudev

Held the knave of hearts leading a row of seven

Not one picture card in the rest even

Partner called one no trump, so strong

I fluttered two of diamonds, showing hearts so long

Partner growled and closed no trump three!

My hearts sank in distress; Oh! How do I make him see?

I overtook and exclaimed, ‘hearts- four’!

Partner broke a long silence with a ‘no trump- four’!

I longed to sink and under, go!

In stoic grace, I called five clubs, showing zero

Partner roared a no trump six

Lamenting, “Would have loved a seven to fix”

What will he do, with my one point and maybe no entry?

I dumped the dummy and scooted to climb the first tree!
 There was a young guru called Joe
Who said of our bridge, it would grow
He promised we’d be good
And we thought we would
But when, oh when, oh when will it show Joe didn't do wrong as such,
In teaching you the game we love so much.
Sujata Puranik You wonder when you'll be that good,
That results over; you don't have to brood.
For that you have to unearth an insatiable hunger,
And at every failure, seethe in anger.
Only when you want it as badly my friend,

ter Will success knock your door more often at the end.

an Koushik

B
Don't worry, someday you will definitely reach there,
And then people will ask you to lay out the process threadbare,
Slams so many you'll bid little and grand,
That it will become your signature brand.
You'll tell others that you've done that and there been,
And followers will worship you much to your chagrin.

Koushik
 Not Just a Card Game
Lakshmi Ishwar
Whoever invented bridge?
That can tease the mind and bewitch,
Whoever introduced this fascinating game?
Keeping brain cells ticking is whose aim,
The world is ever grateful,
For, it is hardly baleful,

The players are in their own bliss,

While their families enjoy without being amiss,
Hours can pass in a second at the table,
Boredom as a concept is just a fable!
Technology has brought it closer than ever,
Anytime, anyplace, any partner is the endeavour,

Nobody needs to be deprived of a game ever,

Not to mention the post-game analysis that goes on forever!
Whether you are in a car or a plane,
Whether you are isolated, vexed or sane,
Just get into the website on your smart phone,
Ahoy! You are occupied and never alone!!
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
The beautiful Ibrahim Rauza (1627) is the mausoleum complex where Ibrahim Adil Shah II is buried with his Queen, Taj Sultana.
Exceptionally conceived and finely decorated, it is one of the supreme achievements of the Adil Shahis.
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
The Stone Chariot, located in front of Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi, is a monument dedicated to Garuda and is the official
vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Built in Dravidian style, in the 16th century by the orders of King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara
Empire, the chariot depicts mythical battle scenes. Standing on two giant wheels, two elephants are seen pulling the chariot.
 A Rookie's Tale
Subranshu Patnaik
It was my first major tournament, the venue was
Bangalore Club, the year 2001. I was playing with the
late Arun Annaji on table 2. NRK and Kista came
over and took their seats. I didn't know who they were
and Arun didn't tell me a thing. We were in the open
room and it seemed like the whole of Bangalore had
come to kibitz the game.
The deal set turned out to be a dream one for us as
everything that we tried worked in our favour. Even
though Kista-NRK showed their class in taking me
down in a game, We won 25-5 (in old scoring).
After the game, I remarked to Arun that they looked
like an ordinary pair but the way they defended the
last deal was impressive. Arun then revealed to me
that these guys were the reigning Ruia Champions!! I
was shocked and asked him why he did not tell me
before we started. He replied that if he had done that
we would not have got the 25-5 result, for I might not
have played with the gay abandon, that I did. He then
asked me “did you really think all these kibitzers came
to watch your game?!”
There were the 5 deals that made the difference:
Deal-1 A slam auction in which I kept on bidding,
literally putting a gun to Arun's head to bid a slam.
Arun went into a long pause, probably wondering
whether to trust my bids and/or card play. Eventually,
he bid the slam and I brought it home on a ruffing
finesse. The slam was not bid at the other table.
Deal-2 Kista was in 3NT. He played a low card
towards Ajx in dummy. With KQx, I played low in
tempo. Having played the Jack, he then had to guess
whether I started with KQx or KQxx. He felt that I
would have played an honour card from KQx or at
least fidget before playing low. Whatever be the
reasons, he played me for KQxx and went down. After
the deal, with a boyish excitement, I pointed out that
the contract was making! An embarrassed Kista
looked at NRK and me and nodded in agreement.
Deal-3 Arun invited me to a game, which I had no
business accepting. We were vulnerable. I glanced at
Kista and NRK and told myself that they are not going
to take me down today and bid the vulnerable game!
There was only one way to make this game – I
needed exactly Qx of trumps inside. Kista duly
obliged - after all it was my day.
Deal-4 NRK got into a 4♥ contract. Holding ♥Kxx, I led
a low heart. When I got in again, with ♥Kx, I persisted
with a low heart. The contract was now in trouble.
NRK offered me an overruff, which I refused and
when I regained the lead, I played my ♥K to his ♥A.
The contract was went 1 down, as his side suit could
not be established.
Deal-5 I was declarer in a 4 major suit contract. It
looked comfortable. But Kista-NRK delivered a
master-class in defence to take it down and showed
me who the real men at the table were. However, it
was too late – the boys had already won the battle!!
After the match Uttam walked up to me and asked for
the score. When I told him we won 25-5, in utter
disbelief, he snatched the score-sheet from me and
walked up to Kista & NRK, who were about to start on
their lunch. He shoved the score-sheet in their face
and asked them if it was real. When they kept quiet,
he told them that he would take copies of this score-
sheet and stick it up on every bulletin board of the
country and rag them till the next nationals! He then
pointed towards me and told them "this guy is a
rookie! "
I felt bad for Kista and NRK – these guys are classy
players. Of all the people, to have Uttam mocking
them, their lunch got over even before it started!
While it did sound funny at that time, I later realized
what the pressures of being a Champion were. Once
you become a winner, you cannot afford to have a
single bad afternoon!
Eventually NRK & Kista and team went on to win the
event. I congratulated NRK at the Prize Ceremony. I
thought he probably does not remember me and tried
to remind him, but NRK quickly cut in and told me yes
he does remember. NRK probably felt that I was
trying to rub it in. As a dumb rookie I did not realize
that!
Now coming to the match, Arun was right as he
always was. Had I known who my opponents were,
before the match, we would not have bid the slam on
Deal-1, I would have split the honours on Deal-2, I
would not have bid the game on Deal-3 and I certainly
would not have continued trumps from Kx in Deal-4.
But they definitely would have taken down the
contract on Deal-5 and won the match! The only
reason we won was because I was a rookie who
knew nobody and hence knew no fear!
 Photo Courtesy : Bishnu Sarangi
Jaganmohan Palace is located in Mysore. Its construction was completed in 1861 and was initially used by the
Wodeyars as their home. It is now used as an art gallery and a function hall.
 The Usual Suspects
KSBA is full of personalities. Each one of them brings a certain flavour to the game,
which is very individualistic. KSBA would not be what it is but for its members.

S Hari Shankar

A Bridge player by the name of Mini Naidoo

Whose skills at bridge – let me give you a preview
Her partner opens with a Pass
And 7 No Trump, roars our lass
A compound squeeze and 13 tricks fall through
We have this bright young lad called Karthik
Whose every alternate bid can be termed a Psyche
When the TD is given a call
Karthik would stonewall
Confusing rules and CoCs like a Slippery Dick

Her partner is a poor soul called Priya

Who once thought it was a good idea
To under lead his Ace
Soon he fell from grace
As Mini chopped him up into fine semia
There is a certain star player who calls himself Benky
Absolutely no one has ever seen him cranky
His mind is razor sharp & keen
Like a well-oiled complex machine
Conjuring up endplays is his modus operandi
The KSBA President is a certain Vaidyanathan
At raising funds, he is absolutely number one
He knows everyone who matters
Uses every word, trick and flatters
No wonder KSBA chants Narayana Narayanan

There is a diehard player called Alexander

Believes playing bridge with most is below his standar’
He will only play with experts
Admonish them with his lectures
Because his bidding and card play is done with great candour

A bridge player by the name of JoethePro

Plays the game with a mean quid pro quo
He uses bridge conventions
Of complex dimensions
And his card play – simply brillianto There is a Military Man named Col Sharma
Who considers alcohol drinking as his dharma
He doesn’t count his drinks
After 10, he looks like a sphinx
Bridge, he fervently believes is his Karma
 And then there is this bridge player called Uttam
Squeezes and endplays are second nature to this superman
While he has Bridge in his genes
He also packs glares and screams
But at the table, you will never meet a more humble human

There is a bridge fanatic in KSBA called Sastry

Among his various activities is a notable charity
Bridge is his passion and his life
Sponsors a tourney in memory of his wife
Overall a wonderful person of outstanding integrity

AS Gupta is a player to watch out for

He is 85 plus and also a feared lawyer
His memory is eidetic
Bidding a bit hectic
Overall a bridge player of top drawer
Kalyan Mohan is his name
Pretty solid is his game
Giving credit to all
He’s always standing tall
And also deserves much fame
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Durga temple, a medieval Hindu temple built in the 7th century, is located in Aihole. It is part of a pending UNESCO
world heritage site. Apart from the fine carvings, it is famous as a rare apsidal or round-ended Hindu temple,
representing a final stage in the transition of the ancient chaitya hall tradition to later Hindu temple architecture
The Establishment
Varsha Jagadish
Coming now to
The Boiling Cauldron
Of KSBA chiefs
And their fiefdom!

Kalyan Mohan,
A Much Harassed Man,
Trying to do as
Much as He can

As Alice always running

In Wonderland.
Ratna, his faithful Amazon
Brilliant and kind,
Wonder Woman 2021

CM Kulkarni
Now, of the BFI
Diamond, diamond in the sky!!

Last but not least,

There's always US
Delighted to be
Aboard the KSBA BUS!!!!
 The People
Reena Venkataraman
Below these Pillars, Manohar and Nirmala
Lies a strong foundation Mohan, Ratna, Soopoo and Neesoo
Of people who in themselves
Are quite a sensation!.. Adored mentors,
And much loved mentees
Here's Karthik In queue!
Never ever averse...
To creating a Bridge Controverse Dare one forget
There's Hari, a true Utopian, Ravi the Sehwag, Soumalya and Shubham
St Simon, no less,
A Fabian!. And the maestros
The great Uttam!
Come further and Priya and Mini,
You will find Prakash Easwaran
Kunal, the calm, Sridhar the gentle
Of the organized mind! All such great Fun!
A little further down the lane....
You meet RV and Koushik.. Kitty, the Mistress
Men of fame and of great brain Of Etiquette,
Ayan, Sambuddha Subhrangshu For Senior and Inter
There's in KSBA A little Bengal too! And Gennext!
 Photo Courtesy : Bishnu Sarangi
Drepung Gomang Monastic University is one of the most reputed centers (the three great seats: Drepung, Gaden and Sera) for learning,
contemplating and practicing Tibetan Buddhist thoughts and science notably known as the second Nalanda University in Tibet
 Bidding Challenges
TJ Alexander
Bidding Challenges
Every day brings a fresh challenge
That rarely gets a response from the fringe
They are meant to lift everyone
Never the intent to put down anyone
It tests the mind for process
But I attempt it as a guess
And sometimes I get lucky
And think I am no dummy
The next day I try it at a game
And set my partners wrath aflame
RV bids that way I proclaim
Just to shift the blame
When the answers come I wait
To see who on thin ice did skate
And am not surprised to see
That most often it is just me
Let's not TJ disappoint
He's not scoring a point
I wish that more would participate
In each and every bidding debate
Especially those that are called fair
Because they are not afraid to dare
It challenges and teaches me a lot
That's why I always give it a shot
So with these lines I anticipate
That more and more of you will participate
 The Dilemma
Varsha Jagadish

Trumps or no trumps
I hardly get any IMPs !

Wonder should I bid a cue ?

Afraid it may raise a cry and hue

Should I try to bid control ?

My Partners eyes for sure will roll

Ah.…..splinter I never thought

This bid , so far I have never sought !

Over these conventions anxiously I ponder

Will I ever reach slam I truly wonder !
Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Mysore Palace at night
 Hopes Galore
Indrani Chowdhury

Bridge conventions turned upside down

In search of limericks and matching nouns
In this avalanche of poetic outpourings
Even Kitty forgot her scoldings

Despite the negativity of the year gone

All KSBAians found a unique bond
Trump or No trump, bridge saw us through
Let us start life anew!

Happy and Carefree COVID-free period to all!

 Folly at the Table
Lakshmi Ishwar

Bridge is an addiction nay obsession,

It stretches wide one's imagination.

We can't stop thinking of the boards that we lose,

However hard we try to hide the bruise,

It is a thinking person's game,

That's what the addicts proclaim,

Win with attitude, lose with grace,

Losing is hardly a disgrace,

Ever the experts sometimes lose their sheen,

As long as we don't make this a daily routine.

The game does not always end at the table,

Many a time it goes on to become a fable,

We are hero sometimes, other times a zero,

Keep advancing towards being a pro,

'Tis a life long journey

So don't worry about a single tourney!
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
The Vittala Temple in Hampi is an ancient monument is well-known for its exceptional architecture and unmatched
craftsmanship. It is considered to be one of the largest and the most famous structure in Hampi. The temple is located in
the north North Eastern part of Hampi, near the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
 Do you play bridge by chance?
Manohar Rao
The English politician Benjamin Disraeli is believed to have
said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and
statistics”. Enthusiasts of games of chance know better:
probability is the bedrock of long-run winning decisions.
Indeed, probability theory took root in the mid-seventeenth
century, when the mathematician Blaise Pascal set to
thinking about a question posed to him by Antoine
Gombaud, a nobleman friend given to gambling. The
question was, “what is the probability of rolling two sixes at
least once, when two dice are rolled 24 times?” (It is 0.491,
or 49.1%)
Probability as relative frequency
Pascal’s approach to answering the question considered
relative frequency: for example, the intuitive probability
(1/10), of drawing at random, a blue ball from a box
containing one blue ball and nine red balls. This concept
underpins probability calculations in bridge.
So how does this help you - a bridge player whose idea of
fun may not include juggling odds in your mind?
Well, for starters, relative frequency is why we have
aphorisms for newcomers like “eight ever, nine never
(finesse the Queen)”.
Vacant places: News you can use
An application of probability to bridge that is possible to pull
off at the table is the principle of vacant places.
LHO opened a weak 2 hearts, and you end up in 6 spades
with this holding
♠ AJ1065 ♥843 ♦ KQ7 ♣ A4
♠ K987 ♥A2 ♦ AJ63 ♣ K52
Should you play to finesse the Queen, or heed the maxim
and play for the drop?
The advice, “eight ever, nine never” about whether to
finesse, or play for the Queen to drop, is based on
probabilities of card distributions when the cards are dealt,
with no information from the bidding or play. Bidding and
play point to certain card distributions becoming unlikely –
or even impossible - and probabilities change.
Here, assuming LHO has six hearts for his bid, RHO has
two. Therefore, LHO has 13-6=7 “vacant places” in his
hand for spades, diamonds and clubs. RHO has 13-2= 11
vacant places. Therefore, the probability that RHO has the
spade Queen is 11/(11+7) = 61%. Play spade Ace (to cater
to the case that LHO has a singleton and it is the spade
Queen), then finesse RHO for the Queen.
You can also make use of vacant places against silent
opponents, when the play of the cards throws up clues to
what cards opponents hold. In 7♠, you see these cards:
♠ AJ76 ♥K43 ♦ KQ ♣ AQ102
♠ KQ42 ♥A52 ♦ A42 ♣ K98
The lead is a low spade. Your first three tricks are the Ace,
King and Queen of spades (on the third spade LHO
discards a low diamond). You next play the King and
Queen of diamonds, a low heart to your Ace, and the Ace
of diamonds (RHO discards a heart on the third diamond -
and you throw a low heart from Dummy). A low heart to the
King follows (both opponents play a low heart) and the club
Ace is played (both opponents play low).
Do you finesse the club Jack (50% with no information) or
play to drop it in two or in three (52% after eliminating the 6-
0 and 5-J distributions)? If you finesse the Jack, which
opponent will you play to have it?
Hmm. Your annoying opponents can be counted on to give
you as little information as possible with their discards.
Nevertheless, LHO is known to have precisely two spades
and six diamonds, and at least two hearts and at least one
club.
RHO is known to have exactly three spades and two
diamonds, and at least three hearts and at least one club.
LHO has two vacant places and RHO has five.
The probability is 4/(4 +2) = 67% that the club Jack is with
RHO. You play a low club towards your K9 and play the 9.
Your careful application of probability is rewarded when it
holds.
Perhaps Benjamin Disraeli should have said, “There are
lies and damned lies. Luckily, there is statistics”.
 Photo Courtesy : Bishnu Sarangi
The dam across the Hemavati River was completed in 1979, above Gorur in Hassan district, and downstream from the Yagachi
confluence. This is a masonry dam with a central spillway through 6 radial gates. It is 44.5 meters in height, and 4692 meters long,
impounding a reservoir of 9162 hectares.
 Photo Courtesy : Bishnu Sarangi
The Gazebo Band Stand is a circular wooden structure with an artistically elevated roof supported by wooden pillars. Located almost in
the centre of Lal Bagh, it is surrounded by lush green lawns. The garden around the band stand is in the form of terrace. A panoramic
view of the Glass House towards the East and the Topiary garden towards the West can be seen from the band stand.
 RV
Assorted Sources

Ramaratnam Venkatesh or RV, as we all know him. is one of the finest bridge players in the
country with several national titles to his credit. His card play was and is always immaculate and
he strongly believes in systems and partnership understanding. His long-term partnership is
probably amongst the most scientific in India. He rarely ever loses his cool and is completely
unflappable. Those who have partnered him, know how easy it is to play with him. He can quickly
adapt to his partners styles and can seamlessly transition in and out of multiple systems. He
keeps himself up to date with the latest bidding theories and is always willing to give a helping
hand to anyone wanting to learn the game and improve.

Amongst his other talents, he is well known for his predictions before an event and the grapevine
has it that India’s top players, including Mrs Kiran Nadar and Mr Ashok Goel have offered him a
sizeable stake in their respective companies to make sure he doesn’t name their teams amongst
the favourites. His predictions on the lay of cards at the table are 100% accurate though.

Of the 52 cards in the deck, it is rumoured that that RV is rarely dealt with a particular card. He
never seems to have the Queen of Hearts with him. One hopes he makes that course correction
in his life soon.
 The Bhishma Pitamah of KSBA
Lakshmi Ishwar

Your bridge skills have always been legendary,

And your passion to train your fellow bridge players is indeed exemplary,
On the bidding strategy, you are a walking library!

Your logical and systematic bridge thinking,

Will certainly prevent us learners from sinking,
To the abyss of the tourney ranking.

Ever committed to the cause of bridge and it's players,

Always gently pulling back into the fold the strayers,
Greats like you have made us beginners' stayers!
 BANTER
Oh! What shall I do ?
Riddle me too !
Twiddle my thumb
Somehow hold my goose bump?
For lo ! My partner always over takes
And me a perpetual dummy makes!! LOL
False pride may come before a fall,
Vasanthi Vasudev Talent like yours must have the gall,
Easy to aspire now,
Make the opps gasp a wow,
While giving them a nice maul!!

Lakshmi Ishwar

If wishes were horses beggars would ride

Willy nilly, we’ll somehow stem the tide
Albeit blunders and mis-clicks on our side
We look solicit your hearty cheer , far and wide !! That rhyme is so Ill,
It makes me need a pill.
Vasanthi Vasudev
Out of sheer will,
I resist going for the kill.

Karthik Srinivasan
 BANTER
IMPs on the board

I am a beginner at bridge after all,

I keep making mistakes big and small,
The conventions, ah, they are so confusing,
When I get the right bid, the partner keeps refusing!
The opps push us on and forward,
Higher and higher when we are off our guard,
As we scamper about in the slam zone,
They Double us, as we sorrowfully groan!
Now I dread to look at the IMP,
And to the next board, along we limp!
I am a beginner at bridge after all,
I make mistakes big and small!
Wah Lakshmi
But don't fret. Just remember:
To play bridge you need to be keen
And be able to say what bids mean.
If pard drops a brick
Or opps steal a trick
At all costs do not make a scene
Manohar

Lakshmi Ishwar
 BANTER
Especially for Lakshmi Ishwar

Bridge is such a cruel game

That highlights all our faults
And brings us to our knees in shame
With its varied assaults!

Sometimes we miscount the trumps

Sometimes we fail to see fit jumps
We may have overbid today
But missed a slam that came our way
We live in hope that one fine day
We WILL finally learn to play!
What a way to start the day
With Lakshmi leading the way
Manohar made us all wide awake
Of course my partner (Sujata) takes the cake

Sujata Puranik Kalyan Mohan

 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Lotus Mahal or Chitrangini Mahal is an important structure in Hampi. This is an example of Indo-Islamic style of architecture and is
a two storied structure built in Rubble masonry and finely plastered. The structure was used as residue place for royal family of the
Vijayanagara Empire.
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
The Shivanasamudra Falls is on the Kaveri River after the river has found its way through the rocks and ravines of the Deccan
Plateau and drops off to form waterfalls.The island town of Shivanasamudra divides the river into twin waterfalls.
 A “Chavadi” for Bridge
‘Chavadi’ in Kannada means a place for getting together. Bridge enthusiasts, Dr Girija and Dr Vijendra have created a chavadi
on the first floor of their dental clinic in Jayanagar which, among other events, hosts bridge get-togethers.

Over the last five years, KSBA has conducted many coaching classes here, including a summer Bridge course for children. A
few private tournaments too have been held at the Chavadi.

This intimate space at the heart of south Bangalore’s Jayanagar has brought together people of varied age groups for a game
of Bridge. It continues to grow in popularity.
 Of Bridge and Me
Indrani Chowdhury
And so it began one fine day a few years ago.
The husband, a truant by nature, decided to revive his
tryst with bridge with gusto, clearly a bid to escape. It
never occurred to him that I could be entering the ring
with a vengeance! A good friend and a bridge
enthusiast suggested I take a few lessons with Manoj
Nair, the KSBA Academy Head Honcho and off I went
to attend my first class.
I had to prove to myself that even at this late age I
could climb a hill with ease. Halfway through the 8 -
session course I realized that this was no hill but a
treacherous mountain, ever- too challenging for my
senior brain cells. Even as I climbed a couple of
inches I slipped back to that same niche of vagueness
where I started.
The footholds (my teachers) were wonderful and
nudged me on and indeed there were days when I
returned from class with a wee smile on my lips for
having understood a very basic concept like ‘transfer’,
to an extent.
My journey has been exhilarating and heart wrenching
(I say this in the same breath). Determined to mine
the depths of the game, I plunged into a ‘student’ mind
set, reading books, listening to lectures, getting
reprimanded by partners and ever-so-often wishing I
had never got started in the first place. My personal
instructor, Priyaranjan Sinha must have cursed
himself after each of our classes just for taking me on.
A simple finesse, a cue bid, et al, eluded me much to
his chagrin. His inherent charm was lost on me and
we managed to meander on and remain good friends.
The husband, in the meantime resorted to all sorts of
Machiavellian tactics to avoid playing with me. Invariably
any tourney we did partner in resulted in a barrage of
corrections which failed to register in my harried mind. For
once, I had to take it all under my chin without a word.
Frankly I had no defence. I continue to remain the
underdog……… a role unfamiliar to me in our long years
of marital partnership.
But Bridge has given me so much more than punishment.
I am privileged to have met wonderful people at KSBA. I
thought I was braving an army of superiors each time I
played a tourney at the clubs.
Trepidation gripped my nerves and my heart did an
uneasy somersault if I landed a contract to play. But
never once did I come away feeling down. An
encouraging word, a friendly smile, an invitation to partner
by a ‘biggy’ have been my rewards for taking the leap in
this unfathomable ocean.
The online journey has been equally fun despite the woes
of the circumstances that forced us into it. KSBA emerged
a creative and energetic organization. I can say this for all
members, ‘meeting virtually’ has become a happy habit
every weekday.
 Bridge & Life
Lakshmi Ishwar
As I sat at my table,
And the cards were dealt,
It struck me that this is similar to life,
We make the most of what we are dealt,
Whether in bridge or in life,
Never burn your bridges,
Keep an entry to the other side,
Keep the communication open,
If after all our efforts we are one down,
Chin up and look forward to the next deal,
Life is a series of deals,
We win some, others we lose,
And on some we fare better than the rest.
Always give it your best effort,
At times, even a spot card saves the Ace,
The uncertainty is what keeps us alive,
The unexpected is what keeps us alert
A Call to Play
Lakshmi Ishwar
Hear Ye One, Hear Ye All,
To the bridge addicts' here's a call!
The KSBA tourney we hereby announce,
Will excite you more than an ounce!
No high rates for the best player,
Until the end, he needs to be a stayer!
You are being asked to register as teams,
To play the game of your dreams.
Matches will be played in two groups,
In a round robin format that identifies the best troops
The Initial Stage is between 8-19 January*,
'Tis time to meet and greet, play and make merry,
From 23rd onwards, the top 8 battle it out,
For the victory that crowns them beyond a doubt!!
 Photo Courtesy : Bharath Murali
Virupaksha temple main gopuram as seen from Hemakuta hills
Photo Courtesy : KSTDC
 BOWRING FORK
SaintQ
"Two doubletons - that makes it 13 points", said Nimmi to
herself as she opened with 1 ♠. Over a hesitant 2 ♣ by
Savita, she pounded on to 2 ♠, ignoring the 2 ♥ by PP.
Savita thought for a long time, pulled out one card from
her Bidding Box and then another until she finally came
up with 3 ♦ - all the time PP glaring at her for fidgeting.
Eventually NN closed proceedings with 3 NT.
HH started with the ♥ 10. NN recalled she was supposed
to count her tricks in a NT contract. She could count
three Aces .... but wasn't sure where the other six tricks
could come from. She covered the opening lead with ♥ Q
and took the first trick with her Ace over PP's King. At
that very moment, the normally elusive "Canteen" waiter
came up to the table and asked if anyone was interested
in vegetarian samosas.
NN, who had missed her lunch, reached down for her
purse; in the process, inadvertently dropped a small spade
on the table. "I need a 'Fork' please", Nimmi pleads with
the waiter as she pays him.
NN rearranged her cards and was about to play ♣ 9 when
HH pointed out that her small spade was already on the
table. Play continued and the ♠ 10 won. Now NN wasn't
sure what to do - dummy seemed to have all the wrong
cards - cards that a declarer would like to lead up to and
not from. Eventually she settled for ♣ 3 taken by PP who
then realized what was happening.
To try and neutralize the club suit, PP cashed his heart
trick and exited with a small diamond while the club Jack
still blocked the suit. NN took HH's ♦ Q with Dummy's Ace,
played a small ♣ to her Jack and continued with ♠ K. That
was the end of the road for NS - whatever HH leads now,
there were 9 tricks for NN now as she continued to
frantically wave at the distant waiter reminding him to bring
her a fork for her samosas.
PP cursed the waiter and all the forks as he wondered if
there was any other way the contract could be made
 My Journey in Bridge
Kalpa Gopal
The year was 2004. I decided to take up a new hobby and
picked Bridge. My uncle and his mother were good
players and I used to observe their intense involvement in
the game with long hours of playing. It interested me. but
my career did not spare me that kind of time.
Having started with the Precision system and moving over
to Strong Club, I switched to Standard after taking classes
run by the KSBA Academy. Soon I began to participate in
tournaments in Mumbai, Kolkata, Goa, Chennai and
Mysore with my Partner, Geetha Chakravarthy. The
regular tournaments at KSBA offered a good competitive
field to practise and hone our skills.
Meanwhile KSBA wanted to start bridge education in
schools. I was really keen to contribute to this program and
we started classes in a neighbouring school. Through
Rotary Club , Indiranagar, we got permission to hold
classes after school-hours in three government schools.
Manoj, Priya, Mini and many others formed an enthusiastic
teachers’ team.
It was a lot of hard work, but the children picked up the
game very quickly. The next milestone was the hosting of
the All India Inter Club tournament at Bangalore Club for
its 150th year celebration, under the aegis of KSBA.It has
been an amazing journey and I feel so blessed to be part
of it! KSBA has been a fertile ground for many Bridge
players who have gone on to win National tournaments.
Bridge is totally a partnership game! My regular partner
now is Mr.T.T. Jagannathan , Chairman, TTK Prestige
group. He has sponsored several KSBA tournaments and
financed the education of our budding bridge players in
need of support.
The pandemic has taken us all online with a vengeance.
We see so much talent in the group elevating the game to
a different level and keeping us all totally engaged. Once
again KSBA has proved its mettle in electing a vibrant and
thinking Management Committee.
As for Bridge……… the journey goes on!
Photo Courtesy : Hari Shankar
Mysore Palace
 Bridge Anyone
Usha Ramaswamy
Recently a friend of mine said, “So you’re playing bridge
now? So what, you sally forth once a week in chiffon and
pearls, drink tea round a card table with a bunch of
biddies? That sort of thing?”
I thought, lady, you have no idea. I said, “I don’t just play
bridge. I attend bridge college. (Three years of learning
and still floundering in Bridge 101!) And I play in my track
pants, with a bunch of buddies, on my laptop, on my iPad,
on my phone, eight days a week. Oh, and it’s beer, not
tea.”
“I wouldn’t have thought you were the cards type.”
Cards? Hello? “Bridge is not cards, if you don’t know. It’s a
mind sport.”
But I couldn’t fault her. I didn’t know myself. Didn’t know
what an intriguing, challenging, demanding, maddening
mind sport this was, and that my mild flirtation with it would
one day become a full-blown, all-consuming affair. For this
I have to thank my seducers, that is, my mentors, from
KSBA. Here’s looking at you, Manoj Nair, Manohar Rao,
Godwin Jayseelan, Girish Bijoor, Gautam Mukherjee and
Sujata Puranik..
A group of us from our community attended the
introductory class – Mind Your Cards - at our clubhouse in
June 2018. For two months, two times a week, we learned
the basics of the game from this dedicated team, which
made charts for us, gave us notes and worksheets, set
games for supervised play... More, their passion for the
game and their belief we could learn, perhaps even master
it (!) encouraged and enthused us. A sort of belief
transference, you might say.
After some months we were offered a second module of
MYC, which those of us who wanted to pursue learning the
game, joined. Then we were on our own. Well, not quite. A
few mentors, specifically Manohar, with Godwin, Sujata
and Gautam on occasion, continued to come to help us
with our struggles. We’d play on two tables, sometimes
just one, and Manohar played on one or other of them to
guide us and correct our mistakes
Those were the early (halcyon, naive!) days when we
actually thought more and more of the same would get us
to winning championships. To his credit Manohar didn’t
once disabuse us.
Then the pandemic struck. Bridge games at the club came
to a stop. We had time on our hands. That’s when we
discovered BBO (and Real Bridge) and the pleasures of
playing online. After that bridge became really serious
stuff.
KSBA was quick to adapt to the new reality. The mentors
offered courses online. They organised free tournaments.
They offered free guidance through the forum of the KSBA
Whatsapp group. Some of our class joined a group for
beginners that had been formed a while ago, called
GenNext, which, administered by Godwin, held twice-
weekly tournaments to introduce us to competitive play.
In this forum three modules of the Game for Life course
for beginners were offered followed by Crossing the Barrier
for intermediate players to learn more complicated
conventions. Spearheaded by Manoj, with faculty
comprising Godwin, Girish and Sharmaji, CTB led us
through the labyrinthine rules of bidding and play, with all
their (seemingly) endless permutations and combinations.
Think of a ball of twine that keeps unravelling. Or a walk
through a labyrinth.
Classes went on long after the allotted hour – the mentors
would carry on till one of us mustered the courage to say,
“Can we stop now?” They stopped - but only for the
evening. Because they organised follow-up practice
sessions in the following weeks, which they analysed and
critiqued in great detail and with greater fortitude and
immense - infinite, awe-inspiring, heroic! - self-control.
Most of us in the KSBA fraternity have not met but we feel
we know each other. We have spirited exchanges, share
bridge notes and banter and we set up our own little
competitions.
The conversations took an unexpected turn when a few
members expressed their sentiments in poetic form. So
bridge did that for us too - unboxed our closet poets!
Now, every morning I scan my message box, looking for a
joke, bridge tips, a game, a tourney.
And then I type hopefully: Bridge, anyone?
 Photo Courtesy : Amatya Sharma
Raorchestes Luteolus, also known as Coorg yellow bush frog is
endemic to the Western Ghats.
 “To Bid or Not to Bid”
Losing Trick Count Adjustments
Ayan Mandal
In modern competitive Bridge, bidding has gained
increased prominence over Declarer play or Defence
and hence Bridge is now referred to as a “Bidder’s
Game”. Bidding is based on Hand Evaluation and
Bidding Conventions are simply a tool to describe
your hand in as efficient a manner as possible. A very
popular method of Hand Evaluation is “Losing Trick
Count” which has been described in great detail by
Ron Klinger in his classic book “Modern Losing Trick
Count” and is highly recommended for advanced
players.
In a majority of the Bridge Deals (perhaps more than
95%), you will end up in the same contract as others
do, whether you use conventional HCP based
evaluation or a more advanced LTC based
calculation. The remaining 5% of bridge deals are the
so-called “Swing Deals” which tend to separate the
winners from others, and that is why such hands are
very important.
LTC is not a magic formula that helps you arrive at the
right contract for every deal. LTC is just another tool
that you can use on borderline hands.
With experience, this gives your bidding a structured
and methodical pattern. You should keep modifying
LTC based on your own experience.
Do I need to teach my partner LTC as well? No, this is
your own hand evaluation. Your partner can use
whatever he/she is comfortable with.
I will not explain LTC here as that is quite standard
and available from various sources. In this article, I
will touch upon some of key “adjustments” that Bridge
Experts often use with LTC. Some of these translate
directly into Loser Adjustment while some others I
refer to as “Positive” – maybe you can say two/three
“Positives” make up for Half a Loser depending on
whether you want to be aggressive or conservative.
Short in Partner’s Suit: Add a Loser when you
have a single card in a partner's 5+ card suit. Add
two Losers when you are void in partner’s 5+ card
Suit.
Short in opponents Suit: Subtract a Loser if you
have a single card and subtract two Losers with
void in opponent’s suit.
Trump Length: LTC usually works best on 5-4
trump fits. You add a Loser when playing in 5-3 fit
unless you have a very good trump suit. When
playing in a 4-4 fit, it is recommended to add a
Loser.
Honours coming together: Consider Honours as
a small positive – when you have honours in the
same suit as against Honours scattered across
suits.
Intermediates: The 10’s and 9’s play a key role.
Consider them a small positive when you have a
long suit with honour cards and good
intermediates.
Jacks: A Jack without a 10 or a higher honour is of
much less value. Consider Jacks a small positive
when they are accompanied with a 10 or a Higher
Honour.
Queens: A Queen without other honours is of less
value unless it is in a trump suit. Consider such
Queens as a small negative.
Kings: Similarly, the value of a King increases
when supported by another honour – Consider as
one Control.
Aces: Aces are the most important card in the
deck and considered as two Controls.
Two Suiter Hands: With distributional hands,
Losers go down. However, be careful when
applying LTC with Two-suiter hands. What works
better here is a concept of “Cover Cards” which is
recognizing your Losers and identifying what
“Cover Cards” or "Winners" your partner needs to
have, to cover your Losers.
Mirror Hands: Normally, your partner is likely to be
short in a suit in which you have length. However,
LTC does not work well when you and your partner
have the same length in a suit (called Mirror
hands). This aspect helps to identify suit patterns in
bidding and applying downgrades for mirror
distribution.
Finesse: LTC assumes that 50% of your Finesses
would work and all suits would have a friendly
break, which you know, is not always the case.
However, you can be more aggressive or
conservative for a given Loser count, when you
take this aspect into account.
Control Adjustments: As explained, King is 1
Control and Ace is 2 Control. Consider each
Control as 3 Control HCP and calculate Control
HCP. Usually on slam going hands, upgrade when
your control HCP is higher than regular HCP and
downgrade when your Control HCP is less than
regular HCP.
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Lad Khan temple, Aihole, one of the oldest temple in Aihole has an unusual name. Built by the Chalukyan kings, it takes
its name after a pious Muslim who stayed here. It is one of the earliest Chalukyan temple and is dedicated to Shiva.
 te r
Bidding
Ban They say bridge is a game of the head
And poetry, a song of the heart
I am blessed to be part of this group,
A bid is just a little path that leads us through the maze. Which, truly is a bridge between the head and the heart .
It takes you to the highs and lows or anywhere you please.
Follow it and trust your way with partners mind as one. Varsha Jagadish
And when the bidding is over you’ll find you’ve just begun.

Christopher Imison

A bid is a path Her bidding will make the weak faint,

On which one has to do math And others it will teach how in their game
Sometimes we bid too high they can add a dash of paint.
Sometimes we leave it too low Her bidding you may like or loathe,
Then it becomes a She'll still with her friendly smile, win you both.
Bridge of Sigh
Koushik
Mini Naidoo

Savour the dummy view, This is a wonderful group in many ways

Notice the changing garden hue, Fun, banter even on match days!
Sip on your beverage, I love this bunch of virtual friends
It takes a lot of courage, All approaching from various ends -
To smile when partner misses a simple cue!! Converging on contracts and bridgebase

Lakshmi Ishwar Padma

 Photo Courtesy : Kalyan Mohan
Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, is a town & taluk headquarters in Bagalkot. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from
CE 540 to 757 and famous for its rock cut structural temples. It is located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop
that surrounds Agastya lake.
 te r
Ba n
Alas, on table I'm the proverbial beast,
but that's hardly my story's gist.

Koushik
You're leaving your opponents high and dry,
Time is ripe to catch the big fishes and make them fry.
Now's the moment to be bold,
And leave the opposition out in the cold. But alas there is a twist,
Pressure on the opposition will mount, For its on my wrist
All the good wishes are going to count. TJ Alexander

Koushik
Minnow & Minion
Is too low in my opinion
Where creation rises again from the mist Mini's Mint
Where night and day Gives more pleasure
make dawn their tryst Since our team is
Replete with treasure
Mini Naidoo
Tho Bindiya Chamkegi hints at the glint
In Champ's eye
Am glad to be on your list, As we pull each other's leg
Am wearing a watch on my wrist. Measure for measure
An ancient ring has BC
Karthik Srinivasan Prefer the zing of RKC :)

Mini Naidoo
 KSBA Learning

GE
RB ID
Around 2011, during a committee meeting for Golden Jubilee (2012) plan, Manoj who
put up a presentation for sustaining Bridge in Karnataka, was given the task of putting
together a Bridge promotion drive for KSBA. Learning from a few initial attempts, a
KSBA teaching model GAME FOR LIFE emerged. This was appreciated by all including
the World Bridge Federation. Shortly afterwards, Kalpa Gopal managed to get an
opportunity to teach bridge in a few government schools in Whitefield. Mini Naidoo
along with a few volunteer teachers, threw herself at it with a passion and commitment
that propelled her wards from middle thru high school, later college and finally into
professional courses.

Dipti and Venkat Vardhan of DNA Entertainment and TT Jagannathan of TTK Group provided scholarships for these
children. A fantastic KSBA teamwork. Two youngsters, Rekha and Dinesh, went on to represent India at the World Junior
championships with Manoj as the Coach for the India Youngsters team.

Col Sharma helped bring in RSI Bangalore into the training fold. Soon Koramangala Club and the Catholic Club had training
batches. KSBA team expanded with Sharmaji, Dinkar Sirsi, Rex d’Souza, Kalpa Gopal as volunteers.

Simultaneously, Mini’s school sessions got a fillip with Priya Sinha joining her efforts and holding the first ever all India
interschool tournament. Held at the ever supportive Catholic Club, KSBA went Bollywood style with a song and dance party
for the children along with a sumptuous lunch. Nisha Millet, Bangalore’s own Olympian swimmer, inspired the children by
inaugurating the event.
The next establishment to be enlisted was the British Council library - with Vanaja sending yummy treats for children.
Several batches of training were held here until COVID forced the Library to close down Around this time, two more Bridge
centres sprang up. One was a professional place called “Bridge Café” near Windsor Manor and another was a charming
place called “Chavadi” in Jayanagar. Bridge courses were held at the Café for a three month period. Dr Girija and Dr
Vijendra have named the first floor of their clinic as “Chavadi”. KSBA has conducted many coaching classes at Chavadi,
including a summer Bridge course for children. Evening sessions were regularly held here.

Slowly the tribe increased, with Eight batches completed by 2015. Supporting sessions “Lecture-Application” series were
available at Bowring Institute for people who had done introductory classes. Annabelle Manwaring with Kalpa at Bangalore
Club, planned a Bridge revival program with a formal training batch for club members. 33 people signed up, a phenomenal
response. Annabelle also chose KSBA to promote Bridge at the Delhi Public School Whitefield in 2018, group of around 15
children signed up for the hobby classes. Dr MG Bhat helped bring Bridge to Karnataka Golf Association. TV Ramaswamy
got KSBA to train at Epsilon Villas, a residential layout near Marathahalli. Both these together had 30+ participants, there
was a push for follow-up courses too.

KSBA went to Lotus Club Cochin and a school in Dindugal for training. Sharmaji, Dinkar Sirsi, Girish Bijoor, Godwin,
Krishna Kumar, Gautam Mukerjee, Sharat Kaushik, Col Sharma, MD Rao, BPS Pai, Cecil Abreo, Kalpa Gopal and Madhav
Gokhale formed the core of the instructors with others helping out. Then came COVID! KSBA, quite wisely, ceased all face
to face Bridge activities a week before country-wide lockdown. Acting swiftly, within a couple of weeks, GAME FOR LIFE
moved online. A mentoring batch going on at Catholic Club with Marjorie taking a lead role, also went online. Free
mentoring batches started soon after for all. People got into online Bridge and this also helped take their minds off COVID.
Manoj, Godwin, Girish, Dinkar, Sharmaji architected online beginner modules Igniting Minds, Wings of Fire, Luminous
Sparks and intermediate level Crossing the Barrier modules, which launched KSBA to be the first ever all-round Bridge
instruction school in Asia.
Some numbers

Involved for more than 13 years in training bridge players

More than 1200 aspiring bridge players have been trained by the KSBA Learning team
Over 20,000 hours of instructor training from some of the best instructors in India
First adoption of online training for Bridge classes
Currently over 250 active students undergoing online training
Over 45+ batches so far, 100+ new members added to KSBA from the teaching initiative.

The methodology has won commendation from many quarters including the World Bridge Federation. Continuous
mentoring - regular POWWOW sessions on various topics of interest were held.
Photo Courtesy : Vijaya Narasimha
Glass House, Lal Bagh : Bangalore
 Photo Courtesy : Hari Shankar
S-VYASA Deemed University, Jigani : Bangalore
 A Bridge Teacher’s Perspective
Girish Bijoor
Bridge teachers measure success by the visible
increase in the number of students who progressively
enjoy qualitative bridge, while encouraging each other
and enjoying their company. Truly, the reason for
naming our programme GAME FOR LIFE.
KSBA’s GenNext Group
Regular entry level games are universally attractive to
new players. “Small victories” boost confidence towards
improving bridge skills. GenNext Group has bridged a
transition path for new players to enter into more
competitive events against experts.
POWWOW - focused seminars
KSBA’s one-hour free PowWow lessons on Friday
afternoons are a big draw. These online sessions cover
a range of key topics with interactive instruction.
Setting up our students for success
KSBA is committed to coaching students to face the
challenges arising at the competitive bridge table.
Here are broad pointers:
Respect Basics:
Value strengthening Bidding Basics, Card Play and
Defense above new conventions. Review the results
after every session: what bids and plays cost and what
could have been done differently? A poor result is
hardly ever due to lack of a gadget.
Handle Advice:
As students progress, they may receive well-meaning
advice from opponents or even partners. Consult a
credible expert or mentor or bridge literature for
reasoned and convincing answers.
Discipline:
When a partnership agrees to a system on how to bid
and defend as a pair, stick to it. Good bridge is the
result of accurate and reliable communication between
partners. This helps in keeping poor results and
partnership discord at bay.
A sounding board:
It is important to have someone who can always be
consulted for opinion and advice. A mentor. One who
knows your game, makes you think and views things
differently from what you have considered in the heat
of the battle.
Path and Vision
KSBA are pioneers in face to face and ONLINE Bridge
education in India. We have architected a complete all-
round Online instruction model. We constantly prepare,
review and brain-storm. New courses like Crossing the
Barrier have ever increasing demand.
We have integrated methods from World class Bridge
teachers from across the world – Richard Pavlicek,
Mike Lawrence , Ron Klinger, Audrey Grant, Fred
Gitelman, Karen Walker to name a few.
KSBA has constantly looked out for state-of-art
teaching tools for online teaching. Innovative use of
BBO teaching tools, SharkBridge and other online
resources with animated interactive presentation and
participative teaching methods have kept students
engaged and engrossed while learning the nuances of
the game.
KSBA Learning team’s vision is to expand Bridge to
districts of Karnataka and South India and to reach
Bridge instruction via the online medium to areas of
India and Asia. Each one teach one – KSBA needs all
it's members to join hands in this endeavour.
Challenges
Attract schools, students, youth and young
professionals as well as retiring/retired persons to take
up this mind sport.
Opportunities
KSBA's highly dedicated members have nurtured and
trained underprivileged students - a few of whom have
represented India in World Bridge Championships.
KSBA’s unique Medley and Karnataka Premier League
events brought to fore, committed mentors, who have
contributed towards honing the skills and standards of
new bridge players. KSBA looks forward to having
even more mentors to actively promote bridge among
the larger community.
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
The Irupu Falls are located in the Brahmagiri Range in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, bordering the Wayanad district
of Kerala. It is a fresh water cascade and is situated at a distance of 48 km from Virajpet on the highway to Nagarhole.
Photo Courtesy : Abhishek Baadkar (Pixabay)
Bandipur
 Guru
TJ Alexander
Everyone needs a Guru
Oh this is so true
But its rare to find one of value
As there are so many on the menu
But if you persevere you surely will find
The one that tangos in your mind
Some are very lucky in the run
To find that special someone
To help in crossing that Bridge
When you fall into that ditch
Under that bridge, is a game
That some play for money some fame
Some of it you wished you could claim
But you are not a beggar nor should you ride
Let your wish remain, dont put it aside
So to cut to the chase
Bidding and Card play two pillars
Master them and you are killers
Just learn them and you can at least compete
With the best in any tourney heat
If you find your Guru
This surely will come true
So all the best my friends
You will find your guru in the end
For he's just around the bend
You have to search wide and far
For its truly a bazaar
I was lucky - just as many of you are.
The Pillars of KSBA Learning
Lakshmi Ishwar

Bridge trophies aren't their only high,

They serve to ensure they never deny,
A lesson in Bridge to anyone eager to learn,
Into a keen player they help us turn.

We are inspired by their passion for the game,

We would love to imbibe the same,
Their time and effort they devote to us entrants,
So that we may become tourney contestants,

They use technology to the hilt,

KSBA learning brick by brick they have built,
Their pride is in seeing their students win,
From batch to batch each of them spin,

They are the pillars of KSBA learning,

Hundreds of Bridge players they are churning,
A tribute to Manoj, Godwin, Sharmaji and Girish,
Their inputs in bridge we always cherish.
Gurubhyo Namaha
Photo Courtesy : Bharath Murali Photo Courtesy : Shivu Gowda
Malyavantha Raghunatha temple in Hampi Garuda vehicle of Lord Vishnu at Channakesava
Vishnu temple : Belur
 Photo Courtesy : KSTDC
Dollu Kunitha = a traditional folk dance of Karnataka
 Manoj Girish Bijoor
Varsha Jagadish Varsha Jagadish

When you taught us Mind Your Cards, After a game

We learnt holding the cards, I usually have no clue
And then you Ignited Our Minds, What why where and how
We learnt counting the points, These questions form a queue
You gave us Wings Of Fire, Then....
We started bidding without any fear, I call him for rescue
Finally you sent us the Luminous Spark, Patience is his virtue
Thats when Gennexters started showing their mark He spoils us all undue
Promptly responds he
And compliments me
says how well I played
Although only one or two have made
Dont worry says he
Analyses and corrects me
That is the guy with loads of patience
Ever smiling and always encouraging
That is our Guru and that is our Mentor
That is you
Our beloved Girish sir !
 Mini Priya
Indrani Chowdhury Indrani Chowdhury

Hello Mini, you stun us all And there is PRS (Priya) who wins hearts of all
With your bidding & you stand tall except when his patience is pushed to the wall

You are that special lady of KSBA He knows well the art of hand holding
Who lends a hand without a sway Students feel encouraged to perch on his wing

Your students, Dinesh, Kavita and more For years his Sishyas young and old
Have set sights high and rightly so Have won tourneys tales be told

You have touched many a heart Wishing him all success as a top bridge player
We hope to see you top the chart To make him proud we all aspire

With true aplomb, we envisage

Someday you will lead the Indian ladies' Bridge entourage
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Lalbagh is one of the oldest botanical gardens in India. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is not only one of the largest botanical gardens
in India, but also the first of its kind, with planned routes, glasshouses and ornamental flowers growing throughout the property. The
garden itself is spread over an area of 240 acres and its construction was commissioned by the famous ruler Hyder Ali.
 Ode to Mentors
Sujata Puranik

When we first began to learn And today, some time has passed
Bridge bidding gadgetry Some mysteries have been solved
We wondered why we had to bid We’ve travelled through the run around
Jacoby 2NT! And have been Lebensohled!

It seemed like a crazy charade, We glibly make a pre-emptive call

Each complicated call By the rule of 2-3-4
“Power raise!” “Impossible spade!” We’ve learnt when not to overcall
We did not fathom at all! And when to pre-empt more

Koushik then told us this was But there’s much to gather still
The system he would play As RV reminds us all
And if we had a little faith The Endless Journey and the thrill
We would get it someday! Will continue to enthral!
Photo Courtesy : Sasi Sutrala
Belur Haleebedu
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Bara Kaman is the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II in Bijapur built in 1672 AD. Ali Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty wanted to build a
mausoleum of unmatched architectural quality. It was planned that twelve arches would be placed vertically as well as horizontally surrounding
the tomb of Ali Adil Shah. However, for unknown reasons the work on the structure was left incomplete.
 Recovery
RV
Many tournament bridge players try to recover IMPs/MPs by
taking chances (a few calculated and many wild!!) after a
poor start to match or session when qualification or podium
finish is at stake. I have a fairly unique story on recovery
involving creative accounting principle. Pradeep Kulkarni,
who is a fine player, superb organizer (has been Organising
Sec of last 4 Nationals conducted by KSBA) and current
BFI Hon Sec, is the chief protagonist of this story.
In the early aughts, a few of us (Pradeep, Rajendra and self
were ever-present) used to meet regularly for weekend
bridge discussion (excuse for latter objective) and beer
sessions in one of the pubs in MG Road area. During that
period, Bowring Institute came up with temporary (non
voting) membership for 10 yrs or so for just a lac of rupees.
Pradeep decided to take this membership and called me
from the club imploring me to come up with good
justification for his impulsive action before informing Jyothi
(his wife) who wouldn't be amused by his decision to throw
good money down the drain.
After a brief chat, we came up with the concept of
'RECOVERY'. It works like this. We calculated for every
glass of beer we drink in Bowring, we used to save a
minimum of Rs 25 or so (price differential for glass of beer
in Bowring to Scottish Pub which used to be the cheapest
watering hole in that part of town). On an average, we used
to order 5-6 pitchers per session and that came to total
savings of 700-800 on drinks and another 300-400 or so on
snacks. Monthly savings worked out to 6K or so at a
conservative estimate (minimum of 5-6 sessions per
month). Based on these calculations, Pradeep could
convince Jyothi that we will recover entire investment in bit
more than a year in addition to utilizing other benefits
offered by the club.
Post this RECOVERY plan, Pradeep used to send an SMS
(no smart phones then) 'Recovery on' this evening and
quorum assembled at Bowring, set aggressive targets and
actually went surplus in less than a year!! (not sure if Jyothi
was thrilled with turn of events).
Jokes apart, Pradeep is also professionally very successful
and is one of the top geologists in Bangalore (he has done
bore well work for most of top builders). Is it no suprise that
he can precisely find water below the surface when he has
built so much expertise in watering holes above the ground!!
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
About 12 impressive tombs of Bahmani rulers, are located in Ashtur, on the outskirts of the city. Built between 1436 to 1535,
they are a fine example of the architecture of that time.
 Banter
And partner stands the test
As the sun glides across from east to west
It all ends for the best.
Fluffy clouds chase each other like playful pets
Fists are pumped and backs are thumped
Tho most Bridge players treat their partners like pests
Mini Naidoo TJ Alexander

As her opponent I can't help observe, Damn!!

Players come from south, north , east and west
But all you know yaaron, You are on fire, Ma'am!!
Mini's the best Karthik Srinivasan
Koushik

When she's on fire

She puts opponent's back to the wire
While birds fret about night's rest Relentless she's, one who doesn't tire
The owls are their playful best Gosh, she's the lady form of Jerry Maguire
TJ Alexander Koushik

Wah Wah Koushik. Pura poem ho Gaya. Titled Mini

should sent KSBA archives
Best at bidding slams that don't exist
TJ Alexander
She conjures them up with a flick of her wrist
Mini Naidoo
And for those spirited spiritual souls who combine spirituality
with spirits, the effect is ethereal
Koushik

When Mini gets into her own and slams a slam,

Others appear like passengers in a defunct tram.
One can't tell the truth to the mass better than this.
Koushik
Great indeed
Nizam
 Banter
A pill is something you need to chill,
Even when you rehearse
But it's good to know beside your crap,
Under the influence of a couple of beers ?
Rhyming a line or two is not beyond your grasp.
Koushik
Koushik

Depends if he had them alone or in company of his peers.

It may appear crisis at first glance.
When they gang up, they bring to life your worst fears.
No worries, it's only K & K's bromance.
Karthik Srinivasan
Koushik

With this guy, I don't know where to go Beer is not my drink that you know that well.
Crap and grasp, every attempt hits a new low. I like hard rum so that the effect can tell
Karthik Srinivasan Col Sharma

Nothing can be worse

This is going from verse to worse
than my verse
Lakshmi Ishwar
Col Sharma
Photo Courtesy : Prasanna Devadas
Panchanageshwara Temple, Begur Bangalore
 Partners with Benefits
Subranshu Patnaik, Akanksha Vyas & Sanjay Sondhi
Partnership is a lifeline to a bridge player. The partnership
principles that we follow in professional or personal life
hold good for bridge partnerships as well.One needs to
remember that there is nothing like a perfect partnership.
Humans are not perfect – so how can two imperfect
people make a perfect partnership. Any partnership will
have imperfections but imperfections too can be beautiful!
One needs to find a compatible partner whose game and
personality complements you. You have to try out with a
player with similar temperament, identical time constraints,
identical styles/skill levels/goals and one who also shares
your worldview. Once we get into a partnership, we should
be patient and give time to nurture it.
It is important to realize that arguments and heated
discussions are essential as well and one should only look
to have a partner with whom one can have such
discussions and yet only take away the positives from such
interactions. This is often a tough requirement but once
you find such a person, do not let go.
Once we get into a partnership, we have to respect
mutually agreed rules and follow these while taking
decisions. The best results are obtained if we play a
systemic game with a regular partner.
Remember, at the same time one will end up with the
worst results by playing a non-systemic game.
What exactly are the rules of partnership? We have to
create a system in which we will have to define rules that
both players adhere to. The system is what defines the
partnership - the system is always right. The next thing is
to have a well-defined set of rules that both players agree
upon. Start with something simple and then expand as
time goes along, looking to continuously improve upon the
system. When it comes to improvement, look for areas
where specific methods would be necessary, identify and
eliminate rules which do not occure often or are likely to
become an unnecessary overhead. Also identify scenarios
where there could be conflicts between rules and fix these
by defining the order of priority of rules.
Over a period of time, you will have a system that will be
robust. Be on top of your system at all times. Bridge
matches are more often lost than won and mistakes are an
inevitable part of the game. A common habit is to blame
the system for our own mistakes. Fix the mistakes instead
of trying to change the system.
Now coming to the game, it is important to recognize that
in a partnership we need to make life easy for the partner
to take decisions. During bidding or defense make sure
you find the right bid or signal so that the partner can take
decisions easily. Some of the simplest bids like 1H-2H are
the most important bids as it shows a fit and range of your
points quickly. It is important to keep this in mind while
bidding. Often we will encounter situations which may not
have been discussed. In such situations, do not speculate
and put stress the partnership. Instead, take the low road
at the table and discuss the deal later on soto address the
issue.
When in doubt, during bidding or defense, assume that
partner is right and do what needs to be done. Even if
partner has erred, it is still the correct thing to assume that
your partner is doing the right thing - your partner will soon
realize it and will do the correct thing the next time. Do not
try to cover up a mistake – pay the price once or twice as
this attitude will ensure the partnership gets on track
smoothly and quickly.
A key area to focus in a partnership is defense. Defense is
a true test of partnership understanding, as there will be
not too many opportunity to signal. If you are not defending
well, it could very well mean there is something seriously
wrong with your partnership understanding and possibly
the level of your game – you should find a way to fix that.
Another reason why defense is important is because once
you start defending well, one does not need to overbid and
buy contracts at all cost.
Raise your game to match your system, especially declarer
play. It is pointless if your system has methods that can
help you reach improbable games/slams that you do not
know to execute. It would hurt in the long run and it is
better if you do not reach such contracts!
It is more useful to have productive discussions after every
session instead of during the session. One should look at
partnership and system issues and address them.
Some of these may involve doing some problem solving in
areas of weakness. Keep track of errors that you are
making and also see how the partnership is evolving over
a period of time, as that will help address any noticeable
repeat errors coming up.
A good way to test your partnership is to observe how
quickly you are taking critical decisions. Systems and
partnership understanding are there to help you take
decisions quickly so one can get additional time to focus
on other areas such as executing difficult contracts.
Finally, maintain a good relationship and friendship with
your partner outside of the bridge table. A lunch or dinner
out, once in a while adds a personal touch. Mutual liking
and respect helps being more tolerant to each other’s
mistakes. We need to understand the importance of long-
term partnerships in this game. Look forward to play with
your partner and this is where your success as well as
success of partnership lies.
 Photo Courtesy : Justin Miranda

Our Lady of Fatima at Perampalli (near Manipal) was inaugurated on November 23. 2017. The new
church building is 190 ft in length and 90 ft in width. The front tower is 170 ft tall. The unique structure
is designed in Gothic style in accordance with Biblical architecture.
 Photo Courtesy : Deepak TL
Mavathuru Lake nearby Kotagiri, Karnataka
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Gol Gumbaz is the tomb of king Mohammed Adil Shah in Bijapur. Construction of the tomb was started in 1626 and completed
in 1656. The name is derived from "Gola Gummata" meaning "circular dome". Even a slight whisper by someone standing in its
gallery can be heard everywhere else in the gallery, and if somebody claps, the sound of it echoes several times.
 A Bridge too Far
Lakshmi Ishwar

A bridge too far, says my friend,

Please learn, said I, it's the trend,
'Tis like going back to school, says she,
I didn't want her to turn back and flee,
It's a lot of fun and camaraderie, please attend!

And then the bridge journey begins,

She is on her toes and her day spins,
Stayman, double, Blackwood and more,
Conventions galore yet difficult to score,
Sight of the tourney result stings!

Hours of study and review,

Begin to give her a clue,
She spends hours analysing her mistakes,
She does whatever it takes,
A bridge addict is born - a story real and true!
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Hoysaleswara temple, also referred simply as the Halebidu temple, is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is the
largest monument in Halebidu, the former capital of the Hoysala Empire. The temple was built on the banks of a large man-
made lake, and sponsored by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
The Elephant Stable in Hampi is an impressive structure that was used to provide shelter for the royal elephants of the
Vijayanagara Empire. The elephant stable is located in the area that lies just outside the Zenana Enclosure.
 Count Winners - Be a Winner
Priya Sinha

The first query on card play is always, should I count “Where did you see a spade loser”, I asked.
my winners or losers! The usual answer given by the "Any one opponent can have JTxx in spades,” he
teacher is "both". However, this answer is incomplete countered.
and probably not fully grasped by the student.
I changed gear. “Do not count losers in that manner.
Let us see with an example You should count only those losers which are
impending or almost staring at you or are fast losers.” I
♠AK43 explained. He then did a recount and came up with “1
♥Q6 club and may be 1 heart”.
♦A765
♣KT4 As the focus shifted to the heart suit, I explained why
he should play ♥Q at trick 1 and why he should duck, if
♠Q72 his RHO plays the King. I then went on “You should
♥A84 duck not once but twice to break communication in the
♦K32 heart suit. This helps when Hearts break 5-3 which is
♣QJ76 likely because of the ♥ 7 lead."

You are in 3NT and the ♥7 is led. How should you
count your winners and losers?
One of my students answered “I have one spade loser,
3 or 4 heart losers, 2 diamond losers and a club loser”.
He was off the mark.
As he was still struggling with the loser count, I tried
another tack. “Try counting how many tricks your
opponents are likely to win and see what you can do to
restrict then to four. Limiting your opponents tricks to 4
is the key to making your contract of 9 tricks.”
Let us look at another 3NT example. So what is the way out? We should score our 9 tricks
without touching diamonds.
♠A3
♥AK3 We have 1 spade and 4 club tricks. We can get 4 heart
♦KQJT tricks if the hearts break 3-3.
♣KT54
Remember, not all your losers are your opponents
♠86 winners; rather only those winners which they can
♥Q652 encash are your losers.
♦7654
♣AQJ

I explained “ You have 1 spade, 3 hearts, 4 clubs and

you can get 3 diamonds after giving up ♦A. Apparently
11 tricks. But what happens if you get a spade lead.”

The ♠A will get knocked off on trick 1 or 2,

So when we play Diamonds, they can run 4 spade

tricks and the ace of diamonds, which one more than
we can afford.
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
The Nagareshvara Temple also called the Aravattarukmbhada Gudi (meaning temple with sixty six columns) is a 12th-century
Western Chalaukya construction, located in the Haveri district.
 The Three
Varsha Jagadish

Kudos to the awesome three

From a humble, enthusiastic newbie
Learning constantly
Throughout the journey,
Enjoyed every bit of this Tricon tourney,
Although hammered badly,
Never stopped hoping madly
Hats off to these amazing three
Who managed multiple roles so adroitly
Mohan, Kunal and Ratna, you three
My sincere strong jump salute to thee!
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
The Vidhana Soudha houses the legislature of the state of Karnataka and is the biggest legislative building in India. This imposing
building is made of granite in a neo-Dravidian style with a few Indo-Saracenic architectural elements thrown in, such as its golden dome.
 Winning over the Robots
Lakshmi Ishwar
The robots were down in the dumps,
They didn't know how to use their trumps,
They doubled and gave away IMPs!
And their bids had unnecessary jumps!!

And all this while the Monk slept,

'Twas a secret very well kept!
Sacrosanct was his siesta,
Followed by a beverage at the barista!!

He woke up and saw the slew of messages,

And realized that the robots were down after ages,
Alas he missed the making of history,
And the display of the Gennexters' mastery!!

(At one of the recent Gennext tourney, a pair of robots were placed almost at the bottom, for
the very first time!! This verse is dedicated to the winners of that tourney.
 Photo Courtesy : Bishmu Sarangi
The Tungabhadra Dam is constructed across the Tungabhadra River, a tributary of the Krishna
River.The dam is in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district of Karnataka.
 Photo Courtesy : Bharath Mural
Ranganatha sculpture carved in chakratheertha, Hampi
 NIMMI CLAIMS
SaintQ
After the Samosas and forks episode, this hand came
along. Patel made the mistake of doubling 6 ♠, with
two sure trump tricks and Savita thought for quite a while
and for reasons best known to her, bid 6 NT. We
can only attribute that to youthful exuberance.
Hari lead a small club - the safest lead and Nimmi took in
the dummy's goodies. "Partner, 6 ♠ was a good
contract; there was no need to run away to 6 NT", she told
Savita. "6 NT also looks quite easy -we have 12
or 13 tricks"
Counting was apparently not her strong point. She tabled
her hand and claimed 13 tricks if not 12, "I have
at least 6 clubs, 5 spades and two Aces" she exclaimed.
Patel pounced on her and asked her to play the
hand out while Hari called the Tournament Director.
The TD came along and sternly said "Nimmi, play the
hand out and you cannot take any finesses."
Nimmi took the opening lead with her Ace and felt the
objection from the opponents was probably because
clubs must be 4-2. I have enough entries to Dummy - let
me see what happens, she told herself. She led a
small spade to dummy's Queen - the 5-0 spade break was
revealed. She muttered under her breath "OK!! so only 3
spade tricks?"
Resigned to her fate, she played out ♣ K and ♣ Q and was
relieved to find a friendly split. Not knowing exactly how to
proceed, she played out her clubs and came down to the
last 6 cards. She then played a small ♠ to her King and
followed that up with a small ♠ to Dummy's Ace. Nimmi
was now down to ♦ AQ and ♥ AJ, while Hari was down to
♥ KQ and ♦ K8.
"Cant take a finesse" she grumbled and played a small ♥
from Dummy and reluctantly put down her ♥ A.
Seeing Hari drop ♥ Q, Nimmi followed it up with the ♥ J.
There is not much more to tell - the game being
Master Points, Perfect Patel got a perfect bottom.
Photo Courtesy : Inderjit Ghorpade
Photo Courtesy : Inderjit Ghorpade
 Photo Courtesy : Karnataka Tourism
Jog Falls, is a waterfall on the Sharavati river located in the Western Ghats Siddapur taluk, Uttara Kannada district, and the view
point is located in Sagara Taluk of Shimoga distric. It is the second highest plunge waterfall in India. It is a segmented waterfall
which depends on rain and season becomes a plunge waterfall.
www.svasahomes.com