Reading a Recap Sheet

Checking your scores can be one of the most exciting moments of tournament bridge - shouting happily when you've topped your section or slumping with disappointment when you've not done well. For new players, reading the recap sheet can be a matter of trial and error.

Take a look at this recap sheet. The top line identifies the event: the Cardinals Stratified Open Pairs. These are first session results ("1 of 2") for the East-West pairs in Section F.

The next line indicates that the event was played August 18 and gives information about the Sanction number and event code.

The third line shows that the event was played in Phoenix at the Re

gional Tournament and that a Mitchell movement was used.

Next we learn that average for this session is 156 and top on a board is 12. The MP limits for each strata (A=1250+, B=300-1250, C=0-300) are listed along with the tournament name: Diamondbacks Regional.

The next line shows that all 14 pairs are eligible for Strata A ranking, 7 for Strata B and none for Strata C. Each competing pair is listed with their Strata ranking - whether they are A, B, or C players. Their session rank is listed along with their matchpoint score, percentage score and session awards. The final list shows their assignment for the next session.
Look at pair 3: they are an A pair who scored 191.50 to rank first in

A. Their session award is 2.80 gold points. They are directed to play the second session in Section H. They will remain pair 3 and they will play North-South.

The usual practice is to play one direction the first session and the other direction the second session. Sometimes a pair requests a stationary North-South because of a physical handicap and another pair may be asked to play East-West both sessions.

Look at pair 6: they are a B pair who were third in A and first in B. Their session award is 1.55 gold points and they are directed to play the second session in Section H. They will remain pair 6 and will play North-South.

(Continued on page 167)

Bridge is not a matter of life and death … it is far more important than that!

"When in doubt, put the opponents on lead. Why should you be the one to make the mistake?"
Edgar Kaplan

Cruise bridge is fun too!