These days, I have less time - or cause - to play much Rubber. However there is one group of players with whom I still love to play. Not because I hope to fleece them, you understand (although I do have a small edge, I consistently fail to exploit it); rather, because they are fascinating, successful people, as well as very good amateur Bridge players. I’m referring to London’s Portland Club. I cannot be a member - no “Pros” allowed, but am an occasional visitor, and regular participator in their away games.

One of my annual highlights is a week at Tessa and Stuart Wheeler’s house in Tangier, where Rubber is played (almost) from dawn until (well after) dusk, only interrupted by the pouring of Pimms and the eating of delicious outdoor barbeques.

Although latterly I have introduced a few of the most useful conventions for such occasions (such as Transfers, Unassuming Cue Bids, Fourth Suit Forcing, Roman Key Card Blackwood, and Splinters), no conventions are allowed within the Club. Such an approach certainly hones your bidding judgement, as you have no tools to help.

This deal from the Portland sees me unable to ask for aces, instead guessing to pot slam. In the event, there were plenty of problems apart from aces. West led a heart, and East won the ace, then returned the seven of diamonds.