wednesday, 27 february 2019 two days & too close to...

DAILY BULLETIN ISSUE No 6

Editor: Mark Horton Journalists: David Bird, Jos Jacobs, Ron Tacchi Lay-out & Photographer: Francesca Canali

BBO Schedule TodayR22 Romania vs Latvia — Austria vs SwedenR23 Denmark vs Italy — Germany vs SwitzerlandR24 To be announcedR25 To be announced

ScheduleR22 10.00 — 11.40R23 12.10 — 13.50R24 14.50 — 16.30R25 17:00 — 18:40

Wednesday, 27 February 2019

TWO DAYS & TOO CLOSE TO CALL

The clock is ticking very fast and we are probably at the point where the race for China rests between the top thirteen teams (not such a bad number for a bridge player). Sweden are top of the tree, just ahead of Romania. These two have a little in hand over Latvia and Poland and they are followed by a French team who have demonstrated that form is temporary but class is permanent. They have something in hand over Denmark, while Russia and Italy are currently in possession of the final two qualifying spots. England has dropped to ninth and they will be hoping that they can displace one of the top eight whilst keeping Croatia, Turkey, Germany and Austria at bay. Don’t miss a trick!

PBF President Inocêncio Araújo, Mr Unibridge, Luis Correia and Josef HarsanyiContentsDraw & BBO Schedule p. 2

Championship Diary p. 3

Never Say Die p. 4

Italy vs Latvia p. 5

Bulgaria vs Sweden p. 8

France vs Germany p. 10 Far Sighted p. 14

England vs Denmark p. 15

England vs Latvia p. 17

Results p. 20

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1st European Mixed Teams Championship Lisbon, Portugal • 22 - 28 February 2019

2

ROUND 22ROUND 22

Draw & BBO Schedule Day 6 AUSTRIA vs SWEDEN

FINLAND vs TURKEY

FRANCE vs RUSSIA

ROMANIA vs LATVIA

SWITZERLAND vs BULGARIA

ENGLAND vs CROATIA

BELGIUM vs ICELAND

POLAND vs SCOTLAND

ITALY vs SERBIA

NETHERLANDS vs ESTONIA

PORTUGAL vs GERMANY

HUNGARY vs ISRAEL

NORWAY vs GREECE

IRELAND vs SPAIN

DENMARK vs CZECH REP

AUSTRIA vs RUSSIA

TURKEY vs LATVIA

SWEDEN vs SWITZERLAND

FINLAND vs ENGLAND

BELGIUM vs FRANCE

SCOTLAND vs ROMANIA

ITALY vs BULGARIA

CROATIA vs NETHERLANDS

PORTUGAL vs ICELAND

ISRAEL vs POLAND

NORWAY vs SERBIA

ESTONIA vs IRELAND

CZECH REP vs GERMANY

DENMARK vs HUNGARY

GREECE vs SPAIN

AUSTRIA vs ROMANIA

BULGARIA vs FRANCE

CROATIA vs FINLAND

ICELAND vs SWEDEN

TURKEY vs POLAND

RUSSIA vs SERBIA

LATVIA vs ESTONIA

GERMANY vs SWITZERLAND

ENGLAND vs HUNGARY

BELGIUM vs GREECE

SCOTLAND vs SPAIN

DENMARK vs ITALY

NETHERLANDS vs CZECH REP

PORTUGAL vs IRELAND

NORWAY vs ISRAEL

AUSTRIA vs NORWAY

ISRAEL vs IRELAND

PORTUGAL vs CZECH REP

NETHERLANDS vs DENMARK

SPAIN vs ITALY

GREECE vs SCOTLAND

HUNGARY vs BELGIUM

ENGLAND vs GERMANY

ESTONIA vs SWITZERLAND

SERBIA vs LATVIA

POLAND vs RUSSIA

TURKEY vs ICELAND

CROATIA vs SWEDEN

BULGARIA vs FINLAND

FRANCE vs ROMANIA

ROUND 24

ROUND 23

ROUND 25

BBO

BBO

BBO

BBO

DisclaimersAll material published in the Bulletins is the responsibility

of its author.Nothing published in these

Bulletins may be reproduced without the express permission of

the European Bridge League.

Jardim BuffettYou can enjoy a terrific three course Buffet lunch

here in the hotel (and the menu changes every day!) It specializes in seafood, including several of the cod dishes for which Portugal is famous. It also includes water and wine - ideal for non-playing captains, coaches and supporters. A snip at Euro 23.

French Garlic CreamBean Stew Cuttlefish and ShrimpOsso Buco with Milanesa Style

WEDNESDAY 27/02

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1st European Mixed Teams Championship

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Lisbon, Portugal • 22 - 28 February 2019

Championship DiaryMartin Cantor is the first to respond to the invitation we made on Monday.

You ask for film quotes. Obviously then, for the Scotland team (but only in the unlikely event she should happen to make a mistake as declarer) “Play it again Sam”. And yes, I know she never said it in the film, but it is till one of the most famous ‘quoted’ lines of all time. But if you want to be pedantic then Stephen Peterkin could, any time she is declarer, go with “Play it Sam, play it for me”.

I’ve seen plenty of occasions, including the Gronkvists’ 7{ on a 5-1 fit, where Sam & Olly’s classic “Well that’s another fine mess you’ve got me into” would be apposite. As an aside, Laurel and Hardy were known in Germany as Dick & Doof (fat and stupid).

And why not run a question on (change one letter in) film titles - the England team could have “When Barry Met Sally”.

You might have noticed too by the way that our German team has both a Gladiator and a Sabine woman. Not to be messed with.

Everyone is worried about the future of bridge, so it is encouraging to read that last weekend the English Bridge Union’s Masters Pairs was hugely successful, attracting 242 pairs, a four-fold increase from last year. The secret was to hold the event at multiple venues around the country, and score it nationally.

5302 Tournaments

At the 2005 World Championship in Estoril, a nice dinner with Fred Gitelman motivated Luis Correira to start a closed bridge club for strong players on BBO. Luis, an eminent bridge player and enthusiastic manager with good helpers directed a tournament with 14 boards every day under the club name UNIBRIDGE.

Many of the participants of this 1st EBL Mixed Championship played regularly in this elite but free tournament.

Good behaviour was demanded from every participant. As a consequence there were no unfair actions in this club. Many of the 4,000 members received help for fairness and for improving bridge.

Real experts and stars supported with their great play at UNIBRIDGE the motivation of Luis to be active in Portugal and in the world to MAKE THE BRIDGE BETTER.

Luis and his TD-group served 14 years long without receiving any financial compensation for their work and time. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

aat t gagall

eieivivinnyoyouu

gggggggggg uu!!uu!!

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Written by Mark Horton

Tihana Brkljacic sent this interesting deal from Croatia’s Round 15 match against Iceland.

Board 10. Dealer East. All Vul. [ A K ] K 6 5 4 2 { 9 7 } K 10 8 2 [ 7 6 4 [ 10 8 ] J 8 ] A Q 10 9 7 3 { A K 10 6 4 { 5 3 } J 4 3 } Q 9 6 [ Q J 9 5 3 2 ] — { Q J 8 2 } A 7 5

Open Room West North East South Saevarsson Sver Thorst. Borevkovic

— — Pass 1[ Pass 2] Pass 2[ Pass 3} Pass 3{* Pass 4[ All Pass

In the Open Room, the auction was kind of revealing so Saevarsson found the best lead of a trump. Declarer won perforce in dummy and ran the {9, West winning with the ten and returning a spade. Declarer won in dummy and tried a low heart, East putting in the queen which declarer ruffed. The {Q lost to the ace and West switched to the }J which made the subsequent defence very easy, one down, -100.

Closed Room West North East South Mestric Jorgensen Brkljacic Palsdottir

— — 2] 2[ Pass 3NT Pass 4[ All Pass

In the closed room, the auction was far less scientific ☺, so the natural lead of the {A helped declarer. West switched to the ]J, covered by the queen and ruffed by declarer who crossed to dummy with a trump and played a diamond for the queen and king. A spade put declarer back in dummy and a heart ruff allowed the outstanding trump to be drawn. When declarer continued with a low club West put up the jack and when it held he continued with the }3 for the eight, nine and ace. When declarer continued with a club to the ten he was down.

Did you spot declarer’s mistake?

If she cashes the {J before playing a third club East’s discard will reveal that West started with 3[, 2] and 5{ and cannot have more than three clubs!

Never Say Die

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Written by Ron Tacchi

This encounter was between the two current leaders with Latvia eight VPs ahead of Italy. If they could win

then they could open up a substantial lead at the top of the table.

Board 13. Dealer North. All Vul. [ K 9 ] K 7 3 2 { A K J 10 } K J 9 [ A Q 4 2 [ 6 5 ] 10 ] A Q J 8 4 { 7 3 2 { Q 9 8 5 4 } A 8 6 5 3 } Q [ J 10 8 7 3 ] 9 6 5 { 6 } 10 7 4 2

Open Room West North East South Chavarria Romanovska Gandoglia Lorencs

— 1}* 1] Pass 1[ Pass 2{ All Pass1} 2+}

Before you analyse this deal, what is your estimate of the number of tricks to be taken by South? South found the best lead of his singleton trump. North cashed his ace and king and exited with the jack, removing all of dummy’s trumps. A small heart from hand to dummy’s ten was ducked by North. Declarer now essayed a small club from dummy upon which North pounced with his king felling declarer’s singleton queen. North exited with the jack of clubs to dummy’s ace. A small club was now ruffed in hand bringing declarer’s tally to four tricks. To make his contract declarer needs to cross to dummy via the ace of spades and then make his last trump en passant by ruffing another club and exit with a spade for a heart to be led into his tenace. However the position was not clear and he decided to try the spade finesse. This was not a success. North took her king, cashed her master trump and exited with a spade to lock declarer in dummy and leave South with an unexpected three master cards. Three down.

Closed Room West North East South Rubins Attanasio Alfejeva Manara

— 1} 1] Pass 1[ Pass 2{ All Pass

A similar auction to the Open Room but with a different result. South noted North’s opening bid and led her partner’s suit, taken in dummy by the ace. The ten of hearts was led from dummy which held the trick, club ruff, ace of hearts cashed, heart ruff, and a diamond from table taken by North’s king. He then cashed the ace and got off lead with the jack to the queen. Declarer now played his master hearts and North had the unenviable choice of ruffing and leading into the spade tenace or letting the heart win. A difference of five tricks and ten IMPs to Latvia.

Board 15. Dealer South. N/S Vul. [ K Q 8 3 ] A K J 8 6 { A } J 9 2 [ 6 4 [ 10 5 ] 9 3 ] Q 7 5 { 10 9 8 4 { K Q 7 6 5 2 } A 10 8 6 4 } 7 5 [ A J 9 7 2 ] 10 4 2 { J 3 } K Q 3


— — — 1[ Pass 3]* Pass 3[* Pass 4{* Dble 4[ Pass 4NT Pass 5} Pass 6[ All Pass

The convention card does make it clear as to the meaning of 3], in fact it mentions every other possible response except 3], but I think it is safe to say it was strong with hearts and a spade fit. How do you play after a cue-bid has been doubled? There was talk on BBO that bidding showed a second-round

ROUND 16

Italy vs Latvia

}} KKKK JJJJ 9999

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6

control of diamonds and obviously a redouble would be a first-round control. As it was a 50+% slam was bid but with the queen of hearts offside and so it was doomed to failure.


— — — 1[ Pass 2]* Pass 4] Pass 4[ Pass 5} Dble Pass Pass 5] Pass 6[ All Pass

2] 2 over 1

Here South showed a minimum after North’s game-forcing 2]. Again the not unreasonable slam was reached and foundered for the same reasons as in the Open Room. Flat board.

Board 17. Dealer North. None Vul. [ 5 3 2 ] 9 { 9 8 6 } K 10 9 7 6 2 [ 8 [ K Q J ] K 10 4 ] A Q J 6 5 2 { J 10 7 4 3 2 { K 5 } A J 3 } 8 4 [ A 10 9 7 6 4 ] 8 7 3 { A Q } Q 5


— Pass 1] 1[ 2NT Pass 3[ Pass 4] All Pass

Had South read one of our illustrious journalist’s books he might have entertained a lead from a doubleton and no doubt would have selected clubs, but as it was he led the ace of spades and now it was too late when he switched to the queen of clubs. Declarer was not severely tested as he took two rounds of trumps and cashed two spades discarding two clubs from dummy and then ruffed his losing club in dummy.


— Pass 1] 1[ 2[ Pass 4] All Pass

In this room South is obviously a keen disciple of the above mentioned author’s oeuvre for she unerringly selected the queen of clubs for her opening devastating salvo. Ten IMPs back to Italy now only one IMP behind Latvia.

Board 19. Dealer South. E/W Vul. [ K 2 ] 4 3 { 2 } A Q J 9 7 6 3 2 [ A 9 5 [ 6 4 ] 10 9 6 2 ] A K Q J 7 { A Q 10 5 4 3 { K 8 6 } — } K 8 5 [ Q J 10 8 7 3 ] 8 5 { J 9 7 } 10 4


— — — 3[* Pass Pass Dble Pass 4[ 5} 5[ Pass 6] All Pass

3[ Pre-empt, destructive

One cannot criticise South’s bid with respect to its meaning on the convention card. East countered with a double and West showed his strength and spade control. North now ventured into the fray with his club suit and East gave his partner a choice of suits. Could West have now bid 6} showing her partner the club control? This might have given East a chance to be the only team to bid the grand slam. There was nothing to the play and declarer made the obvious overtrick.


— — — 2{* Pass 2]* 3] Pass 5] 6} 6] Pass Pass 7} Pass Pass Dble All Pass

2{ Multi2] Pass or correct

In this room South started with a multi and though theoretically it gave more bidding space it did not give the same opportunity for cue-bids as in the Open Room. After East showed his heart suit West

QQQQ

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enquired as to the quality of East’s trumps but North muddied the waters by introducing his club suit at the six-level. East’s trumps could not have been better and so she accepted the invitation to bid slam. North was not finished and calculated that even six down would show an IMP profit. Initially on BBO it came through as 7} passed out though the error was subsequently corrected. He only lost five tricks but gained eight IMPs

Board 20. Dealer West. All Vul. [ J 9 5 4 2 ] A 10 3 { 4 } Q 8 7 2 [ 8 6 [ Q 7 3 ] K J 8 6 ] Q 7 { 9 8 3 { A 6 5 } A K 5 4 } J 10 9 6 3 [ A K 10 ] 9 5 4 2 { K Q J 10 7 2 } —


Pass Pass Pass 1{* Pass 1[ Pass 3{* Pass 3[ Pass 4[ All Pass

South could not bid 2{ as this would have denied three spades and so a wafer thin game was reached. After East wisely chose to lead from his club sequence declarer is either forced or if she ducks the defence switches to hearts, either way the contract fails


Pass Pass Pass 1{ Pass 1[ Pass 2{ All Pass

The system here allowed South to make a minimum rebid of her diamond suit and North had no reason to advance. If declarer minded her work she was always going to make ten tricks and six IMPs.

Board 24. Dealer West. None Vul. [ A K J 8 7 6 3 2 ] 10 { K Q } 9 3 [ 10 4 [ Q 9 5 ] K 9 5 2 ] 8 6 3 { A 9 2 { 10 6 5 4 } A 10 5 2 } K 7 6 [ — ] A Q J 7 4 { J 8 7 3 } Q J 8 4


Pass 1[ Pass 1NT Pass 2}* Pass 2{* Pass 3]* Pass 4] Pass 4[ Pass 5] Pass 5[ All Pass

2} Gazilli2{ 8+

When West failed to open his glorious eleven count North started with a bid of 1[ and then deployed Gazilli perhaps trying to show a strong hand. Whatever the meaning the outcome was to reach a level too high and the result was two down.


1} 4[ All Pass

A simple and straightforward auction to reach the spade game. East led the six of clubs to West’s ace who cashed the ace of diamonds for North’s queen and East’s five. There was obviously a case of ‘What we have here is a failure to communicate’ as West blithely continued with a diamond. North did not need to be given a second chance as he took his king and then crossed to dummy with a heart and disposed of his losing club on the jack of diamonds to make his contract and take 11 IMPs and the match by 38 to 19, or 15.79- 4.21 VPs. That gave Italy the lead over Latvia by nearly three VPs.

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8


This was an important match for Bulgaria, who had dropped down the table after collecting only 10.07 VP

from the first three matches of the day. They could expect no favours from their opponents.

Board 2. Dealer East. N/S Vul. [ J 9 8 5 ] A Q 8 4 { J } A J 6 2 [ 7 2 [ A 6 3 ] J 9 5 3 ] 10 { K 6 { Q 10 9 8 7 3 2 } K 9 7 5 3 } Q 10 [ K Q 10 4 ] K 7 6 2 { A 5 4 } 8 4

Open Room West North East South Ekenberg Karakolev Clementsson Mitovska

— — Pass 1{ Pass 1] 4{ Pass Pass Dbl Pass 4] All Pass

East led the {9 and declarer won with dummy’s ace, played a heart to the ace and the [8 to the queen. When it held she ruffed a diamond and played a second spade, East winning and switching to the }Q. Declarer ducked, won the next club with the jack, cashed the ]Q and played a spade. West could ruff, but declarer had the rest, +620.

Closed Room West North East South Nanev M.Gronkvist Nikolova I .Gronkvist

— — 3{ Pass Pass Dbl Pass 4{* Pass 4] All Pass

East led the {2 and declarer won with dummy’s ace, ruffed a diamond, cashed the ]A and then played a spade to the king. That was followed by a diamond ruff, the ]Q and a second spade. East won

and returned a spade and West ruffed and played the }3, East taking declarer’s jack with the queen. All she needed to do now was play a diamond to promote the ]J, but she returned a club and declarer could win, ruff a club and draw the outstanding trump.

To be sure of making 4], declarer must play a club at trick two! This destroys the defenders communications and creates a way for declarer to get back to hand later in the play.

Board 3. Dealer South. E/W Vul. [ 8 ] Q J 9 5 2 { 9 6 4 } J 9 6 4 [ A 9 [ K Q 5 4 2 ] A K 7 6 ] 8 3 { K J { A Q 10 2 } A 7 5 3 2 } K 8 [ J 10 7 6 3 ] 10 4 { 8 7 5 3 } Q 10


— — — Pass 2}* Pass 2]* Pass 2[* Pass 2NT Pass 3} Pass 3{ Pass 3] Pass 3[ Pass 4} Pass 4{ Pass 4] Pass 4NT Pass 5{ Pass 6NT All Pass

2} 20/21 NT or game forcing2] 4+[

2[ started a series of relays and led to the superior slam.

South led the ]10 and declarer won with dummy’s ace, overtook the {J with the queen and played the [2. When South followed with the three, declarer put in dummy’s nine and had twelve tricks.

This was the only table where a slam was made.I daresay that at the other tables declarer started

ROUND 17

Bulgaria vs Sweden

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Marta Nikolova

with two rounds of spades, intending to claim as long as the suit was no worse than 4-2 and then fell back on a 3-3 club break. That was probably declarer’s intention here, but I am reliably informed that she noticed an almost imperceptible hesitation when she played the spade.

Closed Room West North East South Nanev M Gronkvist Nikolova I Gronkvist

— — — Pass 2NT Pass 3]* Pass 3[ Pass 4{ Pass 4[ Pass 4NT* Pass 5{* Pass 6[ All Pass

3] Transfer, game forcing4NT RKCB5{ 3 key cards

Declarer won the heart lead and cashed the [A, getting the bad news, -100 and -17 IMPs.

Board 4. Dealer West. All Vul. [ A 9 3 ] Q 8 7 { 10 8 7 3 2 } K 10 [ Q 8 4 [ K J 5 ] 10 3 ] A J 9 6 4 2 { A K 5 { Q } Q J 9 5 2 } 6 4 3 [ 10 7 6 2 ] K 5 { J 9 6 4 } A 8 7


1} Pass 1{* Pass 1] Pass 4] All Pass

North led the {3 and declarer won with dummy’s queen and played a spade for the queen and ace. North switched to the }K and three rounds of the suit saw North ruff, so that was two down, -200.


1{* Pass 1] Pass 1NT Pass 2}* Pass 2{* Pass 3] Pass 3NT All Pass

North led the {8 and declarer won with dummy’s queen and played a spade for the queen and ace, North returning the }K and continuing with the ten, which speeded up the play and gave Bulgaria 13 IMPs.

Board 10. Dealer East. All Vul. [ 10 5 3 ] A J 10 8 { K 9 8 } J 7 5 [ 6 [ A K Q J 8 4 2 ] 7 6 4 3 ] Q 5 { J 7 3 2 { 5 } Q 9 6 3 } A K 2 [ 9 7 ] K 9 2 { A Q 10 6 4 } 10 8 4


— — 1[ All Pass

South led the }8 so that was +200.


— — 1}* 1{ Pass 2{ 4[ All Pass

1} 16+

That will be one of the easiest 10 IMP swings of the tournament - and it happened no less than eight times.

Sweden held on to win 33-27.

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Written by David Bird

These two teams featured in my original ‘Predicted Top 8’ but both had started slowly. By the time this

match started, they had gathered speed. Germany were in 8th position and France 9th. Marc Smith and I were looking forward to a well-fought match with big names in every seat.

Board 15. Dealer South. N/S Vul. [ 3 ] A Q J 7 5 4 { Q 10 4 3 } Q 7 [ 7 6 5 2 [ A K 8] K 6 ] 10 9 3 { 9 { A K J 7 5} J 10 9 8 5 2 } A K [ Q J 10 9 4 ] 8 2 { 8 6 2 } 6 4 3

Open Room West North East South Von Arnim Volcker Rohowsky Frey

— — — Pass Pass 2{ Dble 2] Pass Pass Dble Pass 3} Pass 3{ Pass 4[ Pass 5} All Pass

Von Arnim surprised us somewhat with her leap to 4[ and Rohowsky corrected to 5}. Declarer won the {3 lead with dummy’s ace, ruffed a diamond and returned to the }K. The }A brought good news, dropping North’s }Q, and declarer set up the diamonds with another ruff in her hand. After drawing the last trump, she was able to discard two losers on the {KJ and claim the contract.

Closed Room West North East South Bessis Auken Gaviard Welland

— — — Pass Pass 2] Dble Pass 2[ Pass 3] Pass 3NT All Pass

What should North lead? A diamond would allow her to be end-played with a subsequent diamond, forced to give the lead to West’s ]K. Leading the ace and another heart would allow South be endplayed in spades, forced to give declarer several club tricks for the contract.

Sabine Auken avoided these pitfalls, reaching for the ]J. Bessis won and finessed the {J successfully. He then cashed the two top diamonds and had to concede one down. It was 10 early IMPs to Germany.

ROUND 18

France vs Germany

QQQQ

Thomas Bessis

Sabine Auken

Daniele GaviardRoy Welland

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11 222 333 444 5 666 77 88 9 100 1111 12 1113 1144 155 166 111777 11888 1119999 222000


There was interest in the bidding on this deal:

Board 19. Dealer South. E/W Vul. [ A 8 7 2 ] 8 6 5 4 3 { J 7 3 } 6 [ K 4 3 [ J 10 9 5] K ] A 10 7 2 { 4 { A K 8 5} K Q J 8 7 5 4 2 } 10 [ Q 6 ] Q J 9 { Q 10 9 6 2 } A 9 3


— — — Pass 1} Pass 1] Pass 3} Pass 3NT All Pass A ]Q lead (or the [Q followed by a heart

switch) would take this down, removing the entry to dummy’s clubs. It’s an easy lead to find for GIB or Deep Finesse. It was almost impossible for a human South, with hearts bid on her right. Frey led the {10 and eleven tricks were made.


— — — 1} 4} Pass 5} All Pass

A diamond lead would have forced declarer to guess the spades. Ace and another spade was not such a troubling defence and eleven tricks were made for a loss of just 2 IMPs.

Board 20. Dealer West. Both Vul. [ K 10 8 6 ] K 10 2 { Q J 2 } 9 7 4 [ 5 3 [ Q 9 4] J 9 8 6 ] A 5 { A 10 9 8 7 { 4 2} 5 3 } K J 10 8 6 2 [ A J 7 2 ] Q 7 4 3 { K 6 5 } A Q


Pass Pass 1} Dble Pass 2[ Pass 3[ Pass 4[ All Pass The single-jump 2[ response suggested 8-10

points and a classic text-book auction carried Germany to 4[. The defence of ace and another heart made the risk of a heart ruff evident. Volcker therefore played the ace and king of trumps, rather than risk a finesse either way. The [Q did not fall but a subsequent club finesse was successful. +620 was safely in the bank.


Pass Pass 1} Dble 1{ 1[ 2} 2[ All Pass

I don’t think 1[ is enough on the North cards, even after West’s 1{ response. It has a whiff of the discredited ‘free bid’ argument, prevalent during the 50s and 60s in the USA. North would be entitled to bid 1[ on 5 or 6 points with four reasonable spades. I don’t see that Welland can do any more than raise to 2[ on this auction. Eleven tricks were made for +200 and a loss of 9 IMPs.

The next board had the kibitzers (more than 1000 at each table of this match) leaning forward. There was the chance of a rare end position.

Sabine Auken

66

99 77 44

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11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111199999 9999999 99999999999 9 9999999 999 999999999 9999 9 999999999999999 9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 9999999999999999999 99999999999999999999999 9 9999999999999999 9 999999 9999 99 999 99 999999999999999999 9 222220020200002202220200GO TGO TGO TO TTTTGO TGO TGO TO TGO TGOGOO TGG OOOOOOO PPPPPPPPPPAPAPAPAPAPAPAAAAOOO PPAPAAPPPAPPPPPAPAO PPO PO APOOOOOO PPPO AO PPAGE:GE:GE:GEGE:GE:GE:EGE:GE:GEEGEGE:GE:GE:GGE:GEEGE:EGE:EGEE:1211112121212121121212121211212122121212112212

Board 22. Dealer East. E/W Vul. [ K 7 5 4 ] A K 9 6 5 { A Q J 7 } — [ J 8 6 3 [ Q 10 9 2] — ] Q J 8 7 { 9 6 5 4 2 { K 10 3} Q 9 6 5 } 8 7 [ A ] 10 4 3 2 { 8 } A K J 10 4 3 2


— — Pass 1} Pass 1] Pass 3] Pass 5} Pass 5{ Pass 5[ Pass 6] All Pass North’s 5} was Exclusion Blackwood, with hearts

agreed. Frey spent so long deciding her next bid that some kibitzers feared a misunderstanding. As I see it, it’s a good idea to play simple step responses to an Exclusion enquiry. Since you have less space than opposite 4NT, you need to be able to bid the first step with no useful key-card. Presumably Frey’s response showed one key-card outside clubs and 5[ then asked for the ]Q.

Six Hearts was reached and it looks as if trump holding will spell defeat. However, if declarer can reach an end position where East holds only the ]QJ8, it will be possible to endplay him. On the present lay-out only a club lead can prevent a top-class declarer from landing the slam. We were all hoping for, say, a spade lead. We would then see if Volcker could find the memorable play that was necessary.

No, Rohowsky led the }8 and the slam was one down.


— — Pass 1}* Pass 1[* Pass 2{* Pass 2] Pass 2NT* Pass 3}* Pass 3NT* Pass 4}* Pass 4{* Pass 4[* Pass 5{ Pass 6] All Pass

Right, let me explain all these bids for you. (Don’t blame me if the editor, Mark Horton, has to cut out my long description for reasons of space.)

It was an excellent auction, as you see, and again 6] was reached. Gaviard also led a club and the much-desired end position could not be reached.

I have just looked at the results from all 30 tables and see that only one N/S pair recorded a plus score. They made 11 tricks in 3NT. Well done! Three pairs failed in a grand slam and were lucky that a small slam could not be made.

The final board of the match produced a worthwhile swing. Let’s see it.

Frederic Volcker

(Perhaps too double-dummy even for the best. Editor)

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Board 24. Dealer West. Neither Vul. [ 10 2 ] A 7 3 { J 10 4 } A Q 7 6 3 [ K J 9 3 [ Q 5] 9 8 4 ] 2 { A 6 3 { Q 9 8 7 5 2} 8 5 2 } K 10 9 4 [ A 8 7 6 4 ] K Q J 10 6 5 { K } J


Pass 1} 1{ 4{ Pass 4] All Pass South’s 4{ showed length in both major suits and

asked North to choose a trump suit. Sorry, but I don’t admire the bid. First of all, you can see that hearts will make a splendid trump suit, with or without support. If North has no great length in either major, you might well end in the wrong trump suit. Secondly, the bid takes up so much space, you will little chance

to investigate a possible slam.East led a club and +450 was made.


Pass 1} Pass 1[ Pass 1NT Pass 2{ Pass 2] Pass 3{ Pass 3] Pass 4} Pass 4NT Pass 5} Pass 5{ Pass 5] All Pass Welland’s 1[ was a game-forcing relay. 1NT

showed a balanced hand and 2{ showed 5+ hearts. North’s 2] showed 11-13 points and 3{ showed an extra heart. The best guess from the system guys at this table was that 4} and 5} asked for key-cards and side-suit kings. The bidding then ground to a halt in 5].

Gaviard led the {5 to the king and West’s ace. A trump was returned and a second trump played when declarer ducked a spade. Declarer could take one spade ruff but was down when the suit failed to divide 3-3. It was 11 IMPs to France, who took the match by 26 IMPs to 13.

QQ

Roland Rohowsky

Nathalie Frey

Daniela Von Arnim Frederic Volcker

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14


Playing in the European Mixed Teams against a famous married partnership, I pick up this modest collection:

Dealer North. Both Vul. [ K J 6 5 ] J 6 5 { 10 9 } Q 9 8 3

When my partner passes the player on my right opens 1NT, promising 12-14 and is raised to game, leaving us with this simple auction:

West North East South — Pass 1NT Pass 3NT All Pass

As West has made no attempt to find a major suit fit I decide to start with the [5 and dummy is revealed:

[ A 9 7 ] K 9 8 { Q J 8 7 3 2 } 10 [ K J 6 5 ] J 6 5 { 10 9 } Q 9 8 3

Declarer plays dummy’s seven and partner produces the queen and returns the three, for my jack, declarer following with the two and ten and again withholding dummy’s ace. When I play the [K spade declarer wins and plays a diamond to the king and a second diamond. Partner takes the ace and cashes a spade, but declarer then claims the rest.

This was the full deal:

Dealer North. Both Vul. [ Q 8 4 3 ] 10 4 3 { A 6 4 } K 4 2 [ A 9 7 [ 10 2 ] K 9 8 ] A Q 7 2 { Q J 8 7 3 2 { K 5 } 10 } A J 7 6 5 [ K J 6 5 ] J 6 5 { 10 9 } Q 9 8 3

Post Mortem

After trick two South knew that the spades were 4-4. If declarer held the {AK and the }AK there would be nine tricks, but that was clearly impossible, as declarer would hardly duck in spades, risking a perspicacious switch from say ]J65 and finding partner with ]AQ10. That indicates that partner must have at least one high club and/or a high diamond. If partner has the {A and the ]A then I can safely continue with a third spade, but if anyone has two aces it is more likely to be declarer. If she has the ]A, {K and }A then it is clear that playing a third spade will be too slow and the only hope for the defence is for me to switch to a club at trick three.

From a practical point of view it was possibly easier for partner to work this out at trick two, but returning a spade is the type of play that it is easy to make without thinking.

In the other room West was the declarer and North led a fourth best [3. That should have pointed declarer to the winning line but she ducked twice and was lucky to survive when North played a third spade.

22 pairs reached 3NT - no-one was defeated.

MISDEFEND THIS HAND WITH ME

Far Sighted

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Written by Ron Tacchi

Both of these teams are currently in the eight qualifying spots but not occupying a podium position.

Neither team has an easy run in to the end of the competition, especially England as at least six of their remaining matches are against teams in the top ten. To get into a medal position both teams will have to play at the top of their game for the next two and a half days. A good win here could be the start of a good run.

After five boards one small part-score swing and an overtrick IMP was all the excitement that was available.

Board 6. Dealer East. E/W Vul. [ K Q 6 ] 8 3 { A J 7 6 5 2 } 4 3 [ 10 8 5 3 [ 7 2 ] Q 9 2 ] J 10 6 5 4 { Q 10 9 { 4 } 8 7 6 } A J 10 9 2 [ A J 9 4 ] A K 7 { K 8 3 } K Q 5

Open Room West North East South Osborne Schaltz D Hinden Schaltz P

— — Pass 1} Pass 2NT* Pass 4{ Pass 4[* Pass 5} Pass 5{ Pass 5[ Pass 6{ All Pass

2NT GF with diamonds

When North had a means of showing a game-forcing hand with diamonds, a series of cue-bids propelled the Danes into the diamond slam. Declarer had no reason to play West for three diamonds to the queen and failed by one trick.

Closed Room West North East South Hammelev Brock Krefeld Myers

— — Pass 2NT* Pass 4[* Pass 4NT All Pass

2NT 20-224[ Diamonds

Yet again North had a method for showing a diamond suit. South, who was minimum for his bid did not encourage and so he rested in 4NT. West led the eight of clubs which ran round to declarer’s queen. Declarer showed good technique when crossed to dummy with a spade to lead a diamond. When East played the four this was covered with the eight and West’s nine. This secured the contract with eleven tricks and a similar number of IMPs.

ROUND 19

England vs Denmark

111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111333333333333333333333 3 333333 14141414141411141414414141414144 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555 55555 55555555555555555555555555 1111111111616166616161666611111161616666111166166661616161161166161661166166161166116166111616161161661661111161666116661666111161611611111611111661111616611111161116111111116611166Graham Osborne

11 222 333 444 5 666 77 88 9 100 1111 12 1113 1144 155 166 111777 11888 1119999 222000GO TO PAGE:


16

Board 7. Dealer South. All Vul. [ K 9 7 6 5 3 ] J 6 5 { J 7 } J 7 [ 10 2 [ Q J 8 ] 10 8 4 ] A K Q { 10 9 5 4 3 { A K 2 } Q 10 3 } A 9 6 5 [ A 4 ] 9 7 3 2 { Q 8 6 } K 8 4 2


— — — Pass Pass Pass 2} Pass 2{ Pass 2NT* Pass 3}* Pass 3]* Pass 3[* Pass 3NT All Pass

2NT 23-243} Stayman3] NO four-card major

South started with seven of hearts which ran to declarer’s queen. She then cashed the two top diamonds and exited with a diamond to South’s queen who persevered with a heart to declarer’s king. A small club was the next card to hit the green baize and when South interjected the king East was saved any further mental effort as she now had sufficient tricks for her contract.


— — — Pass Pass 2{* 3NT All Pass

2{ Multi

Believing partner’s suit to be spades South commenced with the ace and another spade to partner’s king who then cleared the suit with dummy discarding a small heart. Declarer now knows that should North regain the lead that the contract will fail. She can either play for South to have three diamonds (or North singleton honour) and the king of clubs or to make three club tricks. Both of which work on the actual layout. Declarer embarked on a different route, she proceeded to cash her five red top honours and then exited with a diamond. South won this trick and cashed his now established thirteenth heart and perforce had to exit with a club. Declarer’s dilemma was that with this approach there was a decision to make, but it was not her day. She chose the ten and when North produced

the jack she was booked for one down and 12 IMPs in the out column.

Board 10. Dealer East. All Vul. [ Q 4 ] 10 8 7 5 { J 5 4 3 } Q 9 5 [ J 9 2 [ A 3 ] A J 9 ] K Q 4 3 { A K Q { 10 8 } A J 10 2 } K 8 7 6 3 [ K 10 8 7 6 5 ] 6 2 { 9 7 6 2 } 4


— — 1}* 1[ 2[* Pass 3} Pass 3[* Dble Rdbl Pass 4{ Pass 4] Pas 5] Pass 6} All Pass

1} 2+}, natural or balanced

After South’s bold interference, a series of forcing bids from West meant that the small slam was reached. South led a small spade to the queen and ace. Declarer now cashed the ace and then the king of trumps before cashing three rounds of diamonds discarding the losing spade. After conceding the outstanding queen of trumps she claimed. Should have declarer have started with the king of clubs before the ace? If South had four trumps then would only have three red cards so might well ruff a diamond before the losing spade could be discarded.


— — 1} 2[ 3[ Pass 3NT Pass 4} Pass 4] Pass 4NT Pass 5] Pass 6} All Pass

Again West was not going to be denied reaching a slam with his rock-crusher after his partner had opened the bidding. After a diamond lead declarer was under no pressure and so cashed the ace of trumps and finessed against the trump queen in the North hand, playing the pre-emptor for shortage. The overtrick gave Latvia an overtrick IMP.

At the end of the match England had won by 24-9 or 13.45-6.55 VPs not enough to deliver a resounding blow but it kept both teams in qualifying positions.

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A quick check of the cross-table before the start of play revealed that England have a tough run in, having

to play six of the teams currently in the top eight, including the current top four. Having lost to Norway they then did well to defeat Denmark but then had to face Latvia.

Board 13. Dealer North. All Vul. [ Q 10 8 ] A 8 { J 7 5 } Q J 10 9 2 [ A K 6 5 4 [ 3 2 ] K Q J 5 3 ] 10 7 4 2 { K 10 { 9 8 4 2 } 6 } A 8 5 [ J 9 7 ] 9 6 { A Q 6 3 } K 7 4 3

Open Room West North East South Byrne Romanovska Brown Lorencs

— Pass Pass Pass 1[ Pass 1NT Pass 2] All Pass

Is it deals like this that have made Gazzilli popular? Well, I suppose East might have raised to 3].

Closed Room West North East South Rubins Osborne Alfejeva Hinden

— Pass Pass Pass 1[ Pass 1NT Pass 3] Pass 4] All Pass

A painless eleven tricks and 10 IMPs.

Board 14. Dealer East. None Vul. [ J 4 ] K 6 5 3 { A 6 4 } K 8 7 2 [ A K 7 6 3 [ 2 ] 7 ] A Q 10 9 8 4 2 { Q 8 5 3 { J } A J 9 } Q 6 5 4 [ Q 10 9 8 5 ] J { K 10 9 7 2 } 10 3

West North East South Byrne Romanovska Brown Lorencs

— — 4] All Pass

South led the }10 and declarer went up with dummy’s ace, pitched a diamond on the top spades and played a heart to the ace followed by the ]8. She ruffed the diamond return and claimed eleven tricks.


— — 4] All Pass

South led the [10 and declarer took dummy’s top spades pitching a diamond and then ran the ]7, South winning with the jack and playing a spade. Declarer ruffed and cashed the ]A. When South showed out it is clear declarer should play on clubs - simplest is a club to the jack, but she continued with the ]Q and North won and switched to the {A. Declarer ruffed, drew the outstanding trump and played a club to the jack. North won and exited with a diamond, forcing out the last trump which meant there was a club to lose at the end, 11 IMPs for England ,

Just in case you don’t know, in isolation the best line in the trump suit is to play low to the queen, which delivers six tricks 55.95% of the time.

ROUND 20

England vs Latvia

QQQQ

}} KKKK 8888 7777 2222

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18

Board 15. Dealer South. N/S Vul. [ K 10 8 5 ] Q { A 9 6 } K 8 5 4 3 [ J 6 [ Q 9 4 2 ] A 10 9 6 4 2 ] K 8 7 3 { K J 5 { 8 7 4 } Q 2 } 9 7 [ A 7 3 ] J 5 { Q 10 3 2 } A J 10 6


— — — 1}* 1] Dbl* 3] Pass Pass Dbl Pass 3[ All Pass

1} 3+}

West led the ]A and continued with the six. There is away to make nine tricks now by ruffing, cashing the [K and playing on clubs, but in practice declarer pitched a diamond on the second heart and East won and now made the mistake of playing a third heart. Declarer ruffed in hand pitching another diamond from dummy and played two rounds of clubs followed by the two top spades, soon claiming nine tricks and +140.


— — — 1}* 2] Dbl* 4] Pass Pass Dbl All Pass

1} 2+}

North led the }3 and South took the ace and switched to the {3 for the jack and ace, North cashing the }K and then playing the {9. Declarer

won and drew trumps, had to lose two spades and a diamond,-500 and 8 IMPs for England.

England picked up 6 IMPs when they stopped out of 3NT with a combined 24 count - right they were, as perfect defence would have defeated even 2NT.

Board 21. Dealer North. N/S Vul. [ A K Q 3 ] 9 2 { Q 10 4 3 } K 4 3 [ 8 7 [ J 10 9 6 5 4 ] 8 ] 7 { J 9 7 2 { A K 8 6 } 10 9 7 6 5 2 } J 8 [ 2 ] A K Q J 10 6 5 4 3 { 5 } A Q


— 1} 3[ 6] All Pass

I’m surprised South did not ask for key cards but it was a regulation +1460 when West did not lead a diamond.


— 1{ 2[ 3}* Pass 3NT Pass 4[* Pass 4NT Pass 6] Pass Pass Dbl 6NT Pass Pass Dbl All Pass

3} Hearts4[ Cue-bid

Why did South run to 6NT? I have sent Ron Tacchi to find out, but I have a feeling he may struggle to get an answer. My vote would be for a redouble, which rates to bring in either 12 or 14 IMPs.

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As it was Latvia pocketed 17 IMPs and took the lead by a single IMP.

Board 23. Dealer South. All Vul. [ A 10 9 8 6 3 ] 7 6 { K J 10 3 } 4 [ J [ 7 4 ] Q 3 ] A K J 8 5 2 { A Q 4 2 { 7 } K 10 8 5 3 2 } A J 9 7 [ K Q 5 2 ] 10 9 4 { 9 8 6 5 } Q 6


— — — Pass 1}* 2[ 3{* 3[ Pass Pass 4] All Pass

1} 2+}3{ Hearts

That was a missed opportunity, but its not easy to suggest a route to 6} facing what might be a doubleton.


— — — Pass 1}* 1[ Dbl* 3}* Pass 4[ 5} All Pass

1} 3+}3} 4[, 5-9

Do you think West should double 3} to show length in the suit? I’m not sure it would help much. 12 tricks in both rooms gave England a couple of IMPs.

Only 6 pairs found a route to slam, five of them playing in clubs.

Board 24. Dealer West. None Vul. [ J 9 ] 10 9 6 4 { K 8 } A J 10 7 3 [ Q 6 3 [ K 10 8 2 ] 5 2 ] Q 8 3 { 7 5 4 2 { A Q 9 3 } 9 8 6 2 } K 5 [ A 7 5 4 ] A K J 7 { J 10 6 } Q 4


Pass Pass 1} Dbl Pass 2] Pass 3] Pass 3NT All Pass

With a nasty hand to lead from East went with the {A, West following with an encouraging two. When East continued with the {9 declarer won with the king, played a heart to the jack and then ran the queen of clubs. With diamonds breaking she soon had nine tricks, +400.

Was there any way for East to find the essential spade switch at trick two?


Pass Pass 1NT All Pass

I’m not certain this was the auction, but declarer went one down which meant England lost 8 IMPs and the match, 35-30.

They dropped to eighth and now had to face the leaders, Sweden.

Brock, Hinden, Byrne, Osborne, Myles

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20

Results — Day 5

1 FRANCE GERMANY 26 13 13.97 6.032 RUSSIA DENMARK 3 14 6.55 13.453 SERBIA BULGARIA 20 22 9.29 10.714 ESTONIA ROMANIA 19 28 7.10 12.905 AUSTRIA ICELAND 25 27 9.29 10.716 FINLAND HUNGARY 24 26 9.29 10.717 SWEDEN GREECE 26 1 16.55 3.458 SPAIN TURKEY 13 25 6.29 13.719 POLAND CROATIA 7 26 4.63 15.3710 LATVIA CZECH REP. 15 5 13.18 6.8211 SWITZERLAND IRELAND 12 45 2.14 17.8612 NORWAY ENGLAND 38 20 15.15 4.8513 BELGIUM ISRAEL 51 0 19.92 0.0814 SCOTLAND PORTUGAL 16 29 6.03 13.9715 NETHERLANDS ITALY 32 36 8.62 11.38

1 LATVIA ENGLAND 35 30 11.70 8.302 POLAND DENMARK 43 26 14.93 5.073 RUSSIA BELGIUM 49 17 17.71 2.294 TURKEY SCOTLAND 49 10 18.66 1.345 ITALY SWEDEN 0 43 0.87 19.136 NETHERLANDS FINLAND 39 26 13.97 6.037 PORTUGAL FRANCE 21 74 0.00 20.008 ROMANIA ISRAEL 37 31 12.01 7.999 NORWAY BULGARIA 15 25 6.82 13.1810 IRELAND CROATIA 31 45 5.78 14.2211 CZECH REP. ICELAND 23 34 6.55 13.4512 AUSTRIA SWITZERLAND 75 28 19.54 0.4613 SPAIN SERBIA 16 23 7.69 12.3114 GREECE ESTONIA 7 43 1.72 18.2815 GERMANY HUNGARY 31 33 9.29 10.71

1 ITALY NORWAY 35 3 17.71 2.292 DENMARK ENGLAND 13 24 6.55 13.453 AUSTRIA PORTUGAL 17 34 5.07 14.934 SCOTLAND IRELAND 49 13 18.28 1.725 CZECH REP. BELGIUM 18 40 4.01 15.996 NETHERLANDS ISRAEL 15 17 9.29 10.717 SPAIN SWITZERLAND 32 15 12.93 5.078 LATVIA GREECE 61 11 19.83 0.179 HUNGARY RUSSIA 23 32 7.10 12.9010 GERMANY TURKEY 34 10 16.37 3.6311 ESTONIA SWEDEN 25 17 12.61 7.3912 FINLAND SERBIA 22 25 8.95 11.0513 POLAND FRANCE 18 27 7.10 12.9014 ICELAND ROMANIA 17 53 1.72 18.2815 BULGARIA CROATIA 37 14 16.18 3.82

1 ROMANIA ITALY 43 13 17.40 2.602 SWEDEN ENGLAND 17 11 12.01 7.993 DENMARK GERMANY 31 13 15.15 4.854 CZECH REP. ESTONIA 40 18 15.99 4.015 SERBIA IRELAND 46 8 18.54 1.466 POLAND NORWAY 58 7 19.92 0.087 ICELAND ISRAEL 27 57 2.60 17.408 PORTUGAL CROATIA 13 38 3.45 16.559 BULGARIA NETHERLANDS 18 29 6.05 12.9510 AUSTRIA GREECE 16 15 10.36 9.6411 FRANCE SCOTLAND 35 16 15.37 4.6312 BELGIUM FINLAND 18 30 6.29 13.7113 SPAIN HUNGARY 41 4 17.91 1.0914 TURKEY SWITZERLAND 39 21 15.15 4.8515 LATVIA RUSSIA 25 40 5.54 14.46

ROUND 18

ROUND 20

ROUND 19

ROUND 21

RANK AFTER ROUND 211 SWEDEN 269.11

2 ROMANIA 267.05

3 LATVIA 260.78

4 POLAND 260.60

5 FRANCE 255.67

6 DENMARK 246.18

7 RUSSIA 244.83

8 ITALY 238.96

9 ENGLAND 238.48

10 CROATIA 234.86

11 TURKEY 233.56

12 GERMANY 233.33

13 AUSTRIA 229.21

14 NETHERLANDS 217.72

15 BULGARIA 217.16

16 NORWAY 209.25

17 SERBIA 194.83

18 BELGIUM 194.50

19 ESTONIA 192.67

20 FINLAND 187.64

21 CZECH REP. 185.99

22 SCOTLAND 185.23

23 HUNGARY 179.97

24 GREECE 173.48

25 PORTUGAL 170.07

26 SPAIN 169.24

27 IRELAND 152.25

28 ISRAEL 151.92

29 SWITZERLAND 150.69

30 ICELAND 142.69

9th European Open Championships15 – 29 June 2019 – Save the dates for Turkish Delight!

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• visit the microsite for the Championships on the following: http://db.eurobridge.org/repository/competitions/19Istanbul/microSite/Participants.htm

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of 32Guaranteed play every day for the durationfor a new entry fee structure with opportunities to save on a weekly package deal

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EUROPEAN BRIDGE LEAGUE

http://db.eurobridge.org/repository/competitions/19Istanbul/microSite/Information.htm#Fees

wednesday, 27 february 2019 two days & too close to...

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