Both vulnerable. South deals.

Both vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
J 8 6
9 7 5 4
J 8 2
8 7 2
WEST EAST
10 9 7 5 A K 4 3
A 3 K Q J 2
5 3 7 6
A K 10 5 4 J 9 6
SOUTH
Q 2
10 8 6
A K Q 10 9 4
Q 3
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1NT Pass Pass Dbl
Pass Pass Rdbl Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Five of
Bridge experts are known for their monumental talent and equally huge egos. The combination of the two can result in some gigantic gaffes. This deal is from the finals of the Life Master Pairs a few years ago.
South, needing some good results to challenge for the title, elected to open with an under-strength and off-shape one no trump, which was passed round to East. The balancing double showed about 12-14 points, and West was delighted with the situation. North's redouble was an SOS, asking partner to run to his best suit. Either through a misunderstanding or a surge of adrenaline South elected to pass and that ended the auction.
We can make a case for the king of clubs as the opening lead. That would probably have resulted in the defenders taking the first 11 tricks for a penalty of 2,800 points. Instead, declarer took the first club and six diamonds for a score of plus 760.
Had North-South won the event, we would have been in two minds. Should we have reported on South's daring or commented on his lunacy? In any event, it proved to be unnecessary.
This column is written by Tannah Hirsch and Omar Sharif. For information about Charles Goren's newsletter for bridge players, call (800) 788-1225 or write Goren Bridge Letter, P.O. Box 4410, Chicago, Ill. 60680
& copy; 2006 Tribune Media Services
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