bridge
bridge
Neither vulnerable. North deals.
NORTH
xK 6 3 2
uA K Q 7 2
vVoid
wA 9 5 2
WEST EAST
xQ 10 7 5 xVoid
u5 uJ 10 4 3
vK Q J 10 8 7 2 v9 6 3
w4 wK Q 10 7 6 3
SOUTH
xA J 9 8 4
u9 8 6
vA 5 4
wJ 8
The bidding:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1w 1u 1x 2v
5v 5x 6x Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Four of w
In 1965, we were invited to edit the Daily Bulletin at the European Championships in the beautiful Casino in Ostend, Belgium, and won by Italy. We were made honorary members of the Belgian Press Corps, which enabled us to enjoy the superb cuisine and delightful wines of the Casino restaurant.
Recently, the Casino played host to the Golden Jubilee European Championships. This was the first deal of the opening match between defending champion and tournament favorite Italy against Iceland.
With Iceland North-South, not even vigorous pre-emptive bidding by the Italians could keep their opponents out of the spade slam, after North opened with a strong club. With terrible breaks in all suits, especially trumps, the slam went down one trick — 50 points to Italy.
This was the auction in the other room:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1u Pass 3w 4v
Dbl 5v Pass Pass
Dbl Pass Pass Pass
South’s three clubs showed a heart raise, so spades were never mentioned. The contract went down two, so Italy picked up another 300 points for a gain of 8 Imps. Italy went on to win the event.
2010 Tribune Media Services
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