European Championships

England opened the European Championship in uncertain fashion: but after an early narrow loss to France, they dispatched Croatia and Switzerland to put themselves in a handy position. Not Euro 2004 of course but the European Bridge Championships currently (well just, it finishes this Saturday) taking place in Malmo, Sweden. And the story above just related to the Open team; the Women and the Seniors are doing less well.

Also, I don't wish to provide false ambition for patriotic loyalties looking for a home in the light of events in soccer, rugby, cricket and tennis – England have no chance of winning the European Title. That honour will surely go to Italy who have established significant daylight between themselves and second placed Sweden. However, the remaining interest is in finishing in the top five to qualify for the next Bermuda Bowl in Estoril, Portugal and this target is within the English team's reach. Follow their fortunes on http://www.eurobridge.org/competitions/04Malmo/malmo.htm.

The team has hit a recent run of form and, I'm sure they would admit as well, luck. This seemed to come together most dramatically in the match against Scotland on Wednesday afternoon when the Scots were frozen out 72 IMPs to nothing. One hand from that match with a flavour of good judgement and luck.

  • 87
  • Q1074
  • A1093
  • Q107
  • AQ5
  • 5
  • KQ8
  • AJ8642
N
W
E
S
  • KJ94
  • AKJ983
  • 62
  • 3
  • 10632
  • 62
  • J754
  • K95

The fortunate part was selecting opponents who found a way to go down in three no-trumps on the East-West cards. True there are not nine tricks for the immediate taking but I suspect the optically reasonable line, of attacking hearts where you hold the better intermediates, was adopted. After a diamond lead sets up three tricks for the defence, playing hearts from the top would be fatal. It would have worked however, had either queen or ten of hearts fell in two rounds.

The English East-West avoided such pitfalls; their game contract was four spades. As you can see, three outside tricks and seven ruffs or four (two hearts, a club and a diamond) and six trumps scored separately, suffice. Here all the ruffs are 'safe' – the shortage is under the ruffing hand and there's no trouble at all.

Published Saturday 3.Jul.2004