Dubious Logic

Played in haste

'Tis the season of goodwill to all men. I thought you might be due a timely reminder that bridge partners were covered by that. Oh, and opponents too I suppose. 'Tis also the season to be jolly and much enjoyment (as always) was had at the annual Ipswich and Kesgrave Christmas Party. This event is run along the lines of a 'bridge drive' – a strange world where negative scores do not count. Moreover there are spot prizes for slams bid and tricks won with lowly and special cards. And that's the bridge – there's a generous feast and wine flows as well.

Late in the evening when we weren't seeing the ball quite as well as we had early on, there is only one prize remaining; who ever wins a trick with the ten of diamonds takes custody, whoever has it at the end of the night takes it home. Five hands to go and I secure it, seemingly too soon, but time ticks down and on the second last hand I was still in possession:

I declared one no-trump and West led a diamond, low, knave, queen. I quite liked the play of the queen at the time; I wanted to persuade West to switch. That way I could delay having to play my precious ♦10 as long as possible. It's probably best with solely one's contract in mind – opening another suit would be good for declarer.

With not much of a plan in mind I tossed out a small club. West rose with ♣Q and continued a diamond. I took the ace, king from hand retaining the precious ten, and tried a heart; king from East and ace. I got off lead with a small heart to West who played her third diamond. Drat. Forced to win the ♦10 at last, I motioned to the prize already in front of me as I quit the trick. Almost immediately there was a cry from the hall.

Aghh! Someone else had just won the ten of diamonds. I keep telling people I play too quickly. There was not much to do but try and make one no-trump. I played ♠Q next, East won and cashed the thirteenth diamond:

East actually got off lead with the club king (did I say how good the hospitality was) but it made no difference: unable to lead a spade to good effect, West was always going to be endplayed in hearts to play to the ♠J. In fact I chose a small spade and won the last two tricks with the ♥Q8.

Ipswich and Kesgrave is a friendly club all the year round – make it a new year's resolution to go along. And when you get roped into playing a game with the family on Boxing Day afternoon, remember the season - but don't play too quickly.

Published Saturday 24.Dec.2005