Dubious Logic

The Self-Moseley

Mike Moseley left these parts for Monaco several years ago but such was his reputation as bridge player and all-round nice guy that many reading this will recognise the name. I called him to mind last Saturday when I inflicted upon myself a coup he once perpetrated on an opponent. It has since entered into legend but I was there - well, not actually at the table you understand, but I was at the match. This, if not the original, is pretty close:

Yes, no errors - that's what happened. West absent-mindedly contributed a fourth pass and Mike took the opportunity to 're-open' with a double which East condoned. There would be no story had not the contract gone one off, which it duly did. Back to last weekend, representing Ipswich & Kesgrave in the Garden Cities regional final:

• KQ
• 106532
• J10
• KQJ4

EW Vul.

It would be no crime to pass, indeed, 12 HCP or no, that is the mature action. But third in hand, I decided to indicate some sign of life against vulnerable opponents and opened a heart. Subsequent events seemed to indicate I had made the wrong decision:

Although the opponents were playing weak two bids and West was unlikely to hold six hearts, even five might prove an embarrassment. They would lead a trump, draw four rounds, force me to ruff a diamond with my last heart, gain the lead and cash more diamonds as well as their aces. Partner hadn't bid a spade, didn't have many hearts, I figured to be safer in two clubs. I ran.

Well, 'no double, no trouble' – except I was a rather embarrassing down one when the deal turned out to be:

This slightly surreal incident against a Norfolk team turned out to be a flat board but that didn't help Suffolk's representation and the county finished exactly half-way, fifth from nine, the two qualifying spots going to Warwickshire and Hertfordshire.

Published Saturday 28.May.2005