Dubious Logic

Suffolk v Bedfordshire

Not much separated Suffolk and Bedfordshire in their Eastern Counties League match last Sunday but what there was in it, went most the opponents' way. The Suffolk 'A' team lost 8-12, the 'B' team were slightly better at 9-11 and the 'C' team even managed to scrape a win in IMPs – but sadly too few to disturb the victory point draw at 10-10.

Looking down the match records one deal stands out, board 29:

This is the sort of hand that you don't want in a close teams match; where it is very difficult to know the right thing to do based on a brief auction and just thirteen cards in front of you. The bidding given is typical and happened at a number of tables. However, some easts went quietly and defended four spades – a contract to which they could do no harm. The real question was how to get to the five level as North-South.

At one table South doubled 4NT which looks like a 'leave this to me' message, however North had other ideas and made the inspired decision to bid one more, getting his partnership to the top spot. Well, almost the top spot. As is often the case – and often with good cause - players feel such guessing auctions must be terminated with a double and both four spades and five diamonds were made doubled. The 'C' team suffered most: they conceded 5♦ doubled twice and 4♠ twice – once doubled. No-one managed to lead a heart from the North hand against the diamond game – that was just too difficult.

Bedfordshire v Suffolk 16.Oct.2005
'A' Team 8-12 VPs (-11 IMPs)
J. Moore / A. Moore (Capt.)
M. Allnutt / D. Sutcliffe
P. Gemmell / P. Sutcliffe
M. Sherer / E. Newman

'B' Team 9-11 (-6 IMPs)
R. Mascall / N. Denny
B. Barker / A. Day
C. Bamberger / R. Green
B. Davies / D. Gudka

'C' Team 10-10 (+3 IMPs)
J. Marsh / R. Carlisle
J. Mayhew / R. Hanley
D. Lacey / P. Shannahan
G. Beeton / E. Stott

Published Saturday 22.Oct.2005