Dubious Logic

2008: Play of the year

There is a unfair tendency when choosing highlights of a year gone by to settle on the most recent. Even aware of that, I have to choose this deal as the best declarer-play I saw in 2008.

In December I played the excellent Scottish congress in Peebles. Alongside the congress the final rounds of the Gold Cup are played and you can watch a session or two before you sit down to play. One semi-final saw the bookmakers' favourites against each other; the teams captained by Tom Townsend and Janet de Botton. This saw all six of the English silver medallists at the World Mind Sports Games in play, four for de Botton and two for their opponents. This was from session three (of eight), you are behind Nick Sanqvist, west at game all:

1. Hearts and clubs

First off, you have to admire the four heart call. Dummy's club suit was a disappointment – consider the much improved prospects if the queen were the king – as was the presence of two diamonds and one spade rather than the other way around. But there was a glimmer of hope when north led the spade queen.

On the rare occasions I watch bridge I do so either in an auditorium that has the calls and plays relayed to it or on-line (for the same effect). Here I was at declarer's shoulder and the overwhelming impression was the natural tempo to this trick and the next. Nick Sandqvist, who had just made a risky bid that many would not have considered, took in dummy with a glance. Winning the first trick with the ace of spades he led the spade ten to the next. North played low, away went a diamond from dummy, quickly followed by another on the king of spades.

There was still technical work to be done: if either defender has four trumps they can not be drawn so clubs had to be played. Eventually the defence were forced to take their club ruff with the long trump and Sandqvist could draw trumps and enjoy the remainder. Four hearts made – the full deal:

Yes, north fell from grace but you had to be there to appreciate the full force of the calm, unhurried approach and, of course, you had to see the chance of slipping through the spade ten in virtually no time at all.

Published Saturday 3.Jan.2009