Bridge - The Scotsman 20/07/2012

Published on 20/07/2012 00:00

France, favourites to retain their title, fell victim to one of the shock results of the European women’s championships when they lost 6-24 to Israel. This deal played its part.

North-South have two balanced hands and a combined 25 count, not enough for 3NT on this occasion. When the king of hearts falls under the ace there are eight tricks, no more. The French North-South, along with most of the field, played in 3NT one down. Daniele Gaviard thought the West hand worth an overcall. Probably unwise, vulnerable opposite a passed partner, but it emerged unpunished. North elected to pass 1H, where many would bid 1NT. The Tal sisters must play a strong re-opening double after a 1C opener, since North passed 1H doubled for penalties, even though it is notoriously difficult to get a big penalty from a one-level contract, especially with such a weak trump holding. East redoubled, SOS, hoping to find a better spot, and West removed herself to 1S. North’s double was quite bold.

Declarer ducked the spade lead and won the second round. Fearing a 4-2 break she went after diamonds. South won the ace on the second round and gave partner a diamond ruff, then regained the lead with a club to draw dummy’s last trump. She returned a club towards partner’s queen, and declarer ruffed with her last trump. She lost three spades, two hearts, a diamond and three clubs for three down, -800 and a 13 imp loss.