Bridge - The Scotsman 06/09/12

Scotland’s Women’s team put up one of its best ever performances at world level in Lille, finishing second in its qualifying group.

This is the only Scottish team to get so far, but unfortunately drew France in the Round of Sixteen, and did not maintain form. They made a bright start on day one by beating England, the eventual champions, 20-10. This was the key board. Anne Symons decided to open a strong no-trump rather than guess a rebid after opening 1D. Sheila Adamson’s invitational 3S silenced East, and Anne was happy to bid 4S. This contract had four losers, obvious when you see all four hands, less obvious at the table. East led ace, king and another club, ruffed with the ace of spades. Declarer drew trump and cashed the ten of clubs, discarding diamonds. When West decided to bare her ace of diamonds a surprising tenth trick appeared.

The result at the other table was less spectacular. Playing a weak no-trump the English South opened 1D and North made a weak jump shift to 2S. 2NT showed a big distributional two-suiter, so Sam Punch bid game in hearts. South decided not to compete further, and Sam made 12 tricks when North led a diamond rather than cash the ace of spades. A fat 16 imp swing to the Scots.