Bermuda 1995: USA vs Canada

By Djanwar Modjolelo -- 10ptML

Dealer: South

Vulnerable: None

NORTH

(S) A K J 3

(H) A K 9 4

(D) J 9

(C) K 7 4

WEST EAST

(S) 9 8 7 (S) Q 6 5 4

(H) Q 8 6 2 (H) 7 5 3

(D) K 8 7 6 3 (D) Q 5 4 2

(C) J (C) 6 3

SOUTH

(S) 10 2

(H) J 10

(D) A 10

(C) A Q 10 9 8 5 2

WEST NORTH EAST WEST

Meckstroth Silver Rodwell Kokish

- - - 1C

Pass 1H Pass 2C

Pass 2S Pass 3C

Pass 4C Pass 4D

Pass 4NT Pass 5S

Pass 7C All pass

In the Beijing Bermuda Bowl 1995 Final both tables reached the Grand Slam. Eric Kokish (Canada) had to decide how to play it on a Jack Club lead from Meckstroth (USA).

He cashed four trump, on which all discards were Diamonds (dummy the Jack). On the fifth trump, West threw a Spade.

At this point you have to try and rate your opponent -- although if you are playing against Meckstroth and Rodwell you have to assume perfect defense.

Kokish threw a second Diamond from dummy, East a Heart. Declarer then cashed the top Hearts, a top Spade, tried to ruff out the Queen Heart, cashed his minor suit winners and fell back on Spade: one off.

But the Spade discard from West might have tempted declarer into the successful line: play three rounds of Spades and ruff the third one, falling back on the Heart finesse when the Queen Spade does or drop.

The International Bridge Press Association's Bulletin Editor called it a famous deal.

At the other table Hamman (USA) also failed, cashing only four trumps before testing Heart and falling back on Spades.

The Bridge World Magazine Editor suggested that, because the situation was almost symmetrical and Canada was behind, declarer should try to do the opposite of the other room. But that logic is also available to the American declarer.

A simpler analysis works: under stress even Meckstroth is more likely to keep the suit where he has the Queen.

Imagine the pain if you did the opposite, declarer drops it, and consequently you lose the World title.