Dramatic deal

By Djanwar Madjolelo

JAKARTA (JP): The most dramatic deal of the 43rd Generali European Bridge Championships, in Montecatini, Italy, from June 14 to June 28, took place in the Open Series: Germany vs Sweden.

Round: 25

Board: 17

Dealer: North

Game: All

NORTH

(S) void

(H) A K Q 10 3

(D) A 10 9 7

(C) K Q 7 6

WEST EAST

(S) A K 10 6 3 2 (S) Q 9 8

(H) 6 2 (H) J 7 5

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

(C) void (C) J 10 8

SOUTH

(S) J 7 5 4

(H) 9 8 4

(D) void

(C) A 9 5 4 3 2

Closed Room:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Holowski Nilsland Gotard Fallenius

- 1H Pass 2H

4S Double All pass

In theory, North-South can take the first six tricks against 4 Spades doubled, but only if the opening lead is a doubled dummy Diamond. In practice it was even worse.

North led three round of Hearts, West ruffed and drew four- round of trumps, North discarded a Diamond. So West made 10 tricks. Plus 590 to Germany.

In the rpen room four Spades also became a possible contract, but this time South would have been declarer.

This was the remarkable sequence produced at the table:

Open Room:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Fredin Rath Erikkson Tomski

- 1H Pass 1S

2S 4S* Pass Pass

Double 4NT Pass 5C

Pass 6C Pass 7C

* West's 2 Spades was natural, so North thought it was clear that he was making a cue-bid when he leapt to 4 Spades. South did not see it in that light, but West came to the rescue with a double that will surely cause him to have many sleepless nights.

His double was for penalties but North promptly took it out. West could scarcely believe it when his opponent bid on to the cold Seven Clubs for +1440 and 19 IMPs.

In desperation West called for the tournament director.

Alas, all he could offer him was sympathy and a wry smile.