Good sportsmanship
By Djanwar Madjolelo
1996 World Bridge Olympiad
Board no : 15
Round 7 : Open Series
Dealer : South
Game : North/South
NORTH
(S) Q 10 6 5 3
(H) K Q J 4
(D) 6
(C) 10 5 3
WEST EAST
(S) J 7 2 (S) 9
(H) A 10 8 5 (H) 9 6 3
(D) Q 9 3 (D) K J 10 5 4 2
(C) Q J 4 (C) 9 7 6
SOUTH
(S) A K 8 4
(H) 7 2
(D) A 8 7
(C) A K 8 2
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
-------------------------------------
- - - 1C
Pass Pass All pass
A Bulgarian player had a momentary lapse and passed a forcing bid, but Andrea Burati of Italy did not get a favorable result that way.
Clearly the Bulgarian North was thinking about something else. Burati did not bid. Instead, he turned to his opponent and said: "Feel free to change your call if you wish."
The Bulgarian player certainly wanted to change--he had solid values opposite a forcing Club.
As matter of fact, the Bulgarian climbed all the way to 6 Spades, a good contract. However, the play was not perfect and Bulgaria was down one. Declarer could make 6 Spades by leading towards Heart KKQJ4 twice, as both Clubs away.
His misplay rewarded Burati for his unusual offer.