I have just discovered a new (to me) podcast called Sorry, Partner hosted by Catherine Harris and Jocelyn Startz, two American enthusiasts, who interview top bridge players for their blog. I found it when I googled Portuguese international star Antonio Palma. Among many other things, I found out that he plays in at least one tournament a month and that his favourites are Madeira and WBT (World Bridge Tour). I couldn’t agree more!
I really liked this hand from the World Bridge Games in Buenos Aires, which Antonio played in the qualifying rounds, against one of the lower ranked teams.
West was the unlucky player who came in with 2♠. Should he, facing a passed partner? Would you? They could of course have a cheap save against a heart contract – and kind of did – but still…
West started with a spade. Prospects were not that great, as West is heavy favourite to hold at least one of the minor-suit Kings, and probably both.
Antonio decided to play for the most obvious chance in that case, hoping that West started with Kx in diamonds and could be thrown in to lead a club.
Eliminating the majors was easy, and then came the Ace of diamonds. West realised what was coming, so he swiftly unblocked the King under the Ace. This was good thinking, but only a small course change was needed for Antonio. A diamond to the Queen, and then Ace and another club, and West got endplayed anyway – forced to give a ruff-and-sluff so that declarer got rid of his diamond loser. How West must have wished he hadn’t opened his mouth!
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