The English Open team held on to 2nd position in the Round-Robin and yesterday started the tough business of the long knock-out matches. For the round of 16, we chose to play Israel and the match started off with a small advantage to our opponents. However, in the 3rd set of 16 boards we overtook them - helped along by this board.
Dealer W Tony
All Vul
A K Q 8
Q 10 8
K 10 6
10 8 2
J 10 6 2 9 7 5
9 K 7 5 4 2
Q 4 3 A 7 2
A Q J 9 5 4 3
4 3
A J 6 3
J 9 8 5
K 7 6
Andrew
Tony opened 1C in second seat (playing 5 card majors and strong NT), Andrew responded 1D (transfer - showing 4+H), Tony rebid 1H which showed a minimum with 3 card support. Andrew passed and West had no hesitation in re-opening with a double. Tony now bid game (he did a rapid calculation and discovered that 1H redoubled was enough for game). East bid 1S (who needs trumps to bid them freely at the 1 level?). Andrew now doubled for penalties (who needs trumps to double at the 1 level?). No-one else bid and Andrew plonked a small trump on the table. When the smoke had cleared, declarer had emerged with 4 tricks and the 800 penalty gave England 14 IMPs and the lead in the match.
This evening we play the last 2 sets (32 more boards). We have a small cushion of +34 and we are cautiously hopeful although our opponents are experienced and able.
More later
Chris Dixon [NPC - Open team]
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