Matchpoints is a very tough game – every trick counts and both declarer play and defence have to be spot on. The slightest mistake can turn a great result into a catastrophe. Here is a perfecto from the second session of the Open Pairs Final:
North led the [H]K and declarer won with the ace and cashed the [D]K. When the ten fell his best option would have been to draw trumps and play spades when he should emerge with eight tricks and a fine score (7/43). Seeing no immediate danger he played a heart at trick three and North took the queen and switched to the [S[H]7. South won and returned the spade nine, North ruffing and cashing the [C]K. When South encouraged with the three, North continued with the [C]9 and South won with the queen and gave his partner a second ruff for two down, +300 and a complete top, 50/0.
