Many a deal turns on the opening lead. This board near the end of the last round looked as if it might have a significant role to play in whether Sweden or China would contest the final of the Women’s teams against Poland:
The Swedish pair use a lot of transfers in competition, so the double promised 4+[H].
East knew that North held the [D]K and there appeared to be little point in leading a heart or a club, either of which might pick up partner’s holding. She went with the [S[H]10 and West won and tabled the [D]10 for a very rapid 3 down, -300.
West missed a trick here when she failed to double 3[S[H] -a point she mentioned tome when we discussed the deal.
East led the [D]J and that cost 14 IMPs. It almost cost Sweden a place in the final!
