Saving the best till Last
By Mark Horton In 46th World Bridge Teams Championships On 28th August 2023
This deal from the fist session of the quarterfinals was a tough test for EW.
It was tempting for South, despite the vulnerability, to bid 5
, but re-advertising the massive fit persuaded East that playing with what was effectively a 30 point pack his side might have a slam. Rather than settle for a direct 6
he went via a route that allowed his partner a say in the matter and was delighted to pass when 6
came back to him.
North led the 
2 and declarer won with the 10, drew trumps, cashed dummy’s K and then ran the J, claiming all the tricks when it held, +940.
In the other room EW stopped in 5 – just as well, as North led the A forcing dummy to ruff after which the defenders were sure to take two tricks. Even so it meant 10 IMPs for Norway.
Two other teams reached 6, USA2 in the Wuhan Cup and Italy in the Bermuda Bowl, although the auction developed in such a way that East was able to introduce the club suit:
