Already a subscriber? Log in
Players have every right to insist on their rights, of course. But I do relish stories of it backfiring. The following hand comes from Australia’s recent Gold Coast Congress:
It looks like slam can’t go down: a club finesse gets rid of your heart loser. But Bruce Neill, president of the Australian Bridge Federation, and his partner Avi Kanetkar found the most incredible defence. First, Kanetkar led a deceptive ♥J — obviously declarer could run it to make his contract, but no sensible player would do that. South (Ziggy Konig) rose with the ♥A and drew trumps, but on the third round, East (Neill) revoked, discarding the ♥5. He noticed the revoke almost immediately, but the card was now on the table as a major penalty card. This gave declarer an extra option — and he grabbed it. Instead of taking the club finesse, he played the ♥Q, knowing Neill would have to follow with the ♥5. Imagine his horror when Kanetkar produced the ♥K and switched at once to a diamond!
Also in Society
Also by Susanna Gross
Latest
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in