Unusual hand today in that ducking at T1 is often a good idea. Unless W (rather improbably) has the SA, though, then it is a mistake as it turns out. East is hardly likely to have 5-5 in the majors, though, as almost everyone at tournament level plays Michaels Cue-bids or similar. Still a very well-played hand, though.
I’ve never met Oliver (known as Ollie by all accounts) but I did meet his mum (Anne) when I played at Lytham St Annes BC a few years ago; she was keen and capable so clearly parents have a role to play in getting more people to take up the game.
regards,
Iain
Bobby WolffJanuary 6th, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Hi Iain,
Yes, Ollie certainly performed well on this hand with his performance a sure indication
of a keen bridge playing mind.
While sure, East could have overcome the desire to not duck his partner’s natural heart lead, but who among us can rise to such heights, not to do so.
If hands can easily be figured out from the opening lead on, and by the defense, our beloved game will have lost some of its grand luster, too much of a price to pay for what many of us are sure that bridge is, and has always been, the best mind sport
ever. By learning to play early with bridge playing families, allows anyone who
is dealt the capabilities to star, a lifetime of always wanting to “table up”.
Thanks for your information on meeting his mom, no doubt at least part of the reason for this hand to be utilized.
Subscribe to our feed
Bridge-related
Hi Bobby,
Unusual hand today in that ducking at T1 is often a good idea. Unless W (rather improbably) has the SA, though, then it is a mistake as it turns out. East is hardly likely to have 5-5 in the majors, though, as almost everyone at tournament level plays Michaels Cue-bids or similar. Still a very well-played hand, though.
I’ve never met Oliver (known as Ollie by all accounts) but I did meet his mum (Anne) when I played at Lytham St Annes BC a few years ago; she was keen and capable so clearly parents have a role to play in getting more people to take up the game.
regards,
Iain
Hi Iain,
Yes, Ollie certainly performed well on this hand with his performance a sure indication
of a keen bridge playing mind.
While sure, East could have overcome the desire to not duck his partner’s natural heart lead, but who among us can rise to such heights, not to do so.
If hands can easily be figured out from the opening lead on, and by the defense, our beloved game will have lost some of its grand luster, too much of a price to pay for what many of us are sure that bridge is, and has always been, the best mind sport
ever. By learning to play early with bridge playing families, allows anyone who
is dealt the capabilities to star, a lifetime of always wanting to “table up”.
Thanks for your information on meeting his mom, no doubt at least part of the reason for this hand to be utilized.