Nothing is ever routine or boring when Alex Hydes is at the table. One of England’s best players, he’s a master at bluffing and pressurising opponents. His bidding may sometimes seem enjoyably eccentric, but in fact it’s the result of perfect logic and judgment. And he combines all this with wonderful humour and an eye for the absurd.
Occasionally, he sends me texts about amusing hands. Last weekend, while competing in the second stage of the European Open Trials with his partner Ben Handley-Pritchard, he sent this message: ‘We just bid and made a grand slam, despite both passing on the first round of the auction. That’s got to be almost unheard of.’ Of course, I was intrigued and asked for the details (see diagram).
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