The news that two German doctors have been found guilty of cheating at the world bridge championships in Bali last year — by dint of some well-timed coughs — has made headlines around the world. In fact, no one on the international bridge scene is too surprised: Michael Elinescu (61) and Entscho Wladow (71) have had a reputation for cheating for some time. I played against them at the European championships in 2011, and have never forgotten my partner David Gold whispering in my ear: ‘It’s the German doctors, hold your cards up!’
I must say, they seemed very pleasant to me — and I can’t bring myself to feel any real sense of outrage. In truth, I think the episode has done wonders for the image of the game. Normally, we’re made to sound like such a bunch of bores.
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