One person who lets out a whoop of delight when I am on holiday is my saintly partner, Artur Malinowski. He gets a holiday too — from me and my daft mistakes — and can play proper bridge with some of the greats who are dying to partner him. This time it was the turn of Peter Bertheau, Swedish World Champion, playing the Palace Cup in Warsaw.
Sixteen world-class pairs competed for the coveted first prize, which was won by the young Polish stars Kalita and Nowosadzki. Until the last session any one of five pairs could have won — Artur and Peter among them. I sent him a message to wish him luck and he replied that he was really having fun. Cheers, I thought. Never heard you say that when you’re playing with me!
Here is the Great Malinowski making the most of an opportunity:
What’s your lead? The contract is off on a spade lead, but after a good long think West put K♦ on the table.
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