Bridge | 8 September 2016

There are three reasons why I never make ‘psychic’ bids. First, because I’m a wimp. Second, because I often play with partners who are better than me, and I feel it would be arrogant to manipulate the bidding. And third, because you really have to know what you’re doing with psychic bids — and I’m not sure I do. But I know someone who does — Alex Hydes, my partner in the World Mixed Teams which are taking place in Poland this week (along with the Open, Women’s and Seniors). It’s a huge privilege to be on the England team — and to be partnering Alex in particular. He’s a ballsy, flair player — and I’d better brace myself as he probably psyches more than any other English international. On this deal, from the Premier League trials, he was sitting West, partnering Gunnar Hallberg, against Heather Dhondy and Brian Callaghan.