As 2019 draws to a close, it is time to review the year’s achievements and disappointments. My team’s highest achievement was winning the English Premier League, and the less said about the disappointments the better! Looking at the National Grading Scheme (the ranking for British players), I was slightly surprised to see that Mike Bell and Ben Norton were ranked number 1. Surprised, because I didn’t even know they were a partnership. But there they are leading the field and it’s not hard to see why if today’s defence, from the second stage of the European Open Trials, is any indication (See diagram).
Against this totally normal contract, West led the normal ♦Jack. At seven of the tables in the trials, this was a nothing hand; the defence takes four Diamonds but when the Club finesse works, Declarer chalks up nine tricks.
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