BRIDGE WITH THE HACKETT FAMILYSunday September 7,2008 THE Buffett Cup starts in Louisville, Kentucky on Monday week. Recently a book about Irish International, Tom Hanlon, was published entitled “ A Bridge Too Far”, available from Acumen Press. As Tom and his partner, Hugh McGann, are in the European team again this year we thought it would be appropriate to take an extract from the book where he comments about a hand from the first Buffett Cup.
With Paul one of the masterminds behind the Buffett Cup and our enjoyment of Tom’s book we have tried to kill two birds with one stone. Tom and Hugh were playing against the USA’s outstanding ladies pair, Jill Levin and Jill Meyers. How few other activities can the ladies compete against the men on equal terms? “Jill Meyers 2H bid showed exactly her shape with less than Game values (see the explanation after the bidding). Jill Levin punted the slam direct and I led a diamond. Jill won, cashed a top club, and ruffed a club to hand. Dummy’s diamonds were now pitched on the AK of spades. Now came a diamond ruff in dummy and the second top club, but I was able to ruff that and force dummy with a spade. Now after a club ruff with the nine, a diamond ruff with the Queen and another club ruff with the Jack, I could overuff and draw a trump. Hugh now scored a trick with his ten and 6H was two down. Fred Gittleman managed to make this on the same lead. He won, cashed a club and ruffed a club, then pitched his diamonds on the spades as before. However, he now led a trump to the King, winning. He ruffed another club with his nine and North could do no better than over-ruff and force dummy with a spade. But now the Queen of trumps picked up the suit and the clubs were good”. Paul’s tip: Tom’s life as a professional bridge and poker players is enjoyable and entertaining in “A Bridge too Far”. KEY S Spades C Clubs D Diamonds H Hearts |
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| Wednesday 7th January 2009 |  |
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