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UNDER 26:10.00: Round 1712.40: Round 1816.00: Round 1918.35: Round 20

THE CLOCK IS TICKINGSwitzerland has strengthened its position at the top of the Open series ahead of the Netherlands and Italy. England has climbed to fourth followed by Israel, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Hungary and France are disputing the next two places.

A tremendous day for Sweden whose five wins moved them well clear of the Netherlands in the Women’s event. France are up to third and then come Poland, Russia, Hungary, Portugal, and Estonia. The top 10 is completed by Turkey and Norway.

In the Seniors, things are very tight. France is a whisker ahead of the Netherlands, with Denmark and England in close order. There is then a gap to Sweden and an even bigger one to Norway, Bulgaria and Belgium with Poland and Germany next in line.

In the Mixed teams, France is now more than a match clear of Belgium, followed by Israel, Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, Croatia and Poland, with Turkey and Portugal occupying the next two places.

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Daily Bulletin - Issue No 5Editor: Mark Horton ● Journalists: John Carruthers, Jos Jacobs, Ron Tacchi ● Layout Editor: Francesca Canali

Online European Qualification Competitions For World Teams Championships 2021 and EBL Champions’ Cup 2021

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No matter whether it’s something serious like a World War or something frivolous like a World Cup or a World Bridge Championship, Germany and England seem to do battle very often, on every field of endeavour. They’ve won about a dozen World Bridge Team Championships between them in Open, Women’s, Senior and Junior competition, with the women having won seven of those. Although these two teams in the European Venice Cup Qualifier are not quite up to the standard of the teams from the glory years, we expected no less fierce a battle, and so it proved.

Board 1. Dealer North. Neither Vul. [ J 9 8 ] 10 5 2 { Q 9 5 2 } Q 9 6 [ 10 5 2 [ K 6 ] Q 8 7 4 ] A K 9 6 { K J 10 7 4 { A 6 } 5 } A J 8 4 3 [ A Q 7 4 3 ] J 3 { 8 3 } K 10 7 2

Open RoomWest North East SouthGillian Mieke Catherine Susanne

Fawcett Plath Draper Kriftner

— Pass 1}* 1[Pass Pass Dble Pass2{ All Pass

1} 2+ clubs

Fawcett and Draper were very conservative, Fawcett passing at her first turn and bidding two diamonds at her second and Draper passing two diamonds. It looked like all roads led to nine tricks. The defence allowed a spade ruff with dummy’s low trump, but themselves made two trump tricks after forcing declarer; plus 110 for East/West.

Closed RoomWest North East SouthAnnaig Nevena Gisella Nicola

Della Monta Senior Smykalla Smith

— Pass 1} 1[Dble Pass 4] All Pass

1} 2+ clubs

Della Monta exhibited no such conservatism and game was easily reached. Smith led the eight of diamonds, dummy’s ten holding the trick. A spade went to the king and ace and another diamond went to declarer’s ace. Smykalla led the ace of hearts and another to the queen. Seeing that the suit was three-two, she continued with the king of diamonds and a diamond ruff, setting up the jack. The king of hearts drew the last trump, and the ace of clubs and a club ruff provided the entry to the established jack of diamonds. That was plus 420 for Germany and plus 7 IMPs, a good start.

An even better result for them followed…

Board 2. Dealer East. NS Vul. [ A 10 7 6 ] Q J 3 { A Q 7 4 2 } 8 [ J 9 8 4 3 [ — ] K 10 6 2 ] 9 8 7 5 4 { 8 5 { J 6 3 } J 7 } A Q 10 9 2 [ K Q 5 2 ] A { K 10 9 } K 6 5 4 3



— — Pass 1}*Pass 1{ Pass 1[*Pass 4[ All Pass

1} 3+ clubs1[ Unbalanced, usually 5 clubs and 4 spades

ENGLAND vs GERMANY WOMEN, Round 1

John Carruthers

Common Foes


3

Fawcett led the eight of diamonds. Kriftner won with her king over the jack and led the king of spades, shifting her attention to hearts when East showed out. Declarer cashed the ace of hearts and led a diamond to the ace when West followed suit. She ruffed the jack of hearts and led another diamond. West ruffed that and led the king of hearts. Kriftner ruffed it with the queen of spades, led a spade to the ten, cashed the ace of spades and led diamonds. The defence made just two trump tricks and the ace of clubs for plus 620 to North/South.



— Pass 2]1 Dble3] 4[ All Pass1. 5 hearts and 4+ either minor

The vagaries of the auction put North on play here and East, with not much to go on, led the ace and queen of clubs. Senior ducked the club in dummy, ruffing it in hand, and led a spade to the king, seeing that she was in big trouble. Declarer led a spade to the ten, still on the right track though, but then played three rounds of diamonds. West was able to ruff the third diamond and knock out the ace of spades. This was the position:

[ — ] Q J 3 { 7 4 } — [ J [ — ] K 10 6 2 ] 9 8 { — { — } — } 10 9 2 [ Q ] A { — } K 6 5

Declarer no longer had the transportation to make more than three tricks: there was no way back to her hand after the next trick. She led a diamond for West to ruff, discarding a club from the dummy, but West simply exited with a heart and declarer had to lose a club at the end – she lost two clubs and two trumps for minus 100 and a loss of 12 IMPs.

Declarer would have been much better placed if she’d taken the king of clubs at trick two but, even so, had she played on either hearts or spades after two rounds of diamonds, she could have made the contract.

Board 6. Dealer East. EW Vul. [ A K 2 ] 10 8 5 3 { A 8 4 } J 9 5 [ 8 5 4 [ Q 7 ] Q 6 ] A 9 4 { J 10 6 3 { Q 9 7 5 2 } A 4 3 2 } Q 8 7 [ J 10 9 6 3 ] K J 7 2 { K } K 10 6



— — Pass 1[Pass 2NT1 Pass 3{2Pass 4[ All Pass

1. Game-forcing, spade fit2. Short diamonds

Fawcett led the jack of diamonds to Kriftner’s stiff king. Declarer led a spade to the king and tried the effect of the jack of clubs: queen, king, ace. Fawcett knew there were no tricks for them in diamonds and probably no more in clubs, so she led a spade. That convinced declarer to rise with the king, dropping Draper’s queen. Kriftner knew that Fawcett would not likely have led a spade from a remaining holding of queen-doubleton since, for all she knew, East might have the ten left. Declarer ruffed dummy’s low diamond and led the king of hearts from hand, losing just two hearts and one club. Very well done; plus 420 for Germany.



— — Pass 1[Pass 2} Pass 2]Pass 4] All Pass

At this table, Della Monta also led the jack of diamonds. When Smith led a spade to the ace and a heart to the jack and queen, West, worried that dummy’s clubs could be discarded on the spades, led the ace and another club: nine, queen, king. That solved one of declarer’s problems, but not the major one. Declarer led a heart to the ten and ace, won the


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club return with dummy’s jack, crossed to the king of hearts, drawing the last trump and led the jack of spades. When she finessed, East won with the queen, the fourth trick for the defence. That was plus 50 to go with the plus 420 in the other room for a 10-IMP gain to Germany.

Board 7. Dealer South. Both Vul. [ Q ] 2 { K Q 10 7 5 } K J 7 5 4 2 [ J 10 9 6 2 [ 7 5 4 ] J 6 4 ] A K 10 9 5 3 { 8 3 { 6 4 2 } A 9 3 } 8 [ A K 8 3 ] Q 8 7 { A J 9 } Q 10 6



— — — 1NTPass 2[* Pass 2NT*Pass 4{* Pass 5}*Pass 5{ All Pass

2[ Weak with one or both minors(s), or (ii) strong with both minors2NT Good hand for the minors4{ Optional Key-Card Blackwood5} 2 key cards, no diamond queen

I must confess that I had to make some educated guesses about the latter stages of the auction – the North/South convention card does not elucidate the bidding beyond two spades. They were punished unduly when Draper was able to lead a high heart, then shift to club to get a ruff; minus 100.



— — — 1NTPass 2[* Pass 3}*Pass 3]* Pass 3[*Pass 4}* Pass 4{*Pass 4]* Pass 5}All Pass

2[ (5)6+ clubs, any strength3} Good hand for clubs3] Shortage in hearts, game-forcing3[ Spade control4} Marking time4{ Key-card ask in clubs4] 1 or 4 key cards

Here, no ruff was available and Senior/Smith made 11 tricks for plus 600 and 12 much-needed IMPs.

Board 8. Dealer West. Neither Vul. [ A 7 ] 10 4 { K Q J 8 5 4 } A 10 3 [ Q 10 3 2 [ 8 5 ] Q J 6 3 2 ] 9 7 5 { 6 { A 10 7 3 2 } K 8 4 } Q 7 2 [ K J 9 6 4 ] A K 8 { 9 } J 9 6 5



2] 3{ Pass 3NTAll Pass

2] 4+ spades and 4+ hearts, weak

Again the vagaries of the auction led to the same contract being played from different sides of the table.

Susanne Kriftner and Mieke PlathGERMANY


5

Three notrump looked like it would be easy when West led a heart and dummy’s ten won. Declarer led the diamond king to the ace, won the heart continuation, crossed to the ace of spades, led the queen of diamonds and threw up when West discarded a spade. Just kidding, I am certain that Susanne Kriftner retained her equanimity.

Declarer recovered beautifully: after the queen of diamonds, she led a club to the nine and king. West knocked out declarer’s last heart stop, so she cashed the king of spades, crossed to the ace of clubs and put East on lead with the ten of clubs to the queen. East had to give dummy two diamond tricks for nine in all and plus 400 to North/South. The bidding had provided a roadmap in the endgame.



Pass 1NT Pass 2]*Pass 2[ Pass 3}Pass 3{ Pass 3NTAll Pass

2] 5+ spades

Senior was made to pay for her off-centre opening bid and revealing auction. East led the five of hearts to dummy’s ace, West encouraging. Declarer led a diamond to the queen and East’s ace. East continued with hearts and, when declarer ducked, West won and continued the suit. A spade to the ace and the king of diamonds revealed that bad news, so declarer tried a spade to the jack, not being privy to the same information as declarer at the other table. When West cashed her hearts, declarer could do no better than one spade trick, two hearts, two diamonds and one club for three off. Minus 150 and plus 400 added up to 11 IMPs to Germany, who won the match 41-24, 15.29 to 4.71 in VP.

It was a much-more entertaining first match that of the Seniors, a dull 17-6 effort with five pushes and not a single double-digit swing. Here there was just one push, four big swings and three medium-sized ones.

PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE!Pictures from the venues are available!Check the EBL Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/europeanbridge


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I had been intending to watch England v Hungary in Round 13 of the Open, but it was not especially exciting and when I got wind of a dramatic encounter from the second match in the Women’s series it was a ‘no-brainer’ to present the details.

Prior to the tournament 17 of the 20 Women's teams played scheduled online practice/coaching sessions throughout the summer against one and other. Only England, Israel and Russia did not participate, the latter being busy with live bridge!

Board 11. Dealer South. None Vul. [ Q 2 ] 6 5 3 { Q J 6 } K 7 6 3 2 [ K 7 6 5 4 [ J 10 9 3 ] Q 10 9 2 ] 7 { 9 { A K 7 5 3 2 } A J 8 } 10 4 [ A 8 ] A K J 8 4 { 10 8 4 } Q 9 5

Open Room West North East South Khonicheva McGowan Ponamareva McQuaker

— — — 1] 1[ 2] 4[ All Pass

When West overcalled, East, clearly a student of the ‘Scottish play’ recalled the lines ‘Stand not upon the order of your going, But go at once’ and jumped to game.

North led the {Q and declarer won in dummy and played a spade to the king and a second spade. South won, cashed the ]K and switched to a club, North winning with the king and returning the seven at which point declarer claimed, +420.

Closed Room West North East South Greenwood Yakovleva Palmer Pavlushko

— — — 1] Pass 2] 3{ Dble* Pass 3] All Pass

Dble Invitational

Having passed over 1] West would have been taking quite a view to bid 3[ on the next round. West led the {9 (just in case you haven’t heard it before it is frequently referred to as ‘the curse of Scotland’) ruffed the third round of the suit and exited with two rounds of clubs, the contract going one down, -50 but 9 IMPs for Russia.

Board 13. Dealer North. All Vul. [ A K 8 ] 2 { K Q 9 7 5 2 } A 9 4 [ Q 6 5 [ J 10 9 ] 10 9 8 6 4 ] K J 7 5 { 6 3 { J } Q 10 7 } K 8 6 5 3 [ 7 4 3 2 ] A Q 3 { A 10 8 4 } J 2


— 1{ Pass 3{ Pass 6{ All Pass

East led the [J and declarer won, cashed a top diamond, took the heart finesse and pitched a spade on the ]A, +1370.

Pity I have already wheeled out that line from the Scottish play….

SCOTLAND vs RUSSIA WOMEN, Round 2

Mark Horton

Change of Plan


7


— 1{* Pass 1[ Pass 3{* Pass 3NT All Pass

1{ 4+{, unbalanced3{ 6+{, 3[ maximum

West led the ]10 for the king and ace and declarer ducked a spade and soon claimed 12 tricks, +690 but a loss of 12 IMPs.

Board 14. Dealer East. None Vul. [ A Q 10 5 3 2 ] A 8 { K 9 5 } J 7 [ J 8 [ 6 4 ] Q J ] 9 6 3 2 { Q J 7 { 10 8 4 3 } Q 9 8 6 5 2 } 10 4 3 [ K 9 7 ] K 10 7 5 4 { A 6 2 } A K


— — Pass 1] Pass 1[ Pass 1NT* Pass 2{* Pass 2] Pass 3[ Pass 4} Pass 4NT Pass 5{* Dble 6[ All Pass

1NT 15-182{ Game forcing checkback4NT RKCB5{ 0/3 key cards

If North had asked about kings, the news that South had two of them would have been enough for her to go ‘all in’. +1010 left the door ajar.


— — Pass 1}* Pass 1[ Pass 2}* Pass 3[* Pass 4}* Pass 4{* Pass 4NT* Pass 5[* Pass 6]* Pass 6NT* Pass 7[ All Pass

1} Polish2} Asking, 3+[, 16+3[ 6[, 11+pp, balanced4} Cue4{ Cue4NT RKCB5[* 2 key cards +[Q6] Asking hearts6NT 2 hearts, no queen

An impressive +1510 and 11 IMPs.

Picture: Fiona McQuaker and Liz McGowan


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Board 15. Dealer South. NS Vul. [ K Q J 7 5 ] A K 6 { K 10 4 2 } A [ A 10 6 2 [ 4 ] Q 9 7 2 ] 10 5 3 { Q J { 8 6 5 } Q 5 3 } J 10 8 6 4 2 [ 9 8 3 ] J 8 4 { A 9 7 3 } K 9 7


— — — Pass Pass 2NT* Pass 3}* Pass 3[* Pass 4[ All Pass

2NT 20-213} Asks 5M3[ 5[

East led the }J and declarer won with the ace and played the [Q, West winning and returning the }Q. Declarer won in dummy, pitching a heart and played a spade to the king, a diamond to the ace and jack and the [9 for the ten and jack. Having drawn the outstanding trump she cashed the top hearts and then ducked a diamond, so +650.


— — — Pass Pass 1}* Pass 1NT Pass 2[* Pass 3[ Pass 4}* Pass 4{* Pass 4NT* Pass 5}* Pass 6[ All Pass

1} Polish2[ Natural, 17+4} Cue4{ Cue4NT RKCB5} 1 ace from five

East led the }J to declarer’s ace and West ducked the jack of spades and also ducked the queen. Declarer went to dummy with a diamond and played the [8 for the ace and West exited with the [10. When declarer cashed the {K the appearance of the queen was a happy sight, +1430 and another 13 IMPs.

Board 16. Dealer West. EW Vul. [ Q 6 ] A Q J 9 8 4 { J 9 6 3 } 2 [ A J 4 [ K 10 9 8 5 3 2 ] 5 ] K 10 { 10 8 { 7 } A K J 10 8 7 3 } 9 6 4 [ 7 ] 7 6 3 2 { A K Q 5 4 2 } Q 5


2}* 2] 2[* 4{* 4[ 5] 5[ All Pass

2} Precision2[ Non-forcing4{ Fit bid

South led the {K and switched to a heart, +650.


1} 1] 2]* 3[* 4[ 5] 5[ Dble All Pass

2] 6+[, any range3[ Splinter

North led the }2 and declarer had all the tricks, +1250 and 12 IMPs.

5 pairs were allowed to play in 5], three of them doubled while another EW went on to 6]. One NS pair ventured as far as 6[ and made when South attempted to cash two diamonds.


9

Board 18. Dealer East. NS Vul. [ Q 10 2 ] 9 3 2 { Q 9 8 7 5 } 6 5 [ A J 7 [ K 8 6 5 4 ] K J 5 ] A 6 4 { A 10 3 2 { K J } A 10 9 } K J 2 [ 9 3 ] Q 10 8 7 { 6 4 } Q 8 7 4 3

Open Room West North East South Khonicheva McGowan Ponamareva McQuaker — — 1NT* Pass 6NT All Pass

1NT 15-17

South found an excellent lead, the [9 and declarer won with the king, played a spade to the ace and exited with the jack, South pitching the }4. Having won with the queen North exited with the }6 and declarer won with dummy’s nine. A heart to the ace was followed by a winning spade and then two rounds of clubs ending in hand. When declarer played a heart to the jack she was home, +990.

Closed Room West North East South Greenwood Yakovleva Palmer Pavlushko — — 1NT* Pass 4NT* All Pass

1NT 15-174NT ‘Quantitative, 17ish’

South found the same lead but here it was declarer who won the third round of the suit with dummy’s ace. She played a diamond to the jack and then cashed the }K before running the jack, +490 but an 11 IMP loss.

7 pairs went down in a slam while 5 managed to make one.

Board 20. Dealer West. All Vul. [ J 5 ] A 5 3 { J 5 4 } A K Q 9 5 [ K 7 [ Q 10 9 6 3 2 ] J 8 6 4 ] 9 2 { Q 10 7 { A 2 } J 8 4 3 } 10 6 2 [ A 8 4 ] K Q 10 7 { K 9 8 6 3 } 7

Open Room West North East South Khonicheva McGowan Ponamareva McQuaker Pass 1} Pass 1{ Pass 1NT* Pass 2{* Pass 2NT Pass 3NT All Pass

1NT 15-27 (honestly that’s what it says!)2{ Forcing enquiry

East led the [10 and West won with the king and returned the seven declarer winning he third round of the suit on which West discarded the }4. Declarer cashed three hearts then tried the clubs, +600.

East had exited with the [3, which is possibly why West pitched a club. The [6 might be a better choice, but would West be able to interpret it as showing the {A?

Closed Room West North East South Greenwood Yakovleva Palmer Pavlushko Pass 1NT* Pass 2}* Pass 2{* Pass 3{* Pass 3]* Pass 3[* Pass 3NT All Pass

1NT 15-17, any deviations2} Stayman2{ No major3{ Game forcing, 5+{3] Values3[ Cue

Here East led the [9 and declarer took the second round of the suit, came to hand with a club and played a diamond, East winning and cashing her spades for -200 and 13 IMPs.

3NT was made on no less than 10 occasions.Mariana Leitao and Rita Russo were one of the pairs

who defeated 3NT. East led the [6 and West won with the king and returned the suit, East winning with the queen. Now she could exit with the [9 making it clear her entry was in diamonds and West pitched the {7, the defenders scoring 6 tricks.

Russia had just done enough, winning this thrilling encounter 44-38, 12.18-7.82 VP.


10

After my top of the table clash earlier today I have a match where the teams are separated by a mere 0.08 of a VP. They are Bulgaria and Portugal. They currently lie in twelfth and thirteenth place and so are handily positioned for a good set of results to move them up the ladder towards a qualification berth.

Sit back and wait for fireworks – Spoiler Alert – That may be a very lacklustre attempt at irony.

The very first board produced a good slam bid in both rooms. The Closed Room took a little while longer to write up as there were a dozen alerted bids. As you can see the play did not present a problem and could be claimed as soon as the diamonds behaved.

Board 11. Dealer South. None Vul. [ A 7 ] K J 6 { K 10 9 6 } A K J 7 [ 9 6 [ K 4 3 2 ] 9 8 7 2 ] Q 10 4 { 4 2 { J 8 7 { Q 8 5 4 2 } 9 6 3 [ Q J 10 8 5 ] A 5 3 { A Q 5 3 } 10

Open Room West North East South Sarmento Vanchev Barbosa Zahariev

— — — 1[ Pass 2}* Pass 2{ Pass 3{ Pass 3] Pass 3[ Pass 4{ Pass 4] Pass 4NT Pass 5{* Pass 5NT* Pass 6}* Pass 6{ All Pass

2} 4+} GF5{ 3 keycards5NT All keycards6} }K

Closed Room West North East South Danailov Dias Karakolev Palma

— — — 1[ Pass 2}* Pass 2{* Pass 2]* Pass 2[* Pass 2NT* Pass 3}* Pass 3{* Pass 3[* Pass 4{* Pass 4[* Pass 5}* Pass 5NT* Pass 6{ All Pass

2} GF}, bal or fit2{ Min, no 4]2] Relay2[ 4+{2NT Relay3} Any 543{ Relay3[ 53414{ Sets {4[ RKCB for {5} 3 keycards5NT Small grand try

Board 13. North. All Vul. [ A 4 2 ] K 6 4 3 { A 10 9 8 5 } 6 [ 10 7 6 5 [ K Q 9 3 ] A Q 10 8 5 2 ] J 7 { J { Q 7 3 2 } A 2 } J 10 8 [ J 8 ] 9 { K 6 4 } K Q 9 7 5 4 3


— 1{* Pass 3}* 3] Pass Pass 4} All Pass

1{ 10-153} Nat inv

BULGARIA vs PORTUGAL OPEN, Round 14

Ron Tacchi


11

Three Hearts should have made and Four Clubs is not without hope and was not going to be doubled. After the lead of the {J, which had the air of a singleton about it, declarer cannot actually come to ten tricks. His problem is entries to dummy. Were he to win the opening lead in dummy, with the idea of finessing against the queen later, then at the first available opportunity the defence will knock out the ace of spades. He does not have time to do everything - set up the ]K for a spade discard, draw West’s trumps and finesse against the {Q. An unavoidable one down.


— 1{* Pass 2}* 2] Pass Pass 3} All Pass

1{ 4+{ unbal2} Nat NF

South could only bid Two Clubs within the confines of his system and so West could compete at the two-level. When South repeated his clubs could West perhaps have doubled to show some spades or might East have scraped up some support. When South was left in 3} he was onto a good result and when the defence gave him a helping hand he magicked an overtrick and six IMPs

Board 18. Dealer East. N/S Vul. [ A J 7 6 2 ] A 7 5 { Q 9 } 10 8 3 [ 5 4 [ Q 10 8 ] — ] K Q 9 8 4 3 2 { K J 8 7 3 { 2 } K Q 7 6 4 2 } A 5 [ K 9 3 ] J 10 6 { A 10 6 5 4 } J 9


— — 1] Pass 1NT* Pass 2] Pass 3} All Pass

On their convention card 1NT is described as semi-

forcing – a term with which I struggle – comparable to ‘this item is semi-unique’ an item is either unique or it is not and from my perspective the same applies to forcing bids. Eventually a disciplined Pass by East over West’s 3} led to the best contract. North led the {Q, and this, in common parlance, did not exactly paralyse declarer, and he ended up with an overtrick.


— — 1] Pass 1NT* Pass 4]

1NT F1R

Now here we have a proper forcing 1NT but it was to no avail, East’s enthusiasm for his heart suit got the better of him and he launched into a doomed heart game. He lost the obvious five tricks -two spades, two trumps, and a diamond. Six IMPs to Portugal.

At the end of the match Portugal had won 15-1 or 14.54-5.46 VPs. This moved them up to tenth position, just outside those precious places for the Bermuda Bowl.

The boards were in no way conducive to swings and by now you probably have realised that my lacklustre attempt at irony was exactly that.

Zahari ZaharievBULGARIA


12

I spent some time attempting to come up with a title for this report, trying to find something that would link these two countries. Vladimir Nabakov wrote a great novel entitled King, Queen, Knave, but that might be more suitable for a report from the Mixed. I discovered that one of my favourite authors, Martin Cruz Smith, had written a new novel in the series featuring detective Arkady Renko, but its title The Siberian Dilemma, had no obvious connotations unless you imagine that a poor performance by one of the teams might lead to an unexpected winter holiday. Russia had made a good start to the event, England a modest one – would the current form of the two sides be reflected in the outcome?

Board 11. Dealer North. None Vul. [ Q ] K 8 { 9 8 6 5 4 2 } K J 6 5 [ A 7 5 4 [ 9 3 2 ] J 10 7 6 ] A 9 4 3 { A Q 7 { K 3 } 9 3 } A 10 8 7 [ K J 10 8 6 ] Q 5 2 { J 10 } Q 4 2

Open Room West North East South Khonicheva Brock Ponomareva Brown

— — — Pass 1}* 2{ Dble Pass 2] Pass 4] All Pass

1} Polish

North led the [Q and when South overtook it with the king declarer won with the ace, played a diamond to dummy’s king, cashed the ]A and played two more diamonds pitching a spade. South ruffed and continued with the [J10, North ruffing the second of

these with the ]K and exiting with the }5, declarer claiming eight tricks, -100.

Closed Room West North East South Fawcett Yakovleva Draper Pavlushko

— — — Pass 1}* Pass 1] 1[ 2]* Pass 3}* Pass 3] All Pass

1} 2+}, may have 5{ if weak notrump2] 4]3} Game try

South led the {J and declarer won with the king, went back to dummy with a diamond and played a heart to the nine and queen. South switched to the }4 and declarer won with the ace and played back a club, North winning with the jack and returning the {8, South ruffing as declarer pitched a spade. Declarer ruffed the club continuation in dummy and played a heart, +140 and 6 IMPs.

ENGLAND vs RUSSIA WOMEN, Round 5

Mark Horton

The Eternal Struggle

Playing areaRUSSIA


13

Board 14. Dealer East. None Vul. [ A 10 3 ] 5 3 2 { A Q } A 9 4 3 2 [ K Q [ J 9 5 4 2 ] A 10 6 ] Q 9 { K J 10 5 { 9 8 4 3 2 } J 8 7 6 } 5 [ 8 7 6 ] K J 8 7 4 { 7 6 } K Q 10


— — Pass Pass 1}* Pass 1{* 1] Pass 2{* Pass 2] Pass Pass 2[ All Pass

1} Polish1{ 0-7 any2{ ‘I think fit for ]’

South started with the unfortunate lead of the ]7 and declarer won with the nine and played a diamond for the seven, jack and queen. North found the excellent switch to the }3 and South won with the queen and now does best to return the }10, which puts the defenders well on top. Instead she played a diamond and North won and perhaps understandably failed to find the only winning defence from here of a second low club. Her heart return saw declarer win with dummy’s ace and play the [K, North taking the ace and continuing with the }A. Declarer ruffed, crossed to the [Q and played the {K ensuring the contract, +110.


— — Pass Pass 1}* 1NT* Pass 2{* Pass 2] Pass 3NT Pass 4] All Pass

1} 2+}, may have 5{ if weak notrump1NT 15-17, any deviations2{ Transfer

I noticed in their match against France that the Russians are aggressive in the bidding – and that is no bad thing.

Eat led the }5 for the ten, jack and ace and declarer played a heart for the nine, king and ace. West switched to the [K and declarer took the ace and played a second heart, East winning and continuing with the [2. West could win with the queen, but declarer soon had the rest, winning the diamond switch with the queen and drawing the outstanding trump, +420 and 11 IMPs.

Board 15. Dealer South. NS Vul. [ J 8 4 3 ] Q 4 { Q 6 5 } J 6 4 3 [ 9 2 [ 6 5 ] A K 9 7 3 ] 2 { A 10 9 3 2 { K J 8 7 4 } 2 } K Q 10 9 5 [ A K Q 10 7 ] J 10 8 6 5 { — } A 8 7


— — — 1[ 2] 3[ Dble* 4[ 5{ All Pass

Dble Negative

East’s double uncovered the diamond fit and mde it attractive for West to bid on.

North led the [3 and South took the king and ace and switched to the ]5. Declarer won and played a club for the king and ace, -50.


— — — 1[ 2] 2[ Pass 4[ All Pass

West led the ]K and when East followed with the two she continued with the ace and then played the nine, East ruffing with the [5. It looked like a good start, but declarer could win the club switch, draw trumps and pitch two clubs on the hearts, +620 and another 11 IMPs.

The winning defence is not easy to find – West must continue with a low heart at trick two. East ruffs and exits, leaving declarer with two unavoidable club losers.

On Board 17 North held [Q ]KQJ10872 {1064 }63 and opened 3].


14

South was looking at [AJ82 ]94 {AK }A9742. Brown passed while Pavlushko raised to game – another 7 IMPs for Russia.

Board 19. Dealer South. Ew Vul. [ A 4 ] Q J 10 7 5 { 10 } A J 6 5 3 [ Q 10 6 5 2 [ K 9 7 3 ] 8 ] A K 6 3 { Q 9 8 6 5 2 { K J } 8 } Q 10 2 [ J 8 ] 9 4 2 { A 7 4 3 } K 9 7 4


— — — Pass Pass 1] 1NT Pass 2{* Pass 3[* Pass 4[ All Pass

2{ Spades3[ 4[, minimum

South led the ]2 and dummy’s club was quickly disposed of, so although North could win the first round of spades and return a diamond to partner’s ace for a ruff that was -620.


— — — Pass Pass 1] 1NT 2] 2[ 3] 3[ All Pass

NS did not score a diamond ruff here, declarer taking 11 tricks, +200 but a 9 IMP loss.

Board 20. Dealer West. All Vul. [ 5 3 ] K Q 7 2 { K 10 } K 10 8 4 3 [ 8 7 6 [ 9 2 ] J 10 9 4 ] 8 6 3 { Q 8 7 3 2 { A J 9 5 } 6 } Q J 9 7 [ A K Q J 10 4 ] A 5 { 6 4 } A 5 2


Pass 1NT* Pass 4]* Pass 4[ Pass 4NT* Pass 5}* Pass 5NT* Pass 6[ All Pass

1NT 12-144] Spades4NT RKCB (1430)5NT ‘King ask/grand slam try’

If 5} denied a key card then 5NT was unsound, but the final contract was not. East led the }Q and declarer won in hand and played five rounds of spades discarding three clubs. On the last of these West discarded a heart, so declarer had four tricks in the suit. If she had cashed the last spade at this point East would subsequently have been squeezed in the minors for all the tricks, but +1430 was a good result.

West could have made life much tougher by holding on to her hearts. Then declarer must cash the last spade and pitch a heart. She then takes three rounds of hearts catching East in a squeeze without the count. East has to part with a diamond and declarer then ducks a diamond, taking the last two tricks with the }A and the {K.


— 2}* Pass 3]* Pass 3[ Pass 4}* Pass 4[ Pass 4NT* Pass 5}* Pass 5[ All Pass

2} Precision3] Spades, invitational +4} Game forcing club fit4NT RKCB (1430)

East led the {A, +680 but 13 IMPs for England – their first IMPs since the opening deal. Russia had a big win, 42-19, 16.59-3.41 VP.


15

ENGLAND vs DENMARK

Two matches stood out for me when I was looking at the pairings for Round 15, because they both were encounters between two well-placed teams As the round progressed, I got the impression that the boards were not too cooperative for a spectacular story but on second thought, this proved not quite the case. Lucky me, lucky readers. :-)

Take e.g. the first board.

Board 21. Dealer North. N/S Vul. [ K Q 8 7 ] J 4 3 { 10 7 } A Q 10 4[ 10 4 3 2 [ 9 6 5] 10 9 8 7 ] A K 6{ K 3 { A J 2} 9 6 5 } K J 7 2 [ A J ] Q 5 2 { Q 9 8 6 5 4 } 8 3

England v. Denmark, Open Room West North East South Graversen Bell Caspersen Norton

— 1} 1NT Dble 2}* Dble 2{* Dble 2]* Pass Pass 3{ All Pass

After a natural 1} opening bid by North and an equally natural 1NT overcall by East, South had an automatic point-showing double available. Whether or not this would have led to a plus score is another story – we will come back to that later on. West was aware of impending disaster and thus put the escape mechanism into operation. 2} was a transfer to diamonds and would show both majors if followed by 2]. When this came round to South, he saw little future in defending this (fully understandable but not the right view in theory) and tried his luck in his own suit (fully understandable but not the right view in theory either). However, when the defence started off with three rounds of hearts, declarer was given a chance

because he could unblock his ]Q and enter dummy with the ]J to lead a diamond up. East ducked, of course, but when declarer put up his {Q playing the NT overcaller for {AK, he lost an extra trump trick and thus went one down in a contract he might well have made. Denmark +100.

At our other three tables, the auction was the same.

Closed Room West North East South Bakhshi Bilde Townsend Jepsen

— 1} 1NT Dble All Pass

Double dummy, 1NT can be defeated but this would need two diamond plays from North before South’s spade entries are gone. Possible but not very realistic, in my view…

On the actual diamond lead by South, dummy’s {K remained intact as the entry to the 13th heart. Just made, England +180 and 2 IMPs to them.

Switzerland v. Sweden, Open Room West North East South O.Rimstedt S. Drijver M. Rimstedt Brink


Brink, too, led the {4 and declarer came to his seven tricks easily enough at this table as well. Sweden +180.

Closed Room West North East South Klukowski Hult Gawryś Bertheau


Bertheau also led the {5 (surprise, surprise) but when he was given his ]Q, he did not exit in diamonds but shifted to the }8. This ran to declarer’s jack, the {K was cashed and the 13th heart played from dummy on which North discarded his remaining low club…Now, Gawryś could play another club, taken by North’s ace but with the spades blocked and

SWITZERLAND vs SWEDEN OPEN, Round 15

Jos Jacobs


16

the diamonds not yet set up, declarer suddenly had three tricks in all suits except spades for a remarkable score of +580 and 9 IMPs to Switzerland.

The next board would have caused trouble at the recent Tokyo Olympics, had it occurred in a different sport. We found out, once again, that in some sports (boxing, judo) you can be penalised for non-activity. As about half the tables they passed out board 22, so these players might have been liable to a penalty, had this been a different sport.

As it happened, in the Switzerland-Sweden match, the Swedes got penalised for activity…

Board 22. Dealer East. E/W Vul. [ Q J 3 ] Q 3 { K 6 5 3 } Q J 4 2[ K 8 7 [ A 9] 6 4 2 ] K 9 8 5{ A Q 8 7 2 { 10 9 4} 7 3 } K 10 6 5 [ 10 6 5 4 2 ] A J 10 7 { J } A 9 8

Open Room West North East South O.Rimstedt S. Drijver M. Rimstedt Brink

— — Pass Pass 1{ Pass 1] 1[ Pass 2[ Dble Pass 3] Pass Pass Dble All Pass

Not that 3{ would have fared much better but in 3] declarer basically could only follow suit. Down three, Switzerland +800.

The Swedes were not the only ones to get active, as this was the auction at the other table:


— — Pass Pass 1{ Pass 1] 1[ Pass 2[ 3{ All Pass

When (or because) nobody doubled, the Swiss over-activity escaped relatively unpunished. Sweden +200 but 12 more IMPs to Switzerland, out of thin air.

A few boards later, we saw a classic part score judgement battle:

Board 26. Dealer East. All Vul. [ K J 10 7 4 ] A 10 3 { Q 8 3 } J 4[ A 6 2 [ 8 3] J 7 6 4 2 ] Q 9 8{ A 10 { 6 5 2} K Q 10 } A 9 6 5 3 [ Q 9 5 ] K 5 { K J 9 7 4 } 8 7 2

Open Room West North East South Graversen Bell Caspersen Norton

— — Pass Pass 1] 1[ 2] 2[ All Pass

When the Danes sold out to 2[, they soon found out that it could not be defeated. They even conceded an overtrick when the defensive diamond ruff escaped them. England +140.


— — Pass Pass 1] 1[ 2] 2[ 3] All Pass

In the replay, Bakhshi gave it one more try, in spite of his bad suit: a fit is a fit. Right he was because 3] cannot be defeated, though you might well go down. When the defence started off with three rounds of trumps, the overtrick was born. England another +170 and 7 IMPs to take the lead 9-3 (!).

Basically the same ideas in our other match, as might be expected, but with a different outcome.


— — Pass Pass 1] 1[ 2] 2[ All Pass

No problem, no diamond ruff, one overtrick. Switzerland +140.


17


— — Pass Pass 1] 1[ 2] 2[ 3] All Pass

Klukowski, too, took the right decision of bidding on over 2[ but he was not treated to a helpful trump lead. When he won the spade lead and led a trump to the queen and king, he had to concede one down. Sweden +100 but still the odd IMP to Switzerland who were leading 25-1 now.

One board from the end, we again saw a difference of styles.

Board 29. Dealer North. All Vul. [ J 7 4 3 2 ] K 7 { Q 7 } A K 10 8[ A 9 5 [ Q 10] A 6 4 ] Q 5 3 2 { A 9 8 4 2 { K 10 6 5 3} Q 6 } J 5 [ K 8 5 ] J 10 9 8 { J } 9 7 4 3 2

England v. Denmark, Open Room West North East South Graversen Bell Caspersen Norton

— 1[ Pass 2[ All Pass

With a singleton and a top honour third, why not support partner’s suit? Does it matter whether you play four- of five-card majors?

When Norton did not see any problem, the English were rewarded with an overtrick. England +140.


— 1[ Pass 1NT All Pass

Same question as above. Jepsen’s solution proved costly: five diamonds , a [10 shift to dummy’s jack and five clubs later, declarer had been squeezed a little and lost the last three tricks for down two. England another +200 and 8 IMPS more to them to win the match 17-4 or 14.28 – 5.72 V.P.

Nearly exactly the same happened at the two tables of our other match.


— 1[ Pass 2[ All Pass

Bas Drijver even made two overtricks when the defence attacked the trumps themselves. Switzerland +170.


— 1[ Pass 1NT All Pass

See above: down two. Switzerland another +200 and 9 IMPs to lead 34-1 now. The Swedes recouped 6 IMPs on the last board when Gawryś went down in 2NT he, too, could have made, like it was done at the other table. The final score of 34-7 still was worth 17.34 – 2.66 V.P. to the Swiss.

M. Klukowski, P. Gawrys, F. PiedraSWITZERLAND


18

At the end of Round 11 Norway were at the top of the table and everything in the garden looked rosy. When they took their seats for their match against Spain in Round 18, they had plummeted to seventh, losing five of their last six matches. Could they stop the rot?

Board 25. Dealer North. EW Vul. [ K 9 6 3 ] K 10 8 4 2 { K 8 6 5 } — [ Q J 10 7 [ 5 4 2 ] Q 5 ] A J 7 { 10 9 7 { A Q } A J 9 6 } K 7 5 4 3 [ A 8 ] 9 6 3 { J 4 3 2 } Q 10 8 2

Open Room West North East South Goded Livgard Sabate Aa

— 2]* All Pass

2[ ‘Both majors, less than opening’

East led the }3 and declarer ruffed, took three rounds of spades, ruffing and played a diamond for the king and ace. He ruffed the club return and played a spade, pitching a club when East ruffed with the ]J. He ruffed the next club with the ]10 and played a diamond. East won with the ace and played two rounds of hearts, but declarer had the rest, +140.

Closed Room West North East South Grude Goncalves Bakke Gomez

— Pass 1} Pass 1]* Dble* 1[* 2] Dble Pass 3} Pass Pass 3] 3NT Dble 4} All Pass

1] SpadesDble Hearts1[ 3[

NS were in danger of joining the Biltcliffe Double Club but West came to the rescue by deciding to run. As you can see, as long as declarer starts clubs by cashing the king, it should always be possible to secure nine tricks.

South led the ]3 for the queen king and ace and declarer cashed the }K, North pitching the ]8. A spade to the queen saw North win with the king and switch to the {5. When the queen held declarer played a second spade, won the diamond return, played a club to the nine, a heart to the jack and claimed the rest, +150 and 7 IMPs.

For the record I should mention that one way to hold declarer to 10 tricks is for North to return a heart rather than a diamond. I suspect you can see another.

12 pairs made 3NT, three went down.

Board 28. Dealer West. NS Vul. [ K Q 8 ] 9 { J 10 9 7 4 } K 9 4 2 [ 10 9 [ 7 6 3 2 ] K J 10 6 2 ] A 8 7 5 4 { K 6 2 { 5 } Q 10 8 } J 5 3 [ A J 5 4 ] Q 3 { A Q 8 3 } A 7 6

Open Room West North East South Goded Livgard Sabate Aa

Pass Pass Pass 1NT 2{* Dble* 3] 3[ Pass 4[ 5] DbleAll Pass

4[ has practical chances – it should be easy enough if the defenders start with a heart – but it should founder if West leads a trump or a club.

Five Hearts was three down in top cards, -500.

NORWAY vs SPAIN OPEN, Round 18

Mark Horton

Decline and Fall


19

Closed Room West North East South Grude Goncalves Bakke Gomez

2]* Pass 4] Dble Pass 4NT* Pass 5{ All Pass

2] 5], weak4NT Choose a minor

West led the ]2 and East won and switched to the [6. Declarer won in dummy and ran the {J. When that lost and West exited with a spade declarer went through the motions, but there was no squeeze, (West would needed to hold the }QJ10 and have failed to exit with the ]K) -100 and a loss of 12 IMPs.

On Board 29 EW held [8 ]875 {AK98 }AQ975 opposite [A54 ]AKQJ4 {J3 }K63. Hearst were 4-1, but everything else was friendly and their were 13 tricks in three denominations. Both teams got as far as 6}.

13 pairs stopped in game, 12 bid a small slam and three bid a grand slam. It must be best to play in hearts, as you can survive if both key suits are 4-1 (and sometimes when clubs are 5-0!).

Here are the heroes who reached 7]:

West North East South Matushko Jansons Krasnosselski Smilgajs

— Pass 1}* Pass 2} Pass 2]* Pass 3] Pass 3[* Pass 4}* Pass 4[* Pass 4NT* Pass 5{* Pass 5[* Pass 6{* Pass 7] All Pass

1} Polish2] 16+, 5+]4} Cue4[ Cue, no diamond queen4NT RKCB5{ 3 key cards5[ ]Q?6{ ]Q +}K or [K+{K

Knowing that East held the }K made it clear for West to bid 7]. It gave Russia 16 IMPs when Latvia stopped in game – but they won the match 39-29.

Closed Room West North East South Karlykov Barbosa Trifinov Saramento

— Pass 1] Pass 2{* Pass 3NT Pass 4} Pass 4NT* Pass 5{* Pass 5NT* Pass 7] All Pass

2{ Drury4NT Cue, odd number of aces on hearts5NT ]Q

Well done, although here it is unclear exactly what information was being exchanged. 13 IMPs for Ukraine as they trounced Portugal 49-2.

Meanwhile, Norway had righted the ship, winning 34-3, 18-2 VP to move in the right direction.

Spain playing area


20

My partner Johan Sylvan and I played against Austria in round 14. We met two new acquaintances at our table.

Florian Weiss, who had the lead role, and his partner, were a very nice but unpleasant first meeting! Florian showed that he had read and learned from my own book! (Master of Bridge Psychology: Inside the Remarkable Mind of Peter Fredin).

Unfortunately, I did not know this at the table.

Board 17. Dealer North. None Vul. [ A K 4 ] J 9 8 6 4 { K J 10 } Q 8 [ 8 [ Q 10 3 2 ] Q 7 3 ] 5 { A 4 2 { Q 9 7 5 3 } A J 9 5 3 2 } 10 7 4 [ J 9 7 6 5 ] A K 10 2 { 8 6 } K 6

Open Room West North East South Sylvan Weiss Fredin SCheberan

— 1NT* Pass 2}* Dble 2] 3} 4] All Pass

1NT 12-14

My lead was the four of clubs.Florian won in hand with the }Q and cashed

dummy’s ]AK and I discarded a low (encouraging) diamond on the second round of hearts. Florian now played a diamond to his king, and without even a hint of hesitation he continued with the four of spades towards dummy’s [J9765!!

I was wondering if Florian was capable of playing low from [AK4? Very few and only brave players can do this. Florian probably knew Sylvan had a possible 1336 distribution. I finally fell into the trap and played a small spade! Florian simply played with the odds. As an incurable bridge romantic, this bold play warmed my heart even if it cost me 10 IMPs this time. In the future, when I, or you, sit down against this young man, we all have to watch out for this kind of trickery!

Congratulations Florian for a fantastic play.You are definitely a candidate for the best play of

the year.When we meet, I owe you a drink at the bar!

To fall in your own Trap!Peter Fredin


21

ROUND 16

RESULTS - OPEN TEAMS

TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 21 CROATIA Bye 0 0 12 0.002 ROMANIA TURKEY 12 24 6.00 14.003 LATVIA DENMARK 35 33 10.77 9.234 GREECE SLOVENIA 11 9 10.77 9.235 WALES BELGIUM 2 46 0.34 19.666 SCOTLAND SPAIN 13 46 1.70 18.307 AUSTRIA LITHUANIA 31 7 16.78 3.228 UKRAINE SWITZERLAND 4 9 8.15 11.859 PORTUGAL SWEDEN 18 36 4.48 15.5210 BULGARIA ISRAEL 10 20 6.57 13.4311 ESTONIA GERMANY 18 29 4.28 13.7212 NORWAY HUNGARY 13 35 3.61 16.3913 ITALY ICELAND 0 0 12.00 0.0014 ENGLAND RUSSIA 18 24 7.82 12.1815 IRELAND FRANCE 3 23 4.03 15.9716 POLAND NETHERLANDS 14 25 6.28 13.72

ROUND 17

ROUND 18

TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 21 POLAND Bye 0 0 12 0.002 FRANCE NETHERLANDS 49 29 15.97 4.033 ENGLAND IRELAND 32 28 11.50 8.504 RUSSIA ITALY 0 0 0.00 12.00*5 NORWAY ICELAND 15 23 7.17 12.836 GERMANY HUNGARY 23 25 9.23 10.777 ESTONIA ISRAEL 21 54 1.70 18.308 SWEDEN BULGARIA 16 36 4.03 15.979 SWITZERLAND PORTUGAL 40 11 17.68 2.3210 AUSTRIA UKRAINE 1 59 0.00 20.0011 SPAIN LITHUANIA 16 48 1.85 18.1512 SCOTLAND BELGIUM 31 26 11.85 8.1513 WALES GREECE 14 3 13.72 6.2814 SLOVENIA DENMARK 44 28 15.05 4.9515 TURKEY LATVIA 19 32 5.72 14.2816 ROMANIA CROATIA 0 75 0.00 20.00

TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 21 SWEDEN Bye 0 0 12 0.002 SWITZERLAND ISRAEL 18 20 9.23 10.773 AUSTRIA GERMANY 16 50 1.56 18.444 NORWAY SPAIN 34 3 18.00 2.005 BELGIUM ITALY 0 0 0.00 12.00*6 GREECE ENGLAND 5 32 2.66 17.347 FRANCE DENMARK 1 44 0.45 19.558 TURKEY POLAND 26 19 12.51 7.499 CROATIA NETHERLANDS 19 48 2.32 17.6810 ROMANIA IRELAND 17 6 13.72 6.2811 LATVIA RUSSIA 39 29 13.43 6.5712 ICELAND SLOVENIA 28 28 10.00 10.0013 HUNGARY WALES 53 27 17.16 2.8414 ESTONIA SCOTLAND 13 34 -0.18 16.1815 LITHUANIA BULGARIA 38 25 14.28 5.7216 PORTUGAL UKRAINE 2 49 0.04 19.96


22

ROUND 19 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 21 FRANCE Bye 0 0 12 0.002 ENGLAND POLAND 10 21 6.28 13.723 ITALY NETHERLANDS 0 0 12.00 0.004 IRELAND NORWAY 22 11 13.72 6.285 GERMANY RUSSIA 17 26 6.86 13.146 ISRAEL ICELAND 39 22 15.29 4.717 HUNGARY SWEDEN 12 17 8.15 11.858 SWITZERLAND ESTONIA 6 1 11.85 8.159 AUSTRIA BULGARIA 7 20 5.72 14.2810 SPAIN PORTUGAL 45 0 19.76 0.2411 BELGIUM UKRAINE 16 12 11.50 8.5012 LITHUANIA GREECE 12 23 6.28 13.3213 SCOTLAND DENMARK 22 33 6.28 13.7214 WALES TURKEY 10 25 5.20 14.8015 CROATIA SLOVENIA 28 13 14.80 5.2016 LATVIA ROMANIA 29 14 14.80 5.20

ROUND 20 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 21 ISRAEL Bye 0 0 12 0.002 SWEDEN GERMANY 28 18 13.43 6.573 SWITZERLAND NORWAY 16 31 5.20 14.804 ITALY AUSTRIA 0 0 12.00 0.005 SPAIN ENGLAND 7 18 6.28 13.726 BELGIUM FRANCE 38 21 15.29 4.717 POLAND GREECE 13 7 12.18 7.828 DENMARK NETHERLANDS 7 7 10.00 10.009 TURKEY IRELAND 42 18 16.78 3.2210 CROATIA RUSSIA 14 14 10.00 10.0011 ROMANIA ICELAND 22 23 9.61 10.3912 HUNGARY LATVIA 24 14 13.43 6.5713 ESTONIA SLOVENIA 11 18 7.49 12.5114 BULGARIA WALES 35 18 15.29 4.7115 SCOTLAND PORTUGAL 24 24 10.00 10.0016 UKRAINE LITHUANIA 10 22 6.00 14.00

RANKING AFTER ROUND 21

1 SWITZERLAND 276.912 NETHERLANDS 258.853 ITALY 252.004 ENGLAND 248.645 ISRAEL 243.776 SWEDEN 240.487 NORWAY 238.568 DENMARK 235.869 HUNGARY 235.1310 FRANCE 233.9311 BULGARIA 229.1612 SPAIN 227.4113 POLAND 221.4114 UKRAINE 210.8015 RUSSIA 205.9016 BELGIUM 203.5617 GERMANY 202.7718 ICELAND 200.5819 IRELAND 198.2820 PORTUGAL 194.0721 GREECE 191.0122 TURKEY 184.5523 CROATIA 183.3424 LITHUANIA 180.8925 LATVIA 166.1426 ROMANIA 162.4227 WALES 161.8028 AUSTRIA 158.6029 SCOTLAND 151.1430 SLOVENIA 151.0831 ESTONIA 127.86

*Provisional score subject to the provisions of clause 18 Appendix 1 of the General Conditions of Contest.

ROUND 21 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 21 ENGLAND Bye 0 0 12 0.002 ITALY FRANCE 0 0 12.00* 0.003 NORWAY POLAND 6 20 5.46 14.544 NETHERLANDS GERMANY 11 5 12.18 7.825 ISRAEL IRELAND 16 25 6.86 13.146 SWEDEN RUSSIA 15 3 14.00 6.007 ICELAND SWITZERLAND 7 24 4.71 15.298 AUSTRIA HUNGARY 4 23 4.25 15.759 SPAIN ESTONIA 19 3 15.05 4.9510 BELGIUM BULGARIA 7 26 4.25 15.7511 GREECE PORTUGAL 14 23 6.86 13.1412 UKRAINE DENMARK 25 18 12.51 7.4913 LITHUANIA TURKEY 25 34 6.86 13.1414 SCOTLAND CROATIA 2 8 7.82 12.1815 ROMANIA WALES 6 7 9.61 10.3916 SLOVENIA LATVIA 19 23 8.50 11.50


23

ROUND 5

RESULTS - WOMEN TEAMS

TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 221 HUNGARY TURKEY 29 3 17.16 2.8422 ENGLAND RUSSIA 19 42 3.41 16.5923 SCOTLAND SWEDEN 6 30 3.22 16.7824 GERMANY NETHERLANDS 11 38 2.66 17.3425 DENMARK ICELAND 18 16 10.77 9.2326 POLAND IRELAND 21 6 14.80 5.2027 FRANCE BELGIUM 36 5 18.00 2.0028 PORTUGAL SWITZERLAND 25 20 11.85 8.1529 ISRAEL ESTONIA 26 19 12.51 7.4930 SPAIN NORWAY 9 18 6.86 13.14

ROUND 6 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 221 HUNGARY PORTUGAL 8 14 7.82 12.1822 ESTONIA FRANCE 14 24 6.57 13.4323 POLAND SPAIN 30 35 8.15 11.8524 DENMARK NORWAY 9 23 5.46 14.5425 ISRAEL NETHERLANDS 19 28 6.86 13.1426 SWITZERLAND SWEDEN 11 25 5.46 14.5427 BELGIUM ENGLAND 17 19 9.23 10.7728 IRELAND TURKEY 21 43 3.61 16.3929 RUSSIA ICELAND 35 8 17.34 2.6630 GERMANY SCOTLAND 29 13 15.05 4.95

ROUND 7 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 221 HUNGARY ENGLAND 26 22 11.50 8.5022 SWEDEN TURKEY 32 10 16.39 3.6123 RUSSIA NETHERLANDS 27 16 13.72 6.2824 SCOTLAND DENMARK 21 22 9.61 10.3925 POLAND GERMANY 43 17 17.16 2.8426 FRANCE ICELAND 54 11 19.55 0.4527 PORTUGAL IRELAND 10 12 9.23 10.7728 ESTONIA BELGIUM 41 19 16.39 3.6129 SWITZERLAND SPAIN 12 31 4.25 15.7530 NORWAY ISRAEL 7 16 6.86 13.14


24

ROUND 8 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 221 HUNGARY FRANCE 20 30 6.57 13.4322 PORTUGAL POLAND 22 2 15.97 4.0323 DENMARK ESTONIA 22 24 9.23 10.7724 NETHERLANDS SPAIN 13 33 4.03 15.9725 NORWAY SWEDEN 28 50 3.61 16.3926 ISRAEL ENGLAND 36 56 4.03 15.9727 SWITZERLAND TURKEY 23 11 14.00 6.0028 BELGIUM RUSSIA 21 22 9.61 10.3929 SCOTLAND IRELAND 18 7 13.72 6.2830 ICELAND GERMANY 38 26 14.00 6.00

RANKING AFTER ROUND 91 SWEDEN 137.722 NETHERLANDS 115.863 FRANCE 113.944 POLAND 108.405 RUSSIA 106.806 HUNGARY 106.377 PORTUGAL 106.258 ESTONIA 93.859 TURKEY 92.3910 NORWAY 87.4411 SPAIN 85.4612 GERMANY 79.9613 ENGLAND 79.1014 ISRAEL 76.9815 IRELAND 76.8916 SCOTLAND 73.7117 DENMARK 73.5918 BELGIUM 68.0919 SWITZERLAND 60.1320 ICELAND 55.67

ROUND 9 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 221 HUNGARY NORWAY 31 12 15.75 4.2522 ISRAEL SPAIN 8 44 1.29 18.7123 ESTONIA SWITZERLAND 29 6 16.59 3.4124 PORTUGAL BELGIUM 4 8 8.50 11.5025 IRELAND FRANCE 30 16 14.54 5.4626 ICELAND POLAND 29 17 14.00 6.0027 GERMANY DENMARK 26 19 12.51 7.4928 SCOTLAND NETHERLANDS 12 12 10.00 10.0029 SWEDEN RUSSIA 48 1 19.96 0.0430 TURKEY ENGLAND 26 14 14.00 4.60


25

ROUND 12

RESULTS - SENIOR TEAMS

TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 241 PORTUGAL NORWAY 1 46 0.24 19.7642 ENGLAND FRANCE 33 8 16.97 3.0343 ROMANIA IRELAND 17 8 13.14 6.8644 HUNGARY DENMARK 14 39 3.03 16.9745 NETHERLANDS ISRAEL 12 41 2.32 17.0846 POLAND GERMANY 32 6 17.16 2.8447 SWITZERLAND SWEDEN 28 50 3.61 16.3948 SCOTLAND LATVIA 15 24 6.86 13.1449 GREECE TURKEY 26 20 12.18 7.8250 ICELAND BELGIUM 21 34 5.72 14.2851 BULGARIA RUSSIA 11 18 7.49 12.5152 ESTONIA SPAIN 24 5 13.75 4.25

ROUND 13 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 241 PORTUGAL ESTONIA 9 30 3.82 16.1842 BULGARIA SPAIN 30 3 17.34 2.6643 BELGIUM RUSSIA 36 23 14.28 5.7244 TURKEY ICELAND 10 30 4.03 15.9745 SCOTLAND GREECE 17 50 1.70 18.3046 LATVIA SWEDEN 0 53 0.00 20.0047 POLAND SWITZERLAND 33 37 8.50 11.5048 GERMANY ISRAEL 20 19 10.39 9.6149 DENMARK NETHERLANDS 8 19 6.28 13.7250 IRELAND HUNGARY 18 16 10.77 9.2351 ROMANIA FRANCE 23 32 6.86 13.1452 ENGLAND NORWAY 11 22 6.28 13.72

ROUND 14 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 241 PORTUGAL SWITZERLAND 33 15 15.52 4.4842 LATVIA GERMANY 17 19 9.23 10.7743 GREECE NETHERLANDS 18 26 7.17 12.8344 ICELAND HUNGARY 17 16 10.39 9.6145 RUSSIA ROMANIA 6 5 10.39 9.6146 ENGLAND SPAIN 29 4 16.97 3.0347 ESTONIA NORWAY 7 31 3.22 16.7848 FRANCE BULGARIA 9 8 10.39 9.6149 BELGIUM IRELAND 25 16 13.14 6.8650 TURKEY DENMARK 5 16 6.28 13.7251 ISRAEL SCOTLAND 18 7 13.72 6.2852 POLAND SWEDEN 12 18 7.82 12.18

ROUND 15 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 241 PORTUGAL ISRAEL 57 16 19.33 0.6742 DENMARK POLAND 35 14 16.18 3.8243 IRELAND SWEDEN 8 44 1.29 18.7144 FRANCE SCOTLAND 33 26 12.51 7.4945 NORWAY TURKEY 25 47 3.61 16.3946 BELGIUM ENGLAND 12 24 6.00 14.0047 ROMANIA BULGARIA 31 12 15.75 4.2548 ESTONIA HUNGARY 29 30 9.61 10.3949 NETHERLANDS SPAIN 44 10 18.44 1.5650 GERMANY RUSSIA 7 24 4.71 15.2951 ICELAND SWITZERLAND 51 33 15.52 4.4852 GREECE LATVIA 46 10 18.71 0.49

RANKING AFTER ROUND 151 FRANCE 199.682 NETHERLANDS 198.233 DENMARK 193.614 ENGLAND 193.055 SWEDEN 184.606 NORWAY 168.797 BULGARIA 167.608 BELGIUM 164.519 POLAND 160.7710 GERMANY 160.3511 TURKEY 151.7512 PORTUGAL 148.6713 ICELAND 147.3814 ROMANIA 146.5115 GREECE 140.7216 ISRAEL 134.4917 HUNGARY 133.2918 IRELAND 130.1419 SCOTLAND 128.5620 ESTONIA 126.1721 RUSSIA 108.0322 SWITZERLAND 105.1723 LATVIA 101.1324 SPAIN 97.65


26

ROUND 9

RESULTS - MIXED TEAMS

TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 261 GERMANY Bye 0 0 12 0.0062 LATVIA FRANCE 17 28 6.28 13.7263 POLAND ROMANIA 30 4 17.16 2.8464 SWITZERLAND ENGLAND 25 29 8.50 11.5065 RUSSIA DENMARK 21 18 11.14 8.8666 ISRAEL BELGIUM 11 6 11.85 8.1567 SWEDEN SPAIN 34 27 12.51 7.4968 WALES TURKEY 13 18 8.15 11.8569 SCOTLAND NETHERLANDS 14 8 12.18 7.8270 NORWAY IRELAND 20 20 10.00 10.0071 PORTUGAL CROATIA 11 20 6.86 13.14

ROUND 10 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 261 ISRAEL Bye 0 0 12 0.0062 SWEDEN RUSSIA 13 21 7.17 12.8363 ENGLAND WALES 15 16 9.61 10.3964 ROMANIA NETHERLANDS 27 13 14.54 5.4665 NORWAY LATVIA 23 32 6.86 13.1466 CROATIA GERMANY 41 13 17.51 2.4967 PORTUGAL FRANCE 0 33 1.70 18.3068 IRELAND POLAND 18 33 5.20 14.8069 SWITZERLAND SCOTLAND 27 3 16.78 3.2270 TURKEY DENMARK 19 9 13.43 6.5771 BELGIUM SPAIN 54 29 16.97 3.03

ROUND 11 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 261 BELGIUM Bye 0 0 12 0.0062 DENMARK SPAIN 46 4 19.44 0.5663 TURKEY SWITZERLAND 9 2 12.51 7.4964 SCOTLAND POLAND 16 4 14.00 6.0065 FRANCE IRELAND 38 11 17.34 2.6666 GERMANY PORTUGAL 28 9 15.75 4.2567 LATVIA CROATIA 15 29 5.46 14.5468 ROMANIA NORWAY 29 11 15.52 4.4869 NETHERLANDS ENGLAND 30 9 16.18 3.8270 RUSSIA WALES 22 12 13.43 6.5771 SWEDEN ISRAEL 9 44 1.42 18.58


27

San Jose (map), Hayden120 (retouch), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

RANKING AFTER ROUND 81 FRANCE 178.692 BELGIUM 158.223 ISRAEL 157.604 GERMANY 152.225 ROMANIA 150.996 NETHERLANDS 148.557 CROATIA 144.868 POLAND 144.489 TURKEY 138.4010 PORTUGAL 137.0411 DENMARK 135.3012 RUSSIA 127.3213 LATVIA 125.6814 WALES 123.5715 SCOTLAND 121.6216 SWEDEN 118.7917 SWITZERLAND 116.5118 NORWAY 109.1319 ENGLAND 106.7520 IRELAND 90.4421 SPAIN 70.13

ROUND 12 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 261 CROATIA Bye 0 0 12 0.0062 PORTUGAL NORWAY 13 22 6.86 13.1463 NETHERLANDS IRELAND 27 7 15.97 4.0364 WALES SCOTLAND 28 6 16.39 3.6165 TURKEY SWEDEN 50 7 19.55 0.4566 SPAIN ISRAEL 14 41 2.66 17.3467 BELGIUM RUSSIA 35 13 16.39 3.6168 DENMARK ENGLAND 18 5 14.28 5.7269 ROMANIA SWITZERLAND 42 3 19.10 0.9070 POLAND LATVIA 53 18 18.58 1.4271 GERMANY FRANCE 10 8 10.77 9.23

ROUND 13 TEAM 1 TEAM 2 IMPs 1 IMPs 2 VPs 1 VPs 261 LATVIA Bye 0 0 12 0.0062 ROMANIA GERMANY 23 21 10.77 9.2363 FRANCE ENGLAND 35 6 17.68 2.3264 POLAND RUSSIA 21 8 14.28 5.7265 ISRAEL SWITZERLAND 30 13 15.29 4.7166 SWEDEN DENMARK 22 5 15.29 4.7167 WALES BELGIUM 3 38 1.42 18.5868 NETHERLANDS SPAIN 33 3 17.84 2.1669 TURKEY NORWAY 11 2 13.14 6.8670 CROATIA SCOTLAND 14 24 6.57 13.4371 IRELAND PORTUGAL 11 30 4.25 15.75

QUALIFIER FOR WORLD TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS & …

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