Vanderbilt 2013

At Achray House near Loch Earn me and Anna watched some of the North American Bridge Championships. The winning team featured Sabine Auken, from Germany, and Roy Welland. Here's a hand which prompted Anna to say "looks like magic, they must be cheating".

EW vul W deal ♠ 4 2 ♥ 9 6 ♦ J T 9 5 ♣ K Q 7 6 4 ♠ J 5 3 ♥ Q 5 4 3 ♦ K Q 8 6 3 ♣ 2 6 8 13 13 ♠ K Q 8 6 ♥ A T 7 2 ♦ A 4 ♣ 9 8 5 ♠ A T 9 7 ♥ K J 8 ♦ 7 2 ♣ A J T 3

Auken Welland W N E S - - 1♣ - 1♥ - 2♥ 2♠ - 2NT - 3♣ - - -

This is a board from the Semi-final. Everyone plays Strong NT and 5 Card Majors, so East opened 1♣. West replied 1♥, and East raised to 2♥.

South now knows that East has a minimum opener, and knows West isn't too strong as he's a passed hand. South can't double though (that would show minors), so comes in with 2♠. North replies 2NT, and South correctly interprets this as minors and bids 3♣, passed out.

One expert commentator said "NS seem to be on the same wavelength here", and the other added "it's like stealing, well done by South".

3♣ made. On the other table EW played 3♥+1, so overall it was a 7 IMP gain for Team Auken, who went on to win the semi-final and the final.