All roads lead ...

The juniors had an excellent 28-13 IMPs win last night against experienced Scottish players. Perhaps most impressive was the fact that there was only swing above 5 IMPs and the youngsters were the beneficiaries.

And before we say that it was a flat set of hands, Italy beat Norway by 69-25 IMPs when they were played the first time in the 2002 Europeans.

Eleven tricks were made at all four tables on this hand but they all took a different route in the auction:



BBO Open Room



Gyles (South) took the direct approach.

BBO Closed Room



Eric (South) took the opposite view and it led to a slightly dangerous auction.

European Open Room



Duboin (Italy, South) also took the direct approach. Not a bad man to copy.

European Closed Room



Brogeland (Norway, South) had the most room but settled for a simple overcall and it is of some interest that he did not double. Note Lauria's choice of 1♦ as the opening bid.

This looks a simple hand but it is important for regular partnerships to establish their understandings in such auctions. Does doubling a pre-empt and then bidding a new suit show a GOSH (good one-suited hand) or does it show 'a flexible hand'.

More players are now using 'flexible' doubles over pre-empts. For example, for many Eric's 4♠ could be made holding a strong 5314 hand and Dee might be considering a club slam.

But, most importantly, partnership agreement is vital.