It did not look that exciting when I was able to join the kibitzers near the end of the first sixteen boards as Wroclaw powered into a 46-5 imps lead. But Glasvegas charged back in the second half and four big swings left the scored tied with six boards to play.
The next three boards were flat and then Glasvegas earned four imps when they made one notrump at one table and beat it at the other, but the final big swing went to Wroclaw on this hand:
The players did not know the running score although all the big swings were the result of actions at this table, so NS would have guessed the score was close but have no idea how close. Both the double of two spades and the subsequent pass are aggressive, and perhaps the need to make up the large half-time deficit was the major factor in both decisions.
This hand gave 11 imps to Wroclaw and, although Glasvegas made a valiant attempt on the final board, the Polish team ran out winners.
Congratulations to both teams on an excellent final.
This is the first title for Wroclaw and I'm sure that they'll be back to defend it when the next series starts in March. Why not be one of the teams that challenges them?
Thanks for your promotion of the match. Note that if I pass instead of double on this hand we lose 6 instead of 11 on the board and lose the match by 1 imp! At least I can sleep...:)
ReplyDeleteBTW I think 1D is the right bid on this hand and I should have done so. Not that it make my decision later any easier.
Cliff
Showing your roots - I think opening one diamond with such hand in a standard system is far more common in North America. I'm comfortable opening one club.
ReplyDeleteI suppose that board was a bit of a Cliff - hanger. Sorry Cliff! But it was very exciting watching your team rally to make it such a close encounter :)
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