At the Peek Freans 14th Asia & Middle East Bridge Championships in Karachi, Pakistan, two months ago, the senior teams final looked to be an easy win for India, who led over Pakistan after 40 of the 60 boards by 109 international match points to 62. But a stirring final session for Pakistan left the score at 143-143.
There would be a four-board playoff. Board 1 is in the diagram.
At the other table, Archie Sequira (West for India) opened one diamond. After North passed, Ashok Ruia (East) responded two clubs. Now, though, when Sattar Cochinwala (South for Pakistan) jumped to four hearts, it went pass — pass — five diamonds — all pass. Declarer lost one spade and one heart: plus 400 to India.
The second auction is given. Anwar Kamal (West for Pakistan) passed as dealer. His partner, Ghulam Muhammad, opened one club in the third position, and Subhash Gupta (South for India) jumped to four hearts. West made a negative double, but East passed, thinking it more likely that his side could win four tricks (to defeat four hearts) than 11 (to make five of a minor).
West led his singleton club queen, which was covered by the king and ace. To beat the contract, East had to shift to a trump (although he could have cashed the diamond ace first). When East returned a low club, declarer discarded his inevitable diamond loser. West ruffed, but now declarer could trump both of his low spades on the board. Another 590 to India gave them 14 imps on the board and eventually the playoff victory, winning by 24 imps to 6.
There would be a four-board playoff. Board 1 is in the diagram.
At the other table, Archie Sequira (West for India) opened one diamond. After North passed, Ashok Ruia (East) responded two clubs. Now, though, when Sattar Cochinwala (South for Pakistan) jumped to four hearts, it went pass — pass — five diamonds — all pass. Declarer lost one spade and one heart: plus 400 to India.
The second auction is given. Anwar Kamal (West for Pakistan) passed as dealer. His partner, Ghulam Muhammad, opened one club in the third position, and Subhash Gupta (South for India) jumped to four hearts. West made a negative double, but East passed, thinking it more likely that his side could win four tricks (to defeat four hearts) than 11 (to make five of a minor).
West led his singleton club queen, which was covered by the king and ace. To beat the contract, East had to shift to a trump (although he could have cashed the diamond ace first). When East returned a low club, declarer discarded his inevitable diamond loser. West ruffed, but now declarer could trump both of his low spades on the board. Another 590 to India gave them 14 imps on the board and eventually the playoff victory, winning by 24 imps to 6.