The EBU Spring Overseas Congress, sponsored by First for Bridge, is taking place in Tavira, Portugal. Tournament Director Chris Benneworth talks through the second day of events:
Having managed the pre-Congress Pairs without bidding boxes which were held up somewhere in customs, we were helped by the Portuguese Bridge Federation, who freighted five cartons containing eighty bidding boxes and sixteen sets of boards to a local depot near Alhoa, a half-hour taxi journey from Tavira. The relief when we saw the boxes of equipment was palpable, so we were able to set up the bridge room in good time for the first session of Swiss Pairs. Our grateful thanks go to José Zecurado, who arranged the collection and delivery of the bidding boxes and boards.
Once again, the weather in Tavira was very pleasant, with clear blue skies and a balmy 18oC, so it was ideal for sightseeing. As you travel towards the sea from the town, the area is given over to salt pans and waterfowl, including flamingos. Regular cones of sea salt dot the landscape. (Photograph from Len Williamson.)
The first five matches of Swiss Pairs were played on Tuesday; three in the afternoon and two in the evening. In the second match, on board 12, you hold S A 9 6, H A Q J 5, D A 6 3, C A K J and hear your right hand opponent open 2S (weak). After doubling for take-out, your partner bids 3C; what now? One player argued “there’s no point bidding RKCB, as I hold all the key cards,” so took the brave decision to bid 6C, rather than 5C. This turned out to be the right decision, as both minor suit queens were well placed. No one else bid the making 6C: congratulations to June and Stephen Murphy, playing in their first Overseas Congress. The full hand is on the results page for the Congress.
At the end of the day, Judi Lawson and Dan O’Farrell led the field with 84 VPs, having been in the lead throughout the day. What will Wednesday bring?