The Old Master

All in all, the Old Master could not complain. After all, his team had overcome the disadvantage of the 8th seed and marched through the early rounds of the Spingold without too much difficulty. But now, a few boards from the conclusion of one of the lowest scoring finals on record, matters were looking somewhat bleak.

By his reckoning, they were down 20 to 25 imps to his former protégé and his highly paid pro team. The sponsor was long gone from the match, and the final pairs were all of the highest calibre.

Much had changed since that fateful phone call a few years back. Yes, he was incredibly grateful for all the times and successes they had enjoyed at the table, but now he wanted to move in a different direction.

The replacement was fifteen years younger than the Old Master, and, it must be admitted, a highly skilled player. But it still rankled to realize that others had noticed the almost imperceptible differences in the Old Master’s game.

Truth is, staying focused over week long (or longer) high level tournaments was harder than ever. Sleep had mysteriously become elusive, and now, occasionally, to the Old Master’s utter shock, the occasional “cow flew by” his table, where before that would have been impossible.

Still, this week had been a tremendous success. He had fought back the years, and played with a purpose and focus he had not enjoyed for some time.

But the circle was not yet complete. Lose this match, and the naysayers would have their day.

He picked up his cards for board 58, and saw QJ K10963 A943 AQ. Both sides vulnerable, he began proceedings with an offshape 1NT opening. His partner placed the contract in 3NT, and the lead was the spade ten.

 

North
♠	765
♥	A7
♦	KQ8
♣	98742
South
♠	QJ
♥	K10963
♦	A943
♣	AQ

 

His protégé led the spade ten to East’s king, and the deuce of spades was returned. West paused for some time, and shifted to the diamond seven, and the Old Master took stock. The club finesse had to be working, but still, that left only seven top tricks. If the diamonds could yield four tricks, that would bring the tally to eight – and maybe he could work some magic from there.

Spades were clearly 4-4; and East would need either KJ10 or KJ10x of clubs. In addition, east must guard the hearts, and the diamonds must run. It didn’t look good – seemed like east required at least fourteen cards for a squeeze to operate.

Nevertheless, the Old Master won the king in dummy, as east played the ten. That was hopeful. Perhaps east had J10 doubleton of diamonds. That would have to be presumed for any chance of success.

Still, the count had not been rectified – his protégé being too smart for that. To help the process along, the Old Master played dummy’s last spade, pitching a heart from hand. West won the trick and again refused to cash the defense’s fourth trick. The question now was would he find the killing defense of a heart shift.

The Old Master had done his best to disguise his hand in the auction and play, but it seemed to him a heart from west now should be forthcoming. (A heart play wreaks havoc with communications between declarer and dummy)

However his protégé fell from grace and another diamond hit the table. When east’s jack hit the table under dummy’s queen, It was all over in ten seconds. The Old Master next finessed the club; and ran the diamonds. East was forced to part with his last spade – lest he yield the game going trick in clubs or hearts, and now and only now, the Old Master could play ace and another heart – giving up a heart trick to east who was isolated from his partner’s setting trick.

East saw it all coming, and accurately unblocked his QJ of hearts – but this just meant an overtrick. Plus 630, and a reasonable chance of a thirteen imp pick up.

The full layout had been :

		North
		♠	765
		♥	A7
		♦	KQ8
		♣	98742
West				East
♠	A1098			♠	K432
♥	842			♥	QJ5
♦	7652			♦	J10
♣	65			♣	KJ10x
		South
		♠	QJ
		♥	K10963
		♦	A943
		♣	AQ

To be continued.