So here we are, the last column before Christmas.

The Christmas party which was held last Saturday was by all accounts a huge success on all levels. The food and entertainment received plaudits, and from looking at the photos on the website the main room at the club was surprisingly transformed into a really nice setting for a party, so well done all.

The subsequent string of emails from various partygoers trying to locate personal effects left behind on the night suggest that alcohol was served, but I am assured that it was in moderation.

Today’s hand came up at the 2013 US Bermuda Bowl trials, and it is a great hand not only on the bidding, but also in the declarer play. Follow it carefully and I know you will enjoy it.

? J984

?J53

? Q98

? K75

? Q10 ? AK52

? AKQ1087 ? 4?

? K75 ? AJ106432

? A2 ? 8

? 763

? 962

? -

? QJ109643

The bidding in the Open room was long, but good :

West East

1H 2D

2H 3D

4D 4NT

5D 5H

5S 6D

7C* 7D

*North doubled this

The first five bids were Natural, 4NT was RKC Blackwood, 5D showed three key cards, 5H asked for the trump queen (and confirmed all five key cards), 5S denied, 6D was to play, 7C said I have a lot more than you think, and 7D concluded the action.

The Closed Room bidding was slightly shorter:

West East

1H 2D

3D 3S

4C 4NT

5D 7D

7NT

Three spades and 4 clubs were cuebids, 4NT was RKC Blackwood, 7 diamonds was to play and 7NT was a safety bid in case diamonds were not lying well and hearts were.

Now to the declarer play.

In the Open Room South led the Club queen after North’s double. Declarer, Michael Rosenberg, thought about this, wondered if North had doubled clubs to discourage the standard trump lead, and then got it right by playing the king of diamonds – 13 tricks.

In the Closed Room Zia also led the club queen. Declarer won the Ace and with no clues led a small diamond to the Ace. When South showed out declarer did not give up – he played on hearts and when they broke he ran them all, and North was squeezed to death.

Here is the situation with one heart yet to play:

? J984

? ?

? Q9

? ?

? Q10 ? AK52

? 7 ?

? K7 ? J10

? 2 ? ?

? 763

? ?

? -

? J109

When the last heart is played North has no answer, 13 tricks.

Except, it didn’t happen that way. At the table at trick three declarer led a low heart and inserted the 10. North won, and six club tricks later, declarer was down 7. 21 imps to the Rosenberg team.

Cruel, cruel game.

Happy holidays all!