Monaco has won the 15th European Champions’ Cup in Zagreb: Pierre Zimmermann (pc), Dominik Filipowicz, Geir Helgemo, Tor Helness, Kristofer Martens, Franck Multon.
The second place goes to Heimdal BK (Norway): Allan Livgard (pc), Terje Aa, Perk Erik Austberg, Jan Tore Berg, Glenn Grotheim, Peter Tondel.
The third place to go BC Bamberger Reiter (Germany): Michael Gromöller (pc), Jörg Fritsche, Wojtek Gawel, Helmut Häusler, Rafal Jagniewski, Martin Rehder.
The 15th European Champions’ Cup was held in Zagreb (Croatia) from 10 to 12 November 2016.
The winning team receives the Trophy and the title of European Champion Club as well as the right to participate in the next edition.
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I refresh our knowledge on The Light Double
A Lightner double is a lead-directing double of an enemy slam contract. It frequently implies a void, and asks partner for a ruff. Generally speaking partner is asked to:
1. Lead dummy/s side suit, if one has been bid
2. Lead declarer’s side suit, if one has been bid
3. Make any other unusual lead-usually partner’s longest suit to get a ruff
Other Considerations
The Lightner double is not in effect if the opponents are sacrificing at the 6- ot 7- level. In those situations, its more practical to use regular penalty doubles.
Playing Lightner doubles, the opening leader can also infer what to lead if his partner did NOT double. For example, if the opponents bid a side suit en route to a slam contract and partner does not double, the inference is that partner does NOT want a lead of the enemy side suit.
Origins
The Lightner double is named for its creator, American player Theodore Lightner.
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I now feature an article which appeared in the World Bridge Bulletin written by Mark Horton, September 17, 2016.
Silence is Golden?
One of the toughest decision for a defender is whether or not to make a Lightner double against a slam. On the one hand it might be the only way to defeat the contract, but against that you might persuade your opponents to run to 6NT.
Take a look at the deal from the final set:
Board 19
Dealer South
E-W Vul
North
♠J
♥76543
♦Q7654
♣K4
West East
♠A ♠Q9543
♥K10982 ♥AQJ
♦K ♦AJ3
♣AQ9752 ♣86
South
♠K108762
♥ –
♦10982
♣J103
Open Room
West North East South
Helgemo Drijiver Helness Brink
– – – 3♠
4♣ Pass 4NT Pass
5NT Pass 6♣ Dbl
Pass Pass 6NT All Pass
Realising that South was threatening to ruff something East moved to 6NT. He won the diamond lead perforce in dummy, came to hand with a heart and advanced the eight of clubs. When South played low without a care in the world declare took his time before running it. His reward wa +1440.
Closed Room
West North East South
Muller Multon De Wijs Zimmermann
– – – 3♠
4♠* Pass 5♦ Pass
5♥ Pass 6♥ All Pass
North led the jack of spades and West won with the ace and played two rounds of clubs.
North won with the king, but declarer had the rest, 1430 and a flat board.
Will South live to regret his double?
Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@yahoo