One of the fascinating things about playing in a Regional Tournament or higher event is the multitude of systems and conventions employed. Obviously, some are more successful than others, but the pros or their equivalents always seem to get to the best contract.

Several years ago, Richard Wan and I are playing in the Orlando Regional evening Swiss event after being eliminated in the knockouts. As East-West, we move to a table that has Eric Rodwell and Dennis McGarry - WOW! Rodwell has been ranked as the world’s best player on many occasions and has over 45,000 MP’s. His partner is no slouch either with over 15,000 MP’s - talk about the sheep being led to the slaughter.

I can always back into a major suit contract if my partner has values. Eric Rodwell

“In first seat red, I must have at least two defensive tricks - I don’t. If I preempt, I may be robbing my partner of opening a strong hand,” he adds. “I can always back into a major suit contract if my partner has values,” he concludes. Next time you think about opening with a weirdly-shaped hand, think about Rodwell’s comments.

Fortunately, Rodwell’s comments stay with me as Adam Kaplan and I play in the Open Pairs event in the 2007 Palm Beach Regional. In first seat red, I hold no red cards, S-QJ10xxx and C-109xxxxx - YIKES. What do you open; 2 Spades, 3 Clubs, what? I remember Rodwell’s advice and pass. We get to 6 Spades, making seven and the hand gets analyzed the next morning by no other than Jeff Meckstroth - also World’s No. 1 many times.

Adam and I are playing in a side game and we face Meckstroth and Geoff Overby. Before our round begins, I ask Meckstroth what he would do with that oddball hand. He asks me what I did. I told him I passed, with which he nodded in agreement, and after LHO bid 1 Heart, Adam doubled. Without blinking an eye, Meckstroth says, “So you bid 4 Spades.” I nod in agreement. Jeff continues, “You bid what you thought you could make,” Again I nod yes. “How did it turn out,” Jeff asks. “I made seven,” I reply. “What’s wrong with that,” Jeff asks. “You probably took 65% of the points.” Case closed!

In a week in which I made Life Master, the morning session against Meckstroth and Overby is a fitting conclusion. In a round of 5 boards with a top of 4, Adam and I take 12 of 20. On the final board, I put Adam into a precarious 3NT contract. With 3 cards left to play, Adam has taken 8 tricks. He leads a card from dummy that he knows Meckstroth must win. Jeff mulls his next lead and then exposes his hand saying, “Adam, you have me.” Jeff holds the 8 and 6 of diamonds while Adam holds the 9 and 7. Three NT making four gives us the winning edge. As far as I am concerned, Adam and I have reached the pinnacle of bridge excellence. My feet never touch the floor as we move to the next table.

Sincerely, Jim Somma
 

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