You might expect me to make a beeline for Board 3 where two pairs landed a nice grand slam in spades. One of those pairs was mine and I prefer to draw a veil over the bidding where both my partner and I thought each other’s bids meant something completely different from what was intended. Anyway, we blundered our way to 7S and our rocky route tempted an opponent to double, giving us a top. Our own bidding aside, it’s a slam that should be bid, as witnessed by Ray/Anwar also bidding it and every EW pair making 13 tricks in spades. However, my eye was further caught by Board 17, where a solo 6C was made that was a thing of beauty. Bid and made on just half the points! How it was bid – that’s another matter. I have my suspicions that a highly competitive auction, with the opps bidding in the majors, may have bounced them into 6C thinking it was a good save. I apologise if my suspicions are wrong but with some NS making 10 tricks in Hearts (although not bid and made) you can understand my thoughts. At first glance 12 tricks look daunting but, as soon as the first diamond trick is played and the King appears, the hand becomes easy with a marked finesse against the Jack. Well done, Ray and Anwar, you get the gold cup anyway!