The whole event (and it was Nepochatich Memorial 2005) me and Ilya Ivanov (zzayats) struggled against of Krasnoyarsk's pair Vologdin - Lakhin.

These guys were also on average 60% and it was very surprising to compete with this pair.

In the fourth session, we lost 2 deals to them, and it was clear that we lacked.

Finally, last deal of the tournament came:



Bidding was fine until opponents have set 3 (which one off, and it would be a good result). But partner pressed 3 - in an aggressive style, apparently hoping for some stealing. But did not work - Opps showed Red Card on all that.

So, the last deal i found myself in 3 contract doubled, where, as it turned out, many tables just passed out this hand.

Lead - Jack of spades.


We have at least 5 losers - spade, two hearts and two diamonds, and must be reduced to 4. Plan the declarer play.

So, I let to the queen and went spade back. Fortunately, spade 10 fell, the right opponent took the spade ace and played King and Jack of diamonds. His partner grabbed a trick with the Ace and played diamond third time. Right opponent had no more diamonds, but he did not ruff, and discarded the small club. I have ruffed in my hand and ate the last defender trump with spade 9 on the table.

Position:


Opps have 3 tricks already, and 2 hearts seem to be lost too. However, I'm on the table and idea crossed my mind. King of hearts, no doubt, for the ace, as he opened 1, but the queen may not be. If I'm going small heart from the table, opponent will jump with a king (fearing the queen in my hand), and return club - only his partner will keep the high heart.

So I did, the opponent took king of hearts and playes low club, I took all the clubs and get the position:

I played spade and squeezed West. He chose heart for discard, diamond from table, and the Jack of hearts became 9th trick.

Yes, the defense was not brilliant, but it's not so easy to destroy the squeezes.

This deal has become crucial. 530 gave full max, and leading in the tournament with only 3 matchpoint advantage!