Those who watched the final match of the team trials were able to view bridge at its most thrilling. The Nickell team faced the Fleischer team: one of the strongest teams in U.S. history, facing a team that had beaten team after team of elite experts from the start of the competition.
The last day of bridge afforded the spectators "can't take your eyes away" hands. Every two to four hands, one team would overtake the other by a few IMPS. Near the end of the penultimate set, the Nickell team built up a moderate lead.
On the first hand of the last set, however, the Fleischer team met with disaster. One pair had a bidding misunderstanding, finally resting in 5 clubs redoubled. Down 1600 translated into a 19 IMP loss for the Fleischer team - and they never recovered.
Mike Cassel has thoughtfully delivered a column that details many of these fascinating hands. Thanks Mike! And - enjoy seeing how the best of the best do what they do in the heat of competition.
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