DUBROVNIK TOURNAMENT MARCH 2007

For many years now Mercian Travel has been running bridge holidays to Dubrovnik.  During this time we have always extended a warm welcome to local players to join us and over the years many of them have taken up this offer.  Locally there are two clubs, one in Dubrovnik and the other in nearby Mlini, both of which normally attract 4-5 tables.  Consequently they are delighted to be able to join in with the Mercian group to play against more opponents in a greater variety of events.

As part of this process, the Dubrovnik Bridge Club was keen to start a tournament that would attract players from all over Croatia and last year they approached Mercian to se if they could assist as the local club did not have the premises or the equipment to run such an event.  Mercian indicated that they would be happy to assist and so the Dubrovnik Pairs Tournament was born in 2007 and attracted around 16 tables.

This year, the event was repeated using the bridge room in the 5-star Hotel Argentina in Dubrovnik where the Mercian group was based. It was organised as a two session event with 2 qualifying sections on the Friday evening followed by a Final & Consolation Final on the Saturday afternoon.  As well as the Mercian group and the local players there were pairs from all over Croatia (including the former pairs champions of Croatia), Bosnia, Montenegro and even the Netherlands amounting to over 20 tables – truly an international event.

The Croatians tend to play a system similar to Standard American with a strong no-trump and 5-card majors which they describe as the Zagreb Club.  But in this case, Acol triumphed with 3 of the major prizes in the final going to members of the Mercian group.

One hand from the final illustrated the fine line between success and failure at match-point scoring.

Vul         NS                                     ♠ AK64

Dealer    E                                        ♥ AJ986

                                                        ♦ 42

                                                        ♣ QJ

♠ T973                                                                                       ♠ QJ852

♥ T5                                                                                          ♥ KQ432

♦ QJ6                                                                                         ♦ -

♣ K863                                                                                   ♣ 974

                                                        ♠ -

                                                        ♥ 7

                                                        ♦ AKT98753

                                                        ♣ 52

At most tables EW were silent and NS ended up in 3NT making 10 or 11 tricks (630 or 660)

However at one table the bidding went: -

W                        N                         E                          S

                                                        2♠1                       3♦

3♠                        4♥                        Pass2                    5♣

Pass2                    5♦                        Pass                     Pass

X3                        All Pass

1.           Lucas Two showing 5 spades and another 4+suit

2.           Wisely resists the temptation to double

3.           Thinking he had a club and a diamond trick and surely partner could supply a third!

Aggressive bidding by EW had ensured that NS missed their best spot of 3NT and a final contract of 5♦ contract making 11 tricks would have given EW a top.  Unfortunately, the final double gave NS a score of 750, and a bottom to EW.

The overall winners were Gene Miller & Barbara Wallis.  The prize for the leading pair of ladies went to Shirley Prior & Nancy Taylor while Brenda Wileman & Derek Bendle won the award for the best mixed pair.  The only prize from the final that was not won by members of the Mercian group was that for the highest placed junior pair!

It was particularly pleasing to see how gracious the local players were in response to Gene and Barbara’s success.  When they were called forward to receive their trophy, the men all stood and applauded them.  Chivalry is still alive in Croatia.

Barbara & Gene have also accepted an invitation from the Dubrovnik Bridge Club to become members.

The event attracted extensive media coverage, featuring on national television in Croatia, in papers and magazines.

After the award ceremony, many of the Mercian group joined with the local players fro a traditional Croatian night out in the Konoba Vinica (a local inn).  The meal started with aperitifs (various local brandies), followed by a selection of local hams & cheeses, then soup.  The main course was grilled lamb & veal which was then followed by traditional apple pie and finally coffee.  All washed down with a never-ending supply of local wine!  The evening, and indeed the whole tournament was voted a great success by all who attended and it will be repeated in 2009.  So book early and join MERCIAN in five star luxury for this outstanding International event that attracts players from at least five different countries.

Pictures during the Tournament

Prize giving

The Winners

Pictures from the Dinner