What is your most memorable bridge deal? A grand slam? Your first squeeze? The deal that cemented a victory? It will usually be something at a high level and dramatic.
Not so for 97-year-old Bob Schmidt of Elyria, Ohio. He recalls the diagrammed deal (with spot cards approximate).
He likes to use the Simmelkjaer Bidding System, which he learned when at Yale after reading Harold E. Simmelkjaer’s book, “Handbook on the Theory and Play of Championship Contract Bridge.” But this present partner did not know it.
After North opened one diamond, Schmidt, liking his 14 points, made a two-heart strong jump shift. Unfortunately, though, partner played weak jump shifts, and so, disliking his heart void, he passed!
West, not wishing to lead away from an ace, started with a low diamond. Schmidt was initially distraught to be playing in a 4-0 fit, but did not give up hope. He realized that he needed the suits to split favorably.