Day 7
Tired but unhappy… it is hard to motivate a team playing for nothing but pride.
We might have achieved Scotland’s highest ever finish – but we shall not. The Denmark match is quite dull, but we snatch a small defeat from the jaws of victory with a late collapse. I try to rouse their spirits against Germany – we might hoist Norway into bronze position with a good win – another late collapse. And so to Slovakia, where I forget to get them to the table in time...
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Day 6
Last night I was interrupted in the middle of Captain’s Chores (filing; checking Convention Cards for next day; coping with Emails; posting Blog) by a power cut. Nothing to do but hit the sack and hope it is all different in the morning. Awakened by bright sunlight – or not, it is 4.30am and the lights are back on full blaze. Suddenly realise I have not put in the overnight lineup. Panic eases when I eventually remember I need not line up against Bye. Switch the lights off and...
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Day 5
Hope Athena has managed to catch her flight… she has certainly vanished.
Being a 4 man team will ease line-up decisions, but they must play 60 boards to-day. We really need to score above average for the 4 matches. We set out with high hopes against Turkey. Board 3 is a double-figure swing in all matches bar Netherlands/Slovakia:
♠ QT984
♥ 5
♦ AQ965
♣ Q4
EW Vul
Dealer S
EW can make 12 tricks in clubs but only 11 in hearts.
To beat 4S for sure East...
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Day 4
I watch the English match with Tosh, who, as English Coach, is suffering from divided loyalties. This is pleasure almost unalloyed. We lose a few imps on the first 2 boards, but then come charging through with a few game swings. Board 26 is the match talking point. Stewart, with Jack-free 5=2=5=1 20 count, hears partner open the bidding. He has a wee peek at the Grand, but soon settles in the cold 6NT. The English EW grind to a halt in 5D, which looks solid enough, but they find an inspired...
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