BRIDGE

John Comyn

THIS is so hard to believe. The senior trials were played in Limerick over the weekend. I thought I was seeing things when I noted that just four teams took part. And of course it was a virtual walkover by the top seeds.

Now it is my belief that the venue selection had a lot to do with this. Or was the clash with the excellent Kilkenny Congress another contributory factor?

The return to the Springhill Court Hotel was a big success. The staff coped brilliantly with the big number of players who turned up. And full marks must go to Marion Kilbride for her tremendous work as president and chief organiser.

One point I would like to mention. I don’t like the idea of four matches in the first session and only three in the second. We finished far too early and I don’t think it is good value anyway. This idea has become too prevalent at too many congresses.

The National Master pairs is scheduled for the Bridge Centre this coming weekend. Entries in the usual way online.

And so we arrive at this week’s hand. And I ask: when is a 4-4 fit better than 6-4?

This hand came up during the week.