Pros and cons

Many teams in the 2018 Spingold had at least one player who was being paid. Most of the top seeds comprised an affluent amateur and five professionals. This is what top- flight bridge has become, and I will say that it leaves me dismayed. I regret seeing major team events won by someone who plays half of each match, then retires — and we find out who has hired the better professional cast that day. Moreover, the rise of “sponsors,” as they demurely refer to themselves, has fostered a culture that has seen the recent cheating scandals that shattered competitive bridge. The game has endured cheating episodes, but nothing like what occurred in this decade. And it’s all about money. Granted, some sponsors are capable players. Granted, I know of no pros who are suspect now; most are scrupulously ethical. But as long as pros are getting six- figure retainers, the incentive to cheat will persist. Players will risk expulsion, perhaps using innovative microtechnology, to get a piece of the pie. It is an evil state of affairs. In a close Spingold final, a European team captained by Piotr GAWRYS beat Andrew ROSENTHAL, but today’s deal saw a loss for GAWRYS. At one table, South for ROSENTHAL opened one heart, and North- South found their club fit and got to six clubs. West saved at six diamonds, minus only 500. In the replay, South for GAWRYS opened four hearts, an action that seems more suited to a pairs event. ROSENTHAL’s West judged well to pass — a bid of five diamonds must have tempted him — and East- West were plus 100 for 12 IMPs to ROSENTHAL.