DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

At the 2016 World Bridge Games in Poland, the United States Open team reached the knockout stage, only to be upset by Spain in the Round of 16.

The U.S. was upset in more ways than one. The match was marred when, starting the second half, Spain refused to play, alleging that Bathurst-Lall had an unannounced partnership understanding never to pass in third seat at favorable vulnerability. The championship committee found the allegation unsubstantiated. Spain was penalized 32 IMPs for lateness — later, in a controversial action, reduced to 10 IMPs for refusal to play. How this affected the U.S. players’ state of mind is uncertain, but the U.S. was outplayed and lost big.

The losses resulted from bad luck and shaky judgment. At one table in today’s deal, East for Spain opened one spade, and the U.S. South risked two diamonds despite “red” vulnerability. The worst-case scenario came to pass: After two passes, East reopened with a double, and West passed and led a spade. East won and continued spades, and when South ruffed with the ten, West threw a club.

If South had pounded away at trumps, he could have escaped for down one, but he tried the queen and a second club ... and East ruffed. The eventual result was down three, minus 800.

In the replay, the U.S. East opened one club, showing a strong hand. South bid two diamonds again, but after two passes, East bid his spades. EastWest made 3NT, but the U.S. lost nine IMPs.