There is one card in the bidding box that frequently leads to more trouble than all the rest put together, especially when the name of the game is match points. No, not the one calling for the tournament director, the card I am talking about is the one with a rosy hue.

The first session of the Generali World Masters saw it being waved on many occasions, with varying degrees of success. This is a board we looked at yesterday:

Board 7. Dealer South. Game All ª 7 5 © A 9 4 3 ¨ J 8 6 5 2 § 4 3 ª Q J 10 8 4 2 ª A K 9 6 3 © 8 2 © Q J 10 6 ¨ 7 4 ¨ 3 § 10 8 7 § A K 5 ª — © K 7 5 ¨ A K Q 10 9 § Q J 9 6 2

With little to guide him, George Mittelman did not find the heart lead, but perhaps you should. After all, partner is hardly likely to be doubling on the strength of tricks in spades after this auction. Helgemo quickly wrapped up eleven tricks and -750 did not trouble the scorers - at least as far as East-West were concerned.

Board 9. Dealer North. EW Game ª 9 8 2 © J 8 5 3 2 ¨ 9 5 2 § 5 4 ª K J 10 6 5 3 ª A Q 7 4 © K Q 10 © 9 6 4 ¨ — ¨ Q J 10 8 4 § Q J 9 7 § 8 ª   © A 7 ¨ A K 7 6 3 § A K 10 6 3 2

It was not unusual for North-South to go for 800 in Five Clubs doubled, but Abecassis found a way to get a better score.

By passing over 4NT and then bidding on, he persuaded South to double.

There was nothing to the play, declarer losing only a club and a heart to record +850.

Board 10. Dealer East. Game All ª K © J 10 8 7 ¨ A 5 3 § Q J 10 3 ª Q 8 6 5 3 ª A 10 4 © 9 4 3 © Q 6 5 ¨ 10 6 ¨ Q J 9 2 § 9 6 2 § A K 7 ª J 9 7 2 © A K 2 ¨ K 8 7 4 § 8 5

Robson did well to reopen, although he did not find any support for his action from Zia, who thought the king of spades was a dubious value. If Helgemo could have taken a look at his partner's hand, he would have passed in sleep, but when he decided not to convert the double, East was quick to pounce. This time the red card paid off, and declarer finished two down, -500.

Results	Contents
Men2, Men3 Women1, Women2 Juniors1, Juniors2	The Next Generation The Big Red One The Longest Day