This set started quietly with no major swings through the first six boards - in fact four of them were pushes. But everything started falling apart for Denmark on Board 7, and the devastation never stopped.

Board 39. Dealer South. Game All ª A Q 6 3 © 6 5 4 ¨ Q J 7 § Q 6 2 ª J 10 9 ª K 8 7 5 © J 10 8 © A 9 3 2 ¨ A K 10 3 ¨ 6 4 2 § J 8 4 § 10 5 ª 4 2 © K Q 7 ¨ 9 8 5 § A K 9 7 3

The Danes stopped in 1NT in the Open Room, making exactly seven tricks. Here the opening lead was the ¨A followed by a low diamond to dummy's jack. Carmichael led a heart to the king, Then cashed the §A and §Q. When he led another heart, East rose with the ace, and the defense got their two diamond tricks. But that was all - Carmichael claimed the rest for an 11-IMP pickup.

The Americans gained a slam swing on Board 41.

Board 41. Dealer North. EW Game ª A 6 4 3 2 © 10 9 ¨ 10 7 6 § Q 8 6 ª Q 10 ª K J 9 © Q 8 5 3 © A J ¨ A J 2 ¨ K 4 § K 9 7 3 § A J 10 5 4 2 ª 8 7 5 © K 7 6 4 2 ¨ Q 9 8 5 3 § —

Eric Greco's 3§ bid was the key - it effectively solidified Chris Willenken's trump holding. Konow started with a spade to partner's ace and a spade came back to the queen. Willenken correctly guessed to play the §K first, and he drew trumps in three rounds. The successful diamond finesse gave him a parking place for his losing heart. Since Denmark stopped in 3NT at the other table, USA 2 gained 12 IMPs. Seven more IMPs came the USA way on the next board - East at both tables was down two at 4ª -- but Denmark was doubled. Then America made 3NT with an overtrick on Board 45 while Denmark went down - 12 IMPs. Ten more IMPs came on the next board when USA 2 made 4ª and Denmark went down.

That's the way it went. By the time Board 48 was played, the match was effectively over - the Americans led by more than 100 IMPs.