The Most Exciting Bridge Deals Ever Played

Bridge is a strategic card game that has captivated players for centuries. Its complexity and the level of skill required make it a thrilling game to watch and participate in. Throughout history, there have been several bridge deals that stand out as some of the most exciting ever played. In this article, we will explore these memorable moments and dive into the tactics and mind games employed by the players.

1. The Immortal Game

One of the most legendary bridge deals is often referred to as "The Immortal Game." It took place in 1977 during the Bermuda Bowl final, a prestigious international bridge tournament. Norberto Bocchi and Giorgio Duboin, representing Italy, faced off against Paul Soloway and Chip Martel from the United States.

The deal started innocently enough, with each pair trying to outbid the other to reach the optimal contract. However, as the bidding progressed, the tension escalated. The Italians, known for their fearless and aggressive style, pushed the boundaries to unearth valuable information about their opponents' hands.

The Hands of Time: The Most Exciting Bridge Deals Ever Played

by E-Train Learning (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5221 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

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As the deal unfolded, Bocchi and Duboin made several daring and counterintuitive plays that left Soloway and Martel puzzled. The suspense, combined with the players' calculated risks, created an electrifying atmosphere that had the spectators on the edge of their seats.

In the end, after a series of brilliant moves, the Italians managed to score a game-changing swing in their favor. The Immortal Game was etched in history books as a prime example of superior bridge skills and nerves of steel.

2. The Double-Squeeze

Among the most dazzling bridge deals ever played is the infamous Double-Squeeze. This hand occurred during the 1955 Fall Nationals, a prestigious tournament held in New York City. The players involved were Helen Sobel and Paul Hodge, a formidable partnership known for their excellent communication and precision.

As the cards were dealt, Sobel managed to gain control of the hand, setting up a potential double squeeze situation. Over the next few rounds, both Sobel and Hodge skillfully maneuvered their way through the bidding and play, keeping their opponents off balance.

As the final cards were drawn, Sobel executed a series of breathtaking moves that forced both opponents to let go of vital cards. This maneuver exposed a crucial weakness in their defense and allowed Sobel to claim an extraordinary number of tricks with her remaining cards.

The Double-Squeeze left the crowd in awe as Sobel and Hodge showcased their exceptional skills and ability to exploit their opponents' vulnerabilities.

3. The Grand Slam Gamble

When it comes to risky and audacious bridge deals, few can compare to the Grand Slam Gamble played during the 1968 World Bridge Championships in Deauville, France. The rivals in this high-stakes contest were regarded as two of the finest bridge players in the world: Bob Hamman and Zia Mahmood.

Hamman and Mahmood found themselves in a bidding war, both seeking to reach a vulnerable grand slam contract. Each player had a strong hand, but time was running out, and the tension in the room was palpable.

In a moment of intense calculation and daring, Hamman decided to make an all-or-nothing move. He gambled on a line of play that relied on the cards being in precisely the right distribution to score the necessary tricks. It was a tense moment as the cards were revealed one by one.

Incredibly, luck was on Hamman's side as the necessary cards fell favorably, allowing him to fulfill his ambitious contract. The Grand Slam Gamble became a widely discussed topic within the bridge community and showcased the sheer thrill and unpredictability the game can offer.

4. The Masterclass

Another captivating bridge deal took place during the 2007 World Mind Sports Games in Beijing, China. The final showdown featured two teams, Fantunes (composed of Fulvio Fantoni and Claudio Nunes) and Lavazza (led by Norberto Bocchi and Giorgio Duboin).

The bidding stage was a showcase of mind games and crafty maneuvers. Both teams exploited their opponents' tendencies and shaped the bidding to their advantage. As the play commenced, the tables turned on numerous occasions, leaving the outcome uncertain until the very end.

Throughout the deal, Fantunes showed incredible synchronization and communication, seamlessly understanding each other's intentions and executing masterful plays. The spectators were in awe as Fantoni and Nunes pulled off a series of exceptional moves that showcased their exceptional partnership.

In the end, Fantunes emerged victorious, leaving the crowd with a lasting impression of expert strategizing and unparalleled teamwork.

Bridge is a game that thrives on the thrill of each hand played. The most exciting bridge deals ever witnessed are a testament to the skill, strategy, and audacity of the players. From daring bids to breathtaking maneuvers, these remarkable moments in bridge history have left a lasting impact on both players and spectators alike.

Whether it be "The Immortal Game," the Double-Squeeze, the Grand Slam Gamble, or the Masterclass, these deals remind us why bridge continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It is a game where intelligence, psychology, and intuition converge, creating an unparalleled experience filled with excitement and intrigue.

The Hands of Time: The Most Exciting Bridge Deals Ever Played

by E-Train Learning (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5221 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

FREE

A fascinating collection of the 'best of the best', selected by one of the world's top bridge writers. Taken from nearly a hundred years of bridge history, these deals will provide any bridge player with hours of fascinating reading. Each of them has its own unique point of interest, sometimes deriving from a brilliant maneuver in the play or bidding, sometimes from the circumstances surrounding the deal or its consequences. Some of these deals decided a world title, some were important only to those who took part, and at least one ended a partnership...

A great gift for a bridge player.