The United States has two teams in the 2013 Bermuda Bowl, starting next week in Bali, Indonesia. One (Fleisher-Kamil, Martel-Zia, Rosenberg-Willenken) has international experience. The other includes two youthful pairs (Kevin Bathurst-Kevin Dwyer, John Kranyak-Gavin Wolpert) plus a seasoned duo (Levin-Weinstein).
The stunning victory by the four youngsters in the Trials suggests an impending changing of the guard in U.S. bridge. The junior program begun by the American Contract Bridge League is bearing fruit.
In the Trials, the winners relied on a fearless competitive style, and some of their judgment was remarkable. In today's deal, West's (Bathurst's) preempt wouldn't have been my choice, nor would I have doubled four spades as East. But South went down two, minus 300.
In the replay, on the same auction, Kranyak, South, passed North's double for penalty! The defense took every possible trick, plus 800.
For Bermuda Bowl updates, see www.worldbridge.org.