12th Bridge Olympiad - Istanbul 2004
Double DVD by New Bridge Assets

£17.99 inc p&p from the Mr Bridge Mail Order Service
Tel: 01672 519219 (code BN01)

Bridge players fall into two categories: those who like watching others play and those who only like playing themselves. Put me firmly into the first camp, which is why I received with enthusiasm this double DVD of the television series taken from the latest Bridge Olympiad held in Istanbul.

This is a kibitzer's dream with four and a-half hours worth of play, interviews and discussions on some of the more memorable hands taken from both the Open and the Ladies events. The presenters, Zia Mahmood and the delightful Sabine Auken, both make honest comments throughout, while the commentary on the play is provided by David Burn, in sparkling form as usual, with able assistance from Simon Cochemé.

Anyone new to the form which bridge takes at the highest level will be amazed at the screens and the self-alerts and the apparent impassivity of most of the protagonists, even if some of the bidding is a little hard to understand at times. The hand which I enjoyed most was taken from a quarter-final between the USA ladies and the Polish ladies, because it showed bridge at its best - and at its worst too, it has to be said, although the latter can clearly be put down to the nature of the occasion.

K 9 7 5   5   Q 9 7 5 2   J 7 2     A Q 10 4   Q 7 3   10 3   10 9 6 5   J   A K 9 4 2   A J   A K Q 8 4     8 6 3 2   J 10 8 6   K 8 6 4   3

The Polish ladies had languished miserably in 4 but the Americans showed them how it should be done and had a controlled auction to 7! Well done.

Trouble is, after a small spade lead from South, declarer lost her way somewhat and failed in her endeavour, which only goes to show how tiredness and pressure can take its toll on even the hardiest competitor.

There was another great hand which eventually had to be scrapped because cheers from the Vu-Graph room - the door of which had inadvertently been left open - could be heard in the playing area and affected subsequent bidding. All taken in good part and with humour from the players.

I really enjoyed watching this. The presentation is great, with some clever editing allowing you to see both the players and the cards at the same time, and you are always able to kid yourself that you would have played in the same immaculate fashion as Lorenzo Lauria, or Alfredo Versace, or any other of the great talents on display.

Dave Huggett

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