Challenge 7V65 Main Analyses

Leading for the Gold

by Richard Pavlicek

Oh! How I long for the splendor of winter sports — the breathtaking ski jumps; the thrilling bobsled runs; the emotional finals in ladies figure skating; and, of course, the greatest spectacle of all, Paul Soloway on opening lead. That’s right, folks. Bridge is now recognized as a sport and may soon become an official medal competition in the Winter Olympics. Incredible. Not only is bridge a sport, but it’s a winter sport.

Hello-o-o? Am I alone in finding this ridiculous? By any logical reasoning, a sport is a physical activity, so bridge is no more a sport than knitting or collecting stamps. Nonetheless, what I believe has no bearing on the powers that be. Further, living in Florida now puts me at a great disadvantage, so next year I plan to move to Alaska so I can prepare for the 2006 Winter Games. Rest assured; I will never go down in an ice-cold contract again!

While millions (billions?) had their eyes on the Salt Lake Winter Games in February of 2002, these problems were presented as a contest with a mere 754 entrants from 102 locations.

The contest is now closed, but you can still challenge yourself and find your score immediately. As West, choose your opening lead from the options offered. Each option is rated on a 1-to-10 scale per my judgment. Bidding is Standard American, and you use standard leads.

So, what are you waiting for? Warm up your leading arm and aim for the gold!
If you have an Olympic future, you might win a valuable prize.*

*Prizes include a pair of gold figure skates, a sterling silver Olympic torch, and a bronzed Jamaican bobsled.
Winners must meet eligibility requirements of at least 18 years of age and a resident of Antarctica.
Employees of PavCo-on-Ice and their immediate families are ineligible.

Problem 1

IMPs	N-S Vul	`West` Pass All Pass	NORTH Pass 2 NT	`East` Pass Pass	South 1 NT 3 NT
10 8 4 2 A 10 9 3 9 8 Q J 4
	3 NT South

Your lead: 8 2 10 3 9 Q

Problem 2

IMPs	E-W Vul	West 1 All Pass	`North` 3 ¹	East Pass	`SOUTH` 1 3 NT
K J 10 6 5 J 10 8 4 A K 3 4
	3 NT South	1. limit raise

Your lead: K J 6 J 4 K

Problem 3

IMPs	Both Vul	West Pass Pass	North 2 4	East Pass All Pass	SOUTH 1 3
J 3 K 7 2 A J 8 6 4 8 6 4
	4 South

Your lead: J 3 2 A 6 4

Problem 4

IMPs	None Vul	`West` Pass Pass	`North` 2 4	`EAST` Pass Pass All Pass	`South` 1 NT 2
K J 10 4 5 Q 9 8 2 J 10 4 3
	4 South

Your lead: J 5 9 2 J 3

Problem 5

IMPs	N-S Vul	`West` Pass Pass	NORTH 1 NT 2 4	`East` Pass Pass All Pass	South 2 3
J 7 4 J 10 2 Q J 6 3 A 7 5
	4 South

Your lead: 4 J Q 3 A 5

Problem 6

IMPs	Both Vul	West Pass Pass Pass All Pass	NORTH 2 3 ² 4 5	East Pass Pass Pass Pass	South 2 NT¹ 3 4 NT 6
A 7 2 4 K J 9 5 4 3 10 9 2
	6 South	1. artificial force 2. feature

Your lead: 2 4 K 9 5 10

Click to see how you did

Challenge 7V65 Main Analyses Scores Top Leading for the Gold