Koaching with Beverly and Eric

Winning a Canadian Championship has its privileges. The CBF provides funding for all teams preparing for international competition by offering coaching sessions with Beverly Kraft and Eric Kokish. This married couple are leading writers, teachers and international coaches with impressive playing credentials.

Immediately upon our return from Penticton we were contacted by Bev and Eric and offered various coaching options. The onus is on each pair to agree to available dates and book times for online practice. Kiz and I chose several defensive lessons with Bev. Just when you think your partnership is quite solid, filled with sound agreements, Bev challenges you to think on an entirely different level. Our captain Michael also organized team games using Kokish hands.

Just this week our team played against Canadian experts Dan Jacob, Bryan Maksymetz, Robert Lebi and Nader Hanna. Eric emails all of the hands following the session. He highlights the action at both tables. Even more fascinating, he includes these real hands with bidding and play as they actually took place at international events. How would you fare against such partnerships as Zia and Hammond, Meckstroth and Rodwell?

There are always some challenging slam hands:

My LHO Robert Lebi opened 4clubs and Kiz bid 4S. I held: Kxxx AJxxx x AKx.

Having controls in all suits KCBW seemed to be the logical choice. Once all 5 keycards were confirmed I asked for specific kings and Kiz showed the heart King. I now confidently bid 7spades. To my dismay Robert promptly doubled. What could it mean? This was clearly a Lightner double informing partner if he finds the lead the grand will be defeated. From my hand the most likely scenario is an immediate heart ruff. With shaking hands I pulled to 7NT. Ferverently hoping for the Queen of hearts in dummy it was not to be. Kiz's hand: AQJxx Kx Axxx xx. Sure enough RHO had 6 hearts to the Queen and I did not have enough winners to bring home the grand slam. There was some small consolation in knowing the pull was correct. Time to count on teammates to save us! Joan Eaton produced the same lead directing double, and defended 7S doubled. Barb Clinton correctly led her longest suit, hearts, and a push board

Thanks very much to Dan, Bryan, Robert, and Nader for their time and effort. It was greatly appreciated.