BRIDGE

approach-forcing method versus the Official (or OneTwo-Three) System.

The battle lasted for the scheduled 150 rubbers, and the ultimate victors were the Culbertsons by a goodly margin.

Newspaper coverage of the dramatic match was widespread. Virtually every paper in the country carried a report each day. As the match progressed, millions of cardplayers were converted to contract bridge.

Lenz had long been an auction-bridge star and had written many books that were well-received. The Culbertsons, though not as well known to the public, had compiled an enviable tournament record.

The young, dynamic Jacoby was considered the best of the upcoming crop.

The hand shown, though it had little impact on the outcome, is nevertheless of interest as an example of a seldomused play.

The bidding is hard to explain, judged by presentday standards, but was part of the Lenz-Jacoby system. The final contract of three hearts was perfectly acceptable, considering the partscore of 30.

Lenz (South) played low from dummy on the opening club lead. When East won with the king, Lenz was careful to play the queen on it! Culbertson then shifted to a diamond.

Mrs. Culbertson (Jo) took the queen and continued with a diamond to South's ace. Lenz now led the six of clubs, finessed dummy's ten and discarded a diamond on the club ace.

Eventually, he lost a heart and a spade to make exactly nine tricks and score a vulnerable game.