The Cleopatras of Bridge

Our Egyptian stars are:
1. Lily Khalil; and
2. Maud Khouri

We first met our stars in Cape Town during the World Championship regional trials in December 1997. Since then our friendship solidified further when we visited them in Cairo (during a Ladies' evening at the Hilton, Cairo) and we exchange e-mails regularly and even play occasionally with them on OKB.

After the first round of Teams at Lille, Lily rushed to the closest OKB hook-up, and via the chat box exclaimed: "We beat your South African Ladies !!!". LOL. We accepted that statement with mixed feelings... yes, we love them.

The first hand featured comes from the daily bulletin of the 4th Generali Masters individual that was held in Ajjacio, Corsica, during 17-19 April, 1998. Partnering Liz McGowan, Lily was on lead:

Board 13, Game All, Dealer North.

Lily's hand KJ5 J72 K83 J764

This was the bidding: NORTH Lily Pass Pass Pass Pass EAST delor Pass 2 2NT SOUTH McGowan Pass Pass Pass WEST willard 1NT 2 Pass What would you lead?

 

KJ5 J72 K83 J764   642 KQ5 A97 AQ52 Q10 A643 J1064 1098   A9873 1098 Q52 K3

At another table Sabine Auken led the J. Unlucky this time. Cleopatra led the J!! McGowan, though puzzled by the appearance of the Q and 10 in dummy, wisely won the Ace and continued the suit. A shared top, while most of the other declarers were making 9 and even 10 tricks!

Just 15 days later, Cleopatra2 enters the Hall of Fame with a similar spectacular lead!

During the Arab Championships held in Hurgada, Egypt, Maud won her team a big swing.

J87 KJ10976 KJ9 109   KQ A83 A65 A7532 A9543 Q54 103 Q64   1062 92 Q8742 KJ8	The bidding: WEST 1 2NT Pass NORTH Maud 1 Pass Pass EAST 1 3NT SOUTH Lily Pass Pass Maud's spectacular lead of the J led to 2-down. This was a swing of 12 IMP's to Egypt since the game was made at the other table on the J lead. Declarer won the ace, unblocked the spades, and advanced a heart.
The Egyptians Ladies went on to win the championship.

So, dear reader, when you have a tough lead to make, try sifting through your jacks first.

Fortune may smile at you too....

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