The Macallan competition was played in London during January 1999, and carried a sizeable purse. All the "who's who in Bridge" were there. 16 pairs participated and the scoring was IMP. The result of each match were compared with the average of the 8 tables in play (the datum) and the resultant score was then converted to IMP's. In effect, your "partners" at the other table was the average of the 8 matches.

 

On day 1, Zia/Robson were pitted against Hamman/Soloway when this hand arose:

 

Board 12; Dealer West; N/S Vulnerable

Robson 93 KQJ10 A842 1095   Hamman 7 A8763 KQJ Q743   Soloway KQ8654 942 75 62       Mahmood AJ102 5 10963 AKJ8

West Hamman 1 2 Pass North Robson Pass Pass Pass East Soloway 1 2 Pass South Zia Pass Dble   Justin Hackett, playing with Nichola Smith had a similar auction save for the last double. Smith was -3, making two hearts, two diamonds, and a club.   What happened to Hamman?

Against Hamman, the defense was merciless. Robson led the trump king. Hamman won the second trump play and led a spade. Zia won the ace and returned a diamond to Robson's ace. Robson cashed his two remaining trumps, and exited with a diamond. Hamman cashed the third diamond, and was forced to play a club from hand. This Robson won cheaply with the nine and he pressed the fourth diamond. Zia made three more clubs for 4 down, 800, and a well-earned 11 IMP's. For the record, Mahmood/Robson finished in 5th place with Hamman/Soloway close on 6th. What is funny is that both pairs shared the same spoils of £750!