The kirkwood Trophy

The Kirkwood Trophy was established in 1966 to honor the bridge player in D19 (Washington, British Columbia and Alaska) who did the best during each calendar year thereafter. For the first few years it was awarded to the player from District 19 who won the most points without regard to what tournaments were included. However, when the District welcomed World Champion Paul Soloway as a resident of Washington State, it was soon decided that the trophy should be awarded based solely on performances at D19 Regionals. 

This year’s contest was decided at the Vancouver Regional this November. Pat Dunn, Bellevue WA. clinched the trophy when he and I, won the Open Pairs on Friday. It is the second year in a row that Pat has won this trophy! That is quite an achievement, considering the large numbers of good players that lives in this area. 

The following hand contributed towards Pat’s success.

Open Pairs. Afternoon session. Board 33. Dealer North. None Vulnerable. 

 

West Michael				East Pat
♠	Q106			♠	A875
♥	Q96			♥	A10
♦	J			♦	AKQ10732
♣	KJ8542			♣

 

This was the auction.

 

West	North	East	South
	1♥	DBL	2♥
3♣	Pass	3NT	Pass
Pass	Pass

 

When South found the low spade lead, Pat was on his way to making five no trumps for a great score. Making eleven tricks, +460 was good for 24- match points out of 26.

These were the hands.

 

 

Dealer: North Vul: None		North
		♠	K2
		♥	KJ743
		♦	64
		♣	AQ76
West Michael				East Pat
♠	Q106			♠	A875
♥	Q96			♥	A10
♦	J			♦	AKQ10732
♣	KJ8542			♣
		South
		♠	J943
		♥	852
		♦	985
		♣	1093

 

Congratulations Pat, for a great year and wish you many more to come. Thanks for the enjoyable game.