Today was the round of eight, and we played a good team from California. Here were the scores, in terms of IMPs:
Quarter 1: 35-24
Quarter 2: 44-13
Quarter 3: 43-28
Quarter 4: 49-77
As you can see, going into the 4th quarter, we had a pretty large advantage. In the last set, the IMPs were just flying. In fact we nearly lost. The pair we played bid a grand slam on a finesse. Fortunately for us, the finesse lost. We gained 17 IMPs on that board. If the finesse had won, we would have lost 13. That’s a 30 IMP swing. Our total margin was only 28. So despite our 57-IMP advantage after three quarters, we could have lost it. It was a wild last set.
The coolest part is that tomorrow, in the final four, we get to play with screens. I have never played with screens! I am so friggin excited about that! Screens are generally only used in the finals of the big events. I am definitely bringing my camera – i’ll try post a picture of us using screens in a few days.
My birthday wish (my birthday is “today” – Saturday), was to still be in this event on my birthday. I have everything i want – playing good bridge, playing with my favorite partner, in a fun city (even if it is a bit smelly in places).
Life is good.