There were 25 teams competing in the trials, teams were ranked by seeding points: a combination of MPs, Nationals results, and other qualifying events over the past year. The 3 top teams received byes into the later rounds. The remaining 22 teams were divided into two groups of 11 teams. Our team was seeded 21st (of the 25) and 9th in our group of 11. There would be two round-robin sessions. In the first round-robin, teams would face each of the 10 opposing teams in their own group. The lowest 3 teams in the standings in each group at the end of the matches would then be eliminated. The remaining 16 (of 22) teams would then face the 8 teams still remaining in the opposite group. That way, each team would play everyone still in the event. Since there were 3 teams with byes to different stages of the even, only the top 9 teams after the 2nd round-robin would advance to the knockout stage. Each team's score would be carried over from the first round robin (with some minor adjustments) so it was important to do well in each session.

Since we were ranked in the bottom 3 in our group, we were not expected to qualify "by the numbers". Since we were only playing 7 board matches, however, anything was possible and several upsets were predicted. There were daily bulletins (similar to regional and national tourneys) and there was an amusing section where some of the contributors would make selections on which teams would advance. Surprisingly, our team was picked to advance out of the first round, though we were not seeded to do so.

Each group was selected in advance, so we knew which teams we would face in the first group. Each pair had to document unusual methods in advance, there were a number of odd systems, many more so than ours, believe it or not.

Play began on Friday, June 1st. There was the usual pre-tourney chaos with people milling about waiting for their assignments. Kibitzers were allowed, but only in the "Open Room". Each team had one pair in the open room (a typical conference room type atmosphere) and one pair in the "Closed Room", these were just hotel rooms. Matches were drawn two at a time --- we got the worst possible draw to start --- drawing the top 2 seeds in our group. It was game time.

The first difference from a standard tourney was immediately apparent --- the use of screens. It was my first experience with them. They are very low tech, basically a wooden barrier dividing the table in two. There is a wooden tray with slots where your place your bids (as you would on a regular table). The tray is then slid back and forth between the two sides. The barrier stays in place during the bidding, a window is lifted during the play. There are no verbal alerts, you must use the alert card for your alertable calls --- and your partner's. Questions and their responses are written on note paper. If there is a discrepancy between explanations, the director may be called. It is eerily quiet but you get used to the screen pretty quickly.

Our first match was not a success. I messed up a response and we missed an easy slam. David Berkowitz and Larry Cohen were at the other table and had no such mixup. Berkowitz found a great lead that I did not to defeat a game and the rout was on. We got blitzed (though we didn't know it just yet, no comparisons until both matches are played). The 2nd match was one of lost opportunity. I had won a big swing for our side in the bidding on the hand below; but failed to capitalize during the play with a costly blunder. Here was my hand: J AKT9853 ---- QJ753

I was the dealer and our opponents were vulnerable. There are a number of approaches but this hand fits into our conventional 2 bids and can be described fairly accurately. I chose that route hoping our system would generate a swing. The auction quickly escalated:

Me	LHO	Bill	RHO
2(1)	2	3	4

(1) Our 2 bids show 10-14 HCP with 6+ in the named suit, a 2nd suit is possible.

The auction has proceeded perfectly. I have a powerful hand and Bill has shown values and a fit. I have a surprise for everyone and I hope to be able to play this hand doubled. Barring that, I hope to obtain a diamond ruff against a spade contract. I have a plan to accomplish both goals. I will bid 5. Bill will think this is a side suit but he has limited his hand and will not do anything too crazy. I'm willing to play 6 if I have to so even if he raises me I can handle the follow-up. Here is the rest of the auction:

Me	LHO	Bill	RHO
5(1)	X	5	P
P	X	all pass

The opening lead is the K and a great dummy hits: 9864 QJ4 Q86 A96

This one looks like an easy make. The major complication is if hearts are 3-0 and club 4-1. If you're watching closely, you may spot another danger. The first few tricks go (too) quickly:

K, 4, 3, J
A, 6, T, 8
A, 2, 4, 7
K, 6, J, 2
Once hearts split, I (prematurely) relaxed. Had I looked for other dangers I'd have seen a 100% play from here. I just didn't anticipate a problem. Q, 3, 6, K
As soon as the card left my hand, I realized that if RHO held 5 clubs I was going down in my cold game. Sure enough, LHO discarded and I found myself with 2 more club losers and only 1 trump in dummy. The correct play which ensures the contract, is to win the 2nd heart in dummy and lead a LOW club. No matter which defender has 5 clubs I can escape. My 2nd major error in 2 matches; I hoped there would not be too many more.

Amazingly, Bill held another crazy hand in the same match: AQT653 --- AQ9853 9 This was the auction

LHO	Me	RHO	Bill
1	2	P	2
3	X	P	3
P	3NT	P	4
P	4
all pass

As expected, I held hearts and clubs, and the hands didn't fit well. Looking at all four hands, there was a chance but the contract went down 1. This match was closer and we had opportunites to win but we lost again and after 2 matches, our team was last in the standings.

The one positive was that we'd played the two toughest teams (on paper), and while there were no gimmes, maybe we'd have better luck. We were still in good spirits, joking that if the organizers had offered us our money back (or part of it), we'd have to decline because we wanted to score an IMP first! (We'd been shut out the first 2 matches). As an underdog, several of the top teams were rooting for us to advance, hoping we could knock out more experienced foes, an understandable hope. Periodically they'd check in when I ran into them in the halls to monitor our progress. I got a kick out of that. We had better news for them in our subsequent matches. (additional parts to follow).