Owain and Henry by Foxymoron

 

"Not many people know that" is wrongly attributed to Michael Caine, whereas it was a practical joke played by Peter Sellers, and Michael never said it. Not many people know that a penalty of 1400 in bridge is known as an Owain, after the rebellion by Owain Glyndwr in 1400. This lasted 15 years and was the last Welsh War of Independence. On the following hand, EW could have notched up an Owain, and could have gone for a Henry  Instead West eventually reached a cold 6NT. But only after an indiscretion by South!

North opened 4H which was a bit frisky, but can only be taken for 1400, as the declarer must make 5 tricks, and West had an awkward bid when it came round to him. He doubled and when East bid 4S he tried 5D and bid 6C when East bid 5S. East passed that, but South doubled, hoping to get a heart lead. Probably the double asks for an unusual lead, but West was taking no chances and corrected to 6NT which could not be beaten. The swing on this decision was from -1100  to +1440 so the double was particularly injudicious, especially as North would have led a heart anyway and the defence would have taken the first five tricks. 1100 for 4 off doubled would have been a Henry, of course, as Henry I seized the throne in 1100 after the death of William II. 

 

Quite rare that an opening 4H, which can be taken for an Owain, would score average as several pairs reached 6NT!

A good turnout at the AGM and nice to see 9½ tables remaining for the bridge. Also excellent to see Roly Harris, a loyal member of the club for many years, winning with Ian Macleay with a fine score of 66%.