We first played in the Vilnius Cup the year after we met the Lithuanian team when they were here as guests of the English Bridge Union. We played both in 1990 when Russia still laid claim to Lithuania as part of the USSR, and again in 1991 when control had ended but life was still very difficult for this emerging nation. We enjoyed a non bridge-playing visit in 1993, and then in 1997 played in the Vilnius Cup once more. This year we returned to Vilnius for this event.

Our impression is that life has improved beyond comparison. People seem happy, the city is bustling, and the shops are full of goods of fine quality. There are supermarkets all over the city offering a greater variety of fresh produce than one would find in the largest of supermarkets in England.

This year the bridge was held in the Hotel Conti in the Old Town. We enjoyed wonderful hospitality from our friend Andrius Samalius, but we noticed that a double room in the Hotel Conti cost about £40 for the room, and the price of most things that a tourist would need to purchase, was about one-fifth of the price in the U.K. On the other hand, prize money totalled 6,750 Euros. English is spoken in hotels and restaurants and the language of the congress is English. However, before you rush to book, thinking that you will come away with a profit, I have to warn you that the standard is high. The event attracts the best pairs from the Baltic States, Russia, Belarus, Poland and Finland. We were pleased to hold our own in the pairs, but were wel down in the teams!

Oh, I almost forgot. A bridge hand!

J73
J543
AQT
J32

AQ98
AQ6
K87
Q64

Try your declarer play in 3NT on the lead of the 7 after your left hand opponent has overcalled your strong no trump showing hearts and a minor. Whether or not you rise with the J, your right hand opponent plays 9. We found this hand instructive, a euphemism for "we failed to make the contract", whilst the Lithuanian player Poska won with Q, crossed to dummy with Q and later with A to take the double spade finesse. This worked, but when the A was played the K did not drop. However, LHO had shown out of spades and diamonds, and so was then thrown in with a Club. After cashing his winners he was endplayed to lead a Heart into AQ.

The event made a very pleasant break in late September, and I would certainly recommend the experience. I would be happy to provide any further information to interested parties.

David Barnes.(decoycottage@btinternet.com)

Last updated: 27/11/2003