Board and tray signals

By Per-Ola Cullin

Two of the video posts on www.bridgecheaters.com contained the question “How did they find the heart lead?”. I noticed RS (for simplicity I will just use initials for Ron Schwartz and Lotan Fisher) placing the board under the screen in a peculiar spot prior to LF`s lead on both these boards. It prompted me to view the entire matches between Israel – Norway, Israel – Netherlands and Israel – Monaco in the 2014 European Bridge Team Championship.

These are my findings;

When the board is placed where it´s supposed to be, in the center of the table, it shows a diamond preference.

When the board is pushed under the screen to the opening leader´s side, it shows a spade preference.

When the board is placed invisible to the opening leader, it shows a club preference.

When the board is placed in the corner of the screen, it shows a heart preference.

Here is a break down of all ten hands where RF – LF were on defense against Norway in the last match of the European Championships (which they won):

Board 17

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The contract is 1NT by East. The auction is missing on BBO and I can’t make it out from the video. LF’s side remove their bids last, but the tray is still pushed back to RS’s side. RS removes the tray and places the board under the screen close to the corner. He holds AKx, K9xx, xxx, xxx.

Board 19

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From what I can tell the auction is 1D by LF then 1NT – 2Hj – 2Sp by the opponents. LF removes the tray and places the board on his side, invisible to RS. He holds Txx, Ax, 98xxx, AKQ.

Board 23

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The contract is 6Sp. LF removes the tray and places the board under the screen close to the corner. His only honor is the heart ace.

Board 24

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The opponents bid 2Cl – 2D; 2NT – 3NT. RS removes the tray and places the board under the screen close to the corner. His hand is x, AJxxx, 9xx, QJxx.

Board 25

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LF leads immediately.

Board 26

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LF opens 1Sp and the opponents bid to 5D, his partner having doubled a 2D-overcall. LF removes the tray and pushes the board under the screen so that it´s almost entirely on the other side. His hand is KQT9x, KTx, xx, KQx.

Board 27

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LF opens 3C and the opponents bid to 4Sp. LF’s side remove their bids last, but the tray is still pushed back to RS’s side. RS removes the tray and places the board under the screen close to the corner. His hand is T9x, KQxxxx, Ax, xx.

Board 28
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The opponents bid 1mi – 1Sp; 2Sp. LF removes the tray and places the board on his side, invisible to RS. LF:s hand is Qxx, Jxx, QT, K98xx.

Board 29

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The opponents bid to 5C after RS having opened and rebid diamonds and LF having bid 1H and later supported diamonds. LF removes the tray and first places the board in the middle under the screen, then a couple of seconds later moves the board close to the corner. His hand is xxx, KTxx, J9xxx, x.

Board 31

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The opponents bid 1C – 1SP; 2H – 3NT. No one removes the tray. LF is on lead and RS holds Qx, QTxxx, A9xx, xx.