End of April. We're on our way to the ’t Onstein bridge farm to play practice matches against Russia and Poland/Israel. The Dutch team that will play at the European Championships in Oostende (Belgium) in June will consist of three pairs. So from the following four pairs: Bauke Muller – Simon de Wijs, Ricco van Prooijen – Louk Verhees, Jan Jansma – Gert-Jan Paulissen and, of course, Bas Drijver and I, one will have to drop out. After these practice matches the definitive line-up will be announced.
The matches are broadcast live on BBO (internet) for everyone to follow. To me these matches are on home ground, since the ’t Onstein bridge farm is the venue of my club.
Though the Dutch team line-up has not been decided upon yet, Bas and I look set to be part of it. For the last three years we have been the Netherlands' best pair and despite not having done extremely well this year, I think it very unlikely that we will be overcome by three pairs. In short: these matches will be practice matches to us, nothing more.

Simply three days of playing, playing, playing and in between enjoying good lunches and dinners.
Then a police car shows up, the officers indicating me to follow them to a safe spot to pull over. Though I wasn't speeding, I fear the worst. Bas (in the front seat, next to me) and Simon (in the back) are laughing out loud. While we, escorted by the police, shift lane to a petrol station, I suggest to split the ticket in three equal parts. They don't buy it.

I think this shows that the signs are promising.
We start against Russia. The first decision of the day: as East I am dealt (deals may have been rotated for reader's convenience, -Ed. Bridgevaria.com):

E/NS
				♠	A K Q 7
				♥	A Q 8 6 3
				♦	3 2
				♣	7 5

¹ Weak: 0-6 HCP, 6⁺ spades

What should I bid?

I decide to save with 6♠, thus 'paying the insurance premium': that contract will certainly not go down a lot, while 6♦ may make.
Wrong, wrong, wrong: -500 instead of +100 (or even +200 if I had doubled). 12 IMPs too easily given away, since this is the full layout:

E/NS		♠	4
		♥	5
		♦	A Q 7 6 4
		♣	A Q 10 6 3 2
♠	J 10 8 6 5 3 2			♠	A K Q 7
♥	K			♥	A Q 8 6 3
♦	J 5			♦	3 2
♣	9 8 4			♣	7 5
		♠	9
		♥	J 10 9 7 4 2
		♦	K 10 9 8
		♣	K J

With hindsight I realise that I probably shouldn't have saved. My partner hadn't done so (meaning he may have a trick) and South had passed 4♠. Still, it's decisions like these that are the hardest ones to take.

Then this bidding decision, in which I let myself be guided more by my feeling than by my brain. This is my East hand:

W/EW
				♠	Q 5 4
				♥	2
				♦	K 4
				♣	Q J 10 6 5 3 2

¹ Weak two
² To play

Here are my thoughts: 'They balance...' (North has not overcalled directly; therefore he cannot have a great hand, meaning: he is only contesting the part score, -Ed. Bridgevaria.com) '...and still end up bidding game. Of course they will make it, why does this have to happen to me? But wait a moment: surely they cannot sit tight in 3NT if I double! After all, I have a diamond guard, so South will surely flee. And if he doesn't, North, the 3♦ overcaller, is bound to do so.
And so the red card hits the table.
South plunges into deep thought, sighs... and alas: he finally passes.
What about North? Well, he judges it not done, to flee after his partner's huddle, so he passes as well!
Argh! Typically my bad luck!
But things are not always what they seem: bad luck? No way: I see my partner cheerfully lead the ♣A! And when he next produces the ♣4...

W/EW		♠	J 7 2
		♥	6 4
		♦	A Q J 7 5 3 2
		♣	9
♠	9 8 3			♠	Q 5 4
♥	K J 10 9 5 3			♥	2
♦	9 6			♦	K 4
♣	A 4			♣	Q J 10 6 5 3 2
		♠	A K 10 6
		♥	A Q 8 7
		♦	10 8
		♣	K 8 7

Down three... doubled, that is.
Somewhat disappointingly nobody thinks my double good… (to be honest, I don't think it is either, but there was a thought behind it...).

Next time: the Cavendish, the biggest money-event in the world. Until then.