The ability to concentrate does not come easily, especially to bridge players engaged in long Championship events. That is why quite brilliant passages of play can often be interspersed with simple errors. This deal provided a perfect illustration. Bas Drijver picked quite a moment for the most explosive double of the Championships so far.

Board 1. Dealer . Game All ª J 9 3 © A Q J 4 ¨ A K Q § K Q J ª A 7 4 ª K Q 8 5 2 © 10 5 © 9 8 6 ¨ J 10 9 5 4 ¨ — § A 10 4 § 9 8 7 6 2 ª 10 6 © K 7 3 2 ¨ 8 7 6 3 2 § 5 3 West North East South Vreeswijk Kapala Drijver Buras 2¨ Pass 2© Pass 2NT Pass 3§ Pass 3© Pass 4© Pass Pass Dble All Pass

He was under the watchful eye of the VuGraph cameras when this deal came along.

The Polish pair had done nothing wrong, reaching a normal contract. However, there was nothing normal about East's bold double. The commentators and the audience were full of admiration.

West led the jack of diamonds and Bas ruffed. He played back the eight of spades and doubtless delighted when his partner produced the ace. He ruffed the next diamond and cashed the king of spades. He was probably feeling pretty pleased with himself and maybe he hadn't noticed which diamond his partner had returned.

Well, it was the four and a club switch would have enabled him to score a third ruff. When he tried the queen of spades declarer escaped for two down. Even so, +500 was worth seven well-deserved IMPs.