Welcome to the 8th Hecht Cup

Once upon a time ... Peter Hecht-Johansen, the creator and sponsor of this event, tells us the adventure of the birth of Hecht Cup and what happened thereafter:

Some years ago there was a yearly invitational event, „Nykredit Cup“, played in Bridgecenter Nordsjælland (Roland Wald). It was played 5 or 6 times, and when it stopped, Lars Blakset told Peter, that he considered taking over. Peter encouraged him to do so, because he loves the game and hereby saw a possibility to promote it. He was willing to sponsor the event, but he wanted a change to matchpoint scoring instead of the butler method. Only about one month later the first Hecht Cup was played, but with no more than 32 pairs, no Pro-Am, no farewell party, and not very many players from abroad.

We expect that at least some of you players are able to count to 13 ... but as editor of this bulletin I have already shown that I can’t even count to 8!?

I made a similar mistake in 2006, and in yesterday’s bulletin I welcomed you to the 7’th Hecht Cup though Peter Hecht in his welcome speach opened the 8’th Hecht Cup.

Right Peter is - and the list of previous winners at the front page confirmed his skills for counting. This is the 8th time Peter has invited us to have a top class bridge event with friends from all over. May the best counters win!

An intense fight for glory and prices began Friday, and as the day went on, the race became more and more close.

There may be a small correction in the final result (Pepsi told me about a wrong entered score, when I left the hotel), but as it is, the sweep stake favourites, Hampson_Fallenius, now are 1 point ahead of Askgaard_Bjarnarson, and with Bruun_Fredin only 1 more point behind on 3rd place.

A truly exciting close race, which continues with 5 more rounds today.

Sorry about yesterday’s cartoon which may have inspired to the first (and possibly last) job for our Appeals Committee.
They were working overtime I don’t know how long but their decision was, that the TD’s ruling stands.

The standing was very tight after day 1, and it is still a close race, but with new leaders. The Norwegians, Brogeland_Sælensminde, are 3 points ahead of Askgaard_Bjarnarson, with Hampson Fallenius on 3rd place, 11 points after the leadership.

Ready for the highlight of this tournament? The farewell party at Peters place tonight!

Take a look at the bulletin (PDF)

It’s all over ... almost. Tonights party will be the ultimate finish of the Hecht Cup 2007 a new and wonderful event with 16 winning pairs.

Yes, some pairs won a little more than the others, and of course all of us heartly congratulate Gregers Bjarnarson and Michael Askgaard.

Besides playing bridge a little better than the rest of the field I am sure that you agree, that the two guys in this event as well have shown excellent sportsmanship, good and friendly manners at the bridge table _ in short a pair of wonderful opponents!

We congratulate both of you.

Take a look at the bulletin (PDF)