At the Table with Legends: Expert Bridge Play with Alfredo Versace & Aldo Gerli
There’s something electrifying about sitting—virtually or physically—at a table with some of the brightest minds in bridge. Recently, I had the pleasure of being part of an expert-level game streamed as part of the ACBL Educational Foundation fundraiser, hosted by Bridge Unleashed. The table was stacked with talent: none other than Alfredo Versace, one of the game’s genuine legends, was there, joined by Aldo Gerli and two regular, but tough, British players.
What followed was a thrilling, educational journey through a single hand—a microcosm of what makes bridge so endlessly fascinating. In this post, I’ll walk you through the play-by-play of this hand, share expert insights, and highlight the subtle choices that separate the great from the merely good.
Setting the Stage: The Table Lineup
When you hear names like Alfredo Versace, you know you’re in for a treat. As the cards were shuffled and bids began, the atmosphere buzzed with mutual respect and playful banter. This wasn’t just about winning; it was about camaraderie and learning from each other, all for a good cause.
Bidding Begins: Strength, Aggression, and Judgment
The initial deal offered some tantalizing possibilities. As East opened with a “normal” one spade, South was immediately faced with a dilemma: strong hand, but was it too strong to simply bid one no trump?
Evaluating the South Hand: Upgrade or Stay Put?
South’s hand screamed strength, prompting commentary about upgrading an “18 count” to a “19.” This idea—reassessing the value of certain hands based on texture and combinations—was a core discussion point. A classic quote from the table stuck with me: “I often misgame by not upgrading the right 18s.” The point? Sometimes, card combinations (like king-jack-third in spades) are worth more in practical play than their raw point count suggests.
Aggressive Action: Aldo Gerli at the Three Level
Meanwhile, Aldo Gerli made a bold, aggressive bid at the three-club level—a decision that could have backfired, but ultimately bought his side a wonderful contract. It was clear: success at this level often requires calculated risk-taking, trusting your read of partner and opponents alike.
The Play: Defensive Decisions and Declarer Dilemmas
Once the contract was set, attention turned to the defenders. There was lively debate over whether to lead a trump to break up potential cross-ruffs, or to attack the red suits. Each option had significant upside—or risk.
Partnership Agreements and Communication
The commentators highlighted just how critical well-defined partnership agreements are, especially when facing tough situations like unusual no trump overcalls or transfer bids gone awry. Misunderstandings can lead to suboptimal contracts or defensive miscues—even among the elite.
Key Moments: Wild Entries and Cross-Ruffing
The hand saw a spectacular sequence when Aldo Gerli, sitting with a “stiff king of hearts,” played aggressively for extra trick potential. These are the sorts of plays that thrill viewers, but also underline how fragile a contract can be if declarer’s entries and communications aren’t managed perfectly.
The Results: Comparing the Field
In bridge, the story doesn’t end with the result at one table. The analysis compared how other tables fared—some North-South pairs ended up deep in trouble, while our East-West partnership managed plus 110 in three clubs, a tidy result under the circumstances.
This variability drove home an important point: even with the same cards, different bidding judgments and defensive strategies can lead to wildly different outcomes. That’s the beauty (and agony!) of competitive bridge.
Learning Together: The Heart of the Game
What I loved most about this table was the attitude. The pros and regulars alike reminded each other—and all of us watching—that it’s just one board in a long game. There were frustrations, sure, but also plenty of laughter, mutual congratulation for bold efforts, and genuine educational moments. We shared the excitement of success and the disappointment of missed opportunities as friends and fellow enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways: Lessons for Every Player
Hand Evaluation Is Key: Don’t just count points—look at how your cards work together.
Take Calculated Risks: Sometimes a bold bid is exactly what the situation calls for.
Value Partnership Agreements: Clear, agreed-upon bidding systems avoid confusion and missed games.
Reflect on the Field: Always compare your results to others to deepen your understanding.
Enjoy the Game: Win or lose, enjoying the process and the company is what really matters.
Final Thoughts and a Call to the Table
Watching and learning from elite players like Alfredo Versace and Aldo Gerli reaffirms why I love bridge: it’s a game of endless nuance, partnership, and intellectual exhilaration. Whether you’re playing for glory, for learning, or, like us today, in support of a great cause, bring your best, stay curious—and don’t be afraid to step up to the table with a little courage.
Ready for your next hand? Join us, improve your game, and let’s keep the spirit of bridge alive together.
