1. Players who impressed me
1. Players who impressed me
JULIAN KLUKOWSKI
Julian Klukowski (1939-2017) was one of the best Polish players. He was a member of the team which was 3rd in European Teams Championships 1963 – first medal for Poland and European Champion of 1981. He was world seniors ranking list No 1 for a few years.
He was particularly keen on defensive play. Below is the example of his skill in the article of New York Times by Omar Sharif and Charles Goren after 1976 Bridge Olympiad:
Board 12. Dealer West/NS vul.
J 5 4 2
K 2
K 8 5 2
10 9 2
K 9 6
Q 8 7 6 3
Q 6 4 3
3
N
W
E
S
A 10 8 7 3
10 9
9 7
J 6 5 4
Q
A J 5 4
A J 10
A K Q 8 7
W
Klukowski
N
E
Macieszczak
S
Pass
pass
Pass
1
Pass
1
1
2
2
Dble
pass
3NT
Pass
West position was occupied by one of the veterans of Polish bridge – Julian Klukowski. He is mathematics lecturer and professional commitments do not leave him enough time to play bridge too often. But during Olympiad he has shown that he is strong point of the Polish team. Klukowski analyzed the bidding in details and of course led a spade, but his choice of first lead was the king! It was a real killer. When the queen appeared at trick one, destiny of the contract was determined. The first leads were not registered during the event, but the reporters asked 44 players being on the first lead to find who had led a king. They found out that the only one who led the king was Julian Klukowski and the hand was presented at Daily Bulletin.