PLAYING regularly with an expert can really pay off. Kitty Teltcher began partnering Sally Brock - arguably the best woman player in the country - just over a year ago. In February, they sailed through the women's trials and qualified to play for England; last month Kitty made an impressive début in the European championships.

But she still finds time to play rubber bridge - and just last week she showed what great form she's in by doing what all bridge players dream of: pulling off a coup with an exotic name which most people have never heard of. The 'Crocodile Coup' involves saving your partner from being end-played in a suit when they hold a singleton honour. By rising with your own higher honour first, you effectively snap up their card in your jaws . . .

Sitting West, Kitty led the 5[diamonds] to dummy's [diamonds]K (East playing the [diamonds]Q). …