TAKING BRIDGE INNOVATIONS FOR GRANTED!

The Spring Nationals in Reno are winding down today and although Bobby and I have attended very few nationals in recent years, the Vanderbilt Cup always held a special place in my heart because of both Norman’s and Bobby’s beautiful mementos that adorn our trophy case.  And, despite our recent absence from these prestigious events, we have both derived enormous pleasure watching Fred Gitelman’s unequalled impact on the world of bridge ..  the innovation referred to endearingly as BBO — Bridge Base on Line.  Because of his creative genius, we are able to view the live action of the contestants and in a few moments the last half of this fairly close match between two teams in the Vanderbilt will begin:  LaVazza v. Cayne.  Incidentally, I noticed on my computer screen at one time today over 20,000 bridge lovers from all over the world were watching BBO .. mostly in the comfort of their homes .. and lest we forget the thousands and thousands of players who play and practice on BBO on a daily basis.

Thank you, Fred.  I, for one, am so appreciative of your ingenious contribution to our wonderful game.