WILL THE REAL EXPERT PLEASE STAND UP?
Being married to two revered Bridge Hall of Famers goes a long way toward humbling one’s image of her own game. And believe me, it is not all bad. Every gal should be so lucky!
I began playing bridge at the end of my college days and spent a good portion of my early married life tending to two young children and running a household. In the mid-sixties, it was not chauvinistic to expect a mother to keep bridge in it’s proper prospective — and put our beloved game on the back burner. However, times were changing and soon, this not-so-shrinking violet, became a ‘regular‘ at the Bridge Nationals. I remember counting the hours and minutes till we arrived at the hotel on a Thursday evening and greeted our old friends as we checked in. It was like dying and going to heaven. You can’t beat that scenario.
Bridge was so different back then. The dress code was more stringent; people were better mannered; the tournaments were smaller and more personal; and the few ‘admitted’ sponsors were obscure. Of course, the costs were less and the economy was substantially better — making travel more affordable. I even remember when suites at a bridge site were less than fifty dollars a night and card fees a couple bucks a throw. Talk of cheating was kept on the back burner although our country had its share of lowlifes (some even made it into our Hall of Fame).
I spent a great part of my early days kibitzing Norman and Edgar and would retire to Edgar’s suite after the evening session, eavesdropping on their discussions and hanging on every word. I enjoyed when they were joined by their esteemed teammates Eric Murray, Sami Kehela, Bill Root and Richie Pavlicek. What a delight! Mutual respect was perhaps the distinguishing trademark of the group. No aspersions cast or criticisms made. Harmony ruled supreme.
Norman and Edgar were hell-bent on playing a modified version of ‘Kaplan-Sheinwold‘ but I have no doubt today if they were still alive, would have been compelled to spice up their conservative, disciplined system to hold their own among the big boys. They did not give credence to professionalism as both Norman and Edgar wanted the pure chance to represent their country, playing with two other expert partnerships. Norman always yearned for a world championship, but lost his battle as the ‘exalted’ Blue Team had another agenda! Bobby came upon the scene a bit later and only suffered through four years (1972-75) before their Reign of Terror was put to rest. I painfully regret Norman’s timing was not better.
I never entertained aspirations of becoming a great player — content to hold my own and enjoy the local games and national tournaments. I was happy (and still am) to bask in the deserved glory of both Norman and Bobby. Not being Top Banana I wear as a Badge of Honor. I do not have an identity crisis and never did! I always knew my place. I’ve forever done my own thing with self-satisfying results — whether it be writing bridge shows, running charity games, planning local NABCs (without benefit of titles or bosses), owning trotters, heading my own baseball card business or picking my spots with my favorite partners and getting lucky on occasion.
I would always discuss the so-called problem hands with Norman and received objective answers — whether it was I or my partner who erred. I learned the hard way and have the scars to prove it — but being the beneficiary of expert advice on a 24/7 basis (which is now beginning its sixth year with Bobby) has a ‘leveling effect’ to which very few bridge players have been subjected. It is good for the soul and ranks high on the humility charts. It has served me in good stead and I am the recipient of priceless advice (priceless — any way you slice it) for almost five decades. I have learned to listen to the ‘real’ experts and benefit from their experience. Perhaps I am just spoiled. It is a way of life for me as I have been exposed to the high-level scene for five decades and I’ve come to recognize an expert when I see one. I am more discriminating than most.
As Marty Bergen said, “Points Schmoints.” That has no bearing on one’s qualification — although points are not so cheap these days. Our values and even the criteria for judgment have changed. Imagine awarding masterpoints for finishing in a duplicate for an underaverage score or sitting side by side with your partner on internet bridge. Seems like a farce to me. Guess I am just old-fashioned.
I always laugh when I overhear someone after a session, confidently proclaim to whomever will listen, “I only made one mistake.” I muse to myself, “That’s ONE MISTAKE you know about” and must restrain myself from asking … just how many others eluded your grasp????
Perhaps decades of experience have allowed me to make my own evaluation of what constitutes an expert and I am a very harsh judge of the supremes! There are all levels of experts — just depending upon whom you ask. In fact, I remember a remark by long-retired Arthur Robinson (of the Jordan/Robinson days) who taught bridge along side of Charlie Solomon to the Philadelphia Country Club Set. He volunteered, “The difference between an expert and a student is usually one lesson.”
I have enormous respect for those who have a passion for learning and the desire to improve, but I marvel at people who make profoundly authoritative statements — without the credentials to substantiate them. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion but I have never been awestruck or mesmerized by bridge gurus at-large. I view the scene with a grain of salt as I am reminded of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Expertise is in the eyes of the beholder.
Subscribe to our feed
Bridge-related
Judy — You started well before I did, but I don’t think bridge has changed that much. Maybe professionalism is more open today, but it’s always been present. The ACBL has continually made it easier to win masterpoints and kept increasing the awards. I know dress standards have differed from the 40’s but not changed greatly since I started in the early. 60’s. Yes, the internet has changed some aspects just as it has affected a host of things.
We’ve all heard it said – there are EXPERTS and there are experts. I agree the distinction is made by the location of one’s perch. In bridge, you will find numerous gradations of respected players and the classification is usually determined by the ability and experience of the person making the distinction. The better the player – the higher their standards. I concur with your appraisal…everything is relative.
BEWARE THE LOCAL EXPERT! There are many fine published learning tools but I have yet to meet someone at the club giving advice that was worth listening to about anything more advanced than Stayman. Very self-serving behavior.
After 40 years and 3 national championships, I count it a good day when I make less than 25 errors. If someone tells you “I never touched a wrong card” – run away VERY fast.
I’ve been saying for some years to anyone who would listen that the ACBL’s biggest problem is that they don’t understand what business they’re in. Quite simply, they’re selling masterpoints. Given that, it becomes obvious that they should stop debasing the currency. When you can get 25 points for winning a couple of matches in the nth bracket of a KO without facing anyone who could break average in a club game, something is seriously out of whack.
Can I just say what a relief to find someone
that actually understands what they are discussing over the internet.
You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it
important. More people have to read this and
understand this side of the story. I was surprised you aren’t more popular since you surely possess the gift.
Hi Celeste:
Welcome aboard. It took me almost ten minutes to seek out the blog to which you refer. I just found it. My, what a mouthful! By the way, many people write to me privately as they don’t want to get caught up in public opinion — which seems to be the order of the day on the internet. Anything goes.
I still stand by my remarks. However, the scene has gotten increasingly worse and one must often bite their tongue(s). Bridge, IMHO, has fallen from grace and it will be a long time (when and if) it is restored to the once beautiful game it once portrayed.
Thanks for writing.
Cheers.
Judy
To all recent commenters:
I just came across your respones to a six year old blog (though I feel they certainly hold true), Time may march on, but in this case, the circumstances don’t change.