Bridge Double Talk
Back in July, I was inspired by an extremely clever and topically humorous set of plays on words by Michael O’Connor which were very impressive. We had exchanged emails as he enjoyed my poetic "kidding on the level" called Advice to My Female Partners and asked if he could print it on his side of the ocean. Of course, I was flattered.
At one time (back some thirty-five years ago while I was teaching Women’s Bridge at the Country Clubs in Philly), I always offered something unusual at the closing luncheon — either an amateur show or some type of bridge-related quiz or crossword puzzle which would make the gals don their thinking caps. I had told Michael about them — but never got around to posting anything.
As you’ve read, I have been plowing through old memorabilia for weeks and stumbled upon hundreds of hours of work to reorganize, re-box, sort, save or toss out. Apropos of Michael’s fabulous ‘definitions of famous terms in bridge,’ I discovered my own original (ancient) creations (which you can tell by some of the proper names used). So, if you are looking for a change of pace from squeezes and end plays, try these for size. I’ll list twenty of the forty. I am warning you — some are simple; most are difficult — and they are all common bridge terms. In retrospect, I can’t believe I came up with them, as I am not so sure if today I would produce so many of the answers. If you like challenges, try them. If not, just move on. Look for the answers on Tuesday (and by the way, I wouldn’t be shocked if some had more than one answer). Have fun (?).
1. Scrambled Twosome
2. Untimely Thrust
3. Fatal Opening
4. Impoverished Fortification
5. Brooks Brothers Choice
6. Frail Pairs
7. Synthetic Offers
8. A Midget’s Bat
9. Charlie/Charlie; McCarthy/McCarthy
10. Conclusive Covenant
11. Imaginary Rescue
12. Dumb Dwarf
13. Pike’s Peak/Death Valley
14. Evil Fracture
15. Folger Residence
16. Incomplete Denture
17. Ideal Enumeration
18. Cranky Bird
19. Pinnacle of Zero
20. Starched Royalty
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Judy:
I’m thinking, I’m thinking. And your assessment is right on target .. some are no brainers but there are lots of toughies in the bunch. Look forward to the published answers.
I love your creativity in blogging. Never boring.
Since it is not wise to publish an email address, I might suggest those of you who have it could jump the gun and write to me privately with your answers if you can’t wait. I have already received some guesses.
I personally find quizzes stressful though intriguing but I am a ‘word’ person and always enjoy them. (Perhaps would have been more beneficial concentrating on counting numbers than playing with letters). I guess it is never too late — just a bit more difficult as one gets older.
Judy
To: Al Tushman
YOU AMAZED ME!! I just received Al’s answers (right on target — with one blank space) but I am going to make him figure out the one that eluded him (and it is sort of a play on initials). Never dreamed anyone would come that close.
Congratulations!
Judy
As promised, here are the answers promised for Tuesday.
Hope you had fun figuring them out.
1. Scrambled Twosome (Mixed Pair)
2. Untimely Thrust (Lead Out of Turn)
3. Fatal Opening (Killing Lead)
4. Impoverished Fortification (Poor Defense)
5. Brooks Brothers Choice (Suit Preference)
6. Frail Pairs (Weak Twos)
7. Synthetic Offers (Artificial Bids)
8. A Midget’s Bat (A Short Club)
9. Charlie/Charlie; McCarthy/McCarthy (Double Dummy)
10. Conclusive Covenant (Final Contract)
11. Imaginary Rescue (Phantom Save)
12. Dumb Dwarf (DOPI)
13. Pike’s Peak/Death Valley (High-low)
14. Evil Fracture (Bad Break)
15. Folger Residence (Coffee House)
16. Incomplete Denture (Partial)
17. Ideal Enumeration (Perfect Count)
18. Cranky Bird (Cross Ruff)
19. Pinnacle of Zero (Top of Nothing)
20. Starched Royalty (Stiff King — or Stiff Queen)
Even though I’m somewhat BASHFUL, I am HAPPY to say that I got 19 out of 20 correct. However, I’m feeling GRUMPY that I missed the easiest one, DOPEY. Maybe, because of my age, I need a DOC. Perhaps I’ve just been SLEEPY. The only answer I could come up with was Squeezy named after a dumb SNEEZY. In any event, thanks for posting the puzzle.
Dear AL:
I’m still in awe!
Cheers,
Snow White