MY, MY — HOW TIME FLIES

What a difference the years make — especially for someone who hardly missed an NABC since 1960 and then put them to rest about five years ago — with the exception of San Francisco which was only a hop, skip and a jump from Vegas.   That doesn’t mean I have given up on the game.  I still enjoy its stimulation and am delighted to play with Bobby play twice a week at the local club and all ‘Strip’ Sectionals and Regionals — although I recently discovered that the host hotel’s upcoming Sectional room rates (even reduced bridge ones) despite the chair people’s continuing efforts to reduce them, are quite high (as compared to earlier bargains to attract attendees).  However, we have upgraded from The Riviera to the much more modern and comfortable Bally’s in the heart of everything.   Incidentally, The Rubins (co-chairs Jane and Bruce) have achieved a good sized reduction for the upcoming January Regional (which has had dates switched because of the LV Nationals being held here next summer).

Even if you say it quickly, the NABCs involve endless packing, mail and newspapers which must be put on hold, exorbitant airfares, exhausting security challenges, cab rides, hotel check-in lines following a sometimes long flight, entry fees, master point duels but happiness at the end of the rainbow while sightseeing and getting to spend time with old friends.   However, the shocker is — that I did not know the Atlanta Nationals were already in progress until today when I read one of the bridge columns on this blog site mentioning the events had kicked off — starting with the Grand Nationals.  When I came upon the scene, there was no such thing as a GN — just ordinary, routine events which were intriguing to all in attendance.    By the way, as a newbie, I used to actually (yes, truly) count the hours until the Kays’ plane took off as I was captivated by the Nationals themselves and exposure to new cities I had only read about but never visited in the past.  I suppose that earlier I led a rather sheltered life with the exception of frequent Metroliners from Philadelphia to the New York Broadway shows and back.  For the record — a  ten day stay at the Nationals would end too soon for me and the wait for the ensuing one was far too long.  I guess that says it all.

The NABC’s incredible expansion is revolutionary.  I recall the starting times of 1 o’clock and (either 7:00 or 7:30 — or even 8:00) plus midnight games for the young and energetic who could still keep their eyes open and preferred playing to partying after the evening session.  I believe I just read now they are something like ten, three, seven-thirty and eleven thirty.    Also, there is a different game (of all gradations — A, B and C) in every nook and cranny of the site hotel at all times of morning, afternoon and evening.  Just pay your card fees and name your poison.   Incidentally, when I checked with Bobby as to his recollection of NABC card fees in the 60’s, he agreed with me — it was four or five bucks.  He reminded me of the bridge club he started in his birth city of San Antonio in the late fifties when duplicate entry fees were $1.25.   Today, you’re lucky if you can purchase a cup of coffee or coke for that paltry sum.

I was surprised by the Atlanta card fees if I read it correctly.  In all North American championships with no master point limitation, it would be $20.  Other North American championships, it is $17.  In neither of the above are non ACBL members are ineligible.   In the Regional competition ($18 per session for ACBL members and $20 for those who chose not to be a dues paying ACBL member).  In all other events, it is $15/$17).

Today bridge is big business but allure of the game (and understandably so) has not only attracted the younger breed but still fascinates the old timers who are well enough to travel and are able to afford the escalating costs.  The featured stars from the 60’s and 70’s, who were idolized and revered the world over, have gone the way of all flesh.  Few of them are still alive.  You had to have been there and witnessed with your own eyes the spectacular talents of these individuals.  Systems were not as good back then and the game has been mightily overhauled with new and complicated systems, methods of signaling, "different’ leading methods, etc. — all  happily pointing upward toward the improvement of the game.  The early birds had less to work with — but overcame the hurdles and some of their records are still unbelievable.   They are deserving of recognition and admiration and though most have faded into oblivion, it does not detract from their immense number of victories and contributions to the game.  You  can’t ignore success!

I could go on and on — but this gives some of the newcomers an idea of what transpired earlier on the bridge scene before they themselves appeared on the radar screen.  They don’t know what they missed!    I pray our game is here to stay — and hopefully won’t be compromised or tarnished!   With the growing trends and new horizons, that is much to ask for!