MORE ON GLITTER GULCH…
It is the fourth day of the tournament and we have been playing three sessions a day which is really exhausting for the old folks. We’re taking this afternoon and evening off and trying to relax as it is feels like we’re on a non-stop merry-go-round. Would you believe we have not had a chance to eat dinner like normal people except at The Cut Steakhouse on Sunday evening when we arrived (good food – but exorbitant prices). The starting times are 9:00 a. m., 1:15 p. m. and the evening sessions starts at 7:00 p.m. so you have to either rush through dinner or wait until after the game (not my choice).
I just talked to Jane Rubin who, with her husband Bruce, are Co-Chairmen of this Sectional here at the Flamingo Hotel. They are working non-stop and Jane told me this afternoon it is the first time she has had an opportunity to play. She is also part owner of The Las Vegas Bridge Club where we play Tuesdays and Fridays. A very popular workaholic and a lovely woman!
The bridge administrators (most of whom are new to the Board) did not anticipate the overwhelming attendance here – double what they expected. In fact, at mid-day Thursday, I cannot believe the table count is somewhere around 240 tables short of a record for Sectionals. There seems to be events suitable to everyone as you have a variety of pairs, KOs, regular team games, stratified events, Swiss Teams, etc.
Our last event is a Swiss team starting at 9:30 so I’ve already packed our bags, readying for a morning departure. I suppose they begin so early (and arrange a play-through) — with an eye for many out-of town visitors who can get late afternoon flights and for others who have motored here – to get an early start.
I feel like I’ve been to the Minneapolis 500, but it’s been fun!
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It all sounds very exciting and I love Vegas, but the trip was too long for me. Did you do any gambling or just play? How did you do? I am sure it is a treat to sit opposite Bobby and not have to pay to play with one of the world’s greatest bridge players who, in addition, has done much to improve the game for many years. Lucky you!
Hi JSl
Living out here for almost eight years takes away the novelty and thrill of gambling. We have not been near a table at The Flamingo or even thought of it as we are so tapped out and love our free time, needing to rest between sessions.
As far as our results, we have been very fortunate to have terrific teammates (two different pairs with whom we play regularly in local tournaments — Tom Grue and John Scibelli the first day and Carol Stewart and Paul Ivaska the rest off the week). We only lost two out of eight matches — both in the finals (against Jeff Roman and Internationalist Huub Bertters who have captured two events). They really played sensationally and deserved to win. We won the first K/O event with Tom and John and ended up with the bridesmaid’s bouquet the last two outings — playing with Carol and Paul, finishing second both times –but that’s not chopped liver. Believe me, I am not complaining.
Keep in touch. It was nice hearing from you.
Cheers,
Judy
We enjoyed our time at Glitter Gulch this year. The rooms in which we played at the Flamingo we not adequated for the corwds. too bad they could not put us upstairs all the time. We played there one afternoon and it was very nice. The tournament organizers were all hard working and reasonably organized. I would not have minded a slightly later evening start time. Since many of the attendees (including locals) were staying at a local hotel (we were at the Quad) the extra few minutes would be better to enjoy a nice dinner.
Really had no other complaints (other than friendlier slots) and will be checking the schedule for future Vegas tournaments. It was also very nice meeting you and Bobby.
Hi Steve:
It was nice meeting you as well. Yes, I agree with you about the hard workers at the tournament. However, the playing spaces made me feel closed in and we also learned that three sessions was too much for us although we did o.k.
Till we meet again.
Judy
I enjoyed the tournament a great deal, playing pairs for 288 straight boards (3 sessions each day for 4 days). A bit tiring, but well worth it for the points earned. Yes, crowded and too much smoke in the play area on lower level, but all in all good. Will be back for Regional in June, I trust. Fortunately live only 110 miles away in St. George.
Dear Dan:
Yes, it was a nice tournament. However, I agree with you — three sessions a day was too much for this weary body (and mind). Thinking about six man teams. It sure will relieve the exhaustion and stress. Glad you had a good time.
Judy