Yes, it was a real nail-biting cliffhanger for those who watched BBO. I was thrilled for the come from behind winners but crestfallen for the losers who were ahead most of the way.

But — hey — that’s life — and bridge. Not the first time!

Um, Fleisher won the 2010 Trials and is representing Zone 2 in this years Bermuda Bowl.

Sorry about that Derek. Perhaps they just get some seeding points. Hard to keep up with the goings on as my closest contact to the ACBL is now BBO.

In any event, it was a super gruelling victory.

Judy

Fleisher have shown that they definitely deserve their place in the Bermuda Bowl later this year, repeating their trials victory over the Diamond team in the semifinal before winning this event.

The 2011 Trials will be held in Vegas next month to decide who will join Fleisher in The Netherlands in October. Perhaps for the first time I think Diamond will be favourites, rather than Nickell (presuming they both enter).

Yes, the Fleisher Team has definitely come of age although there were a lot of scary moments near the end. They are a credit to the game!

However, there is something about the Trials that rubs me the wrong way — to import non Zone 2 players (foreigners to be specific) who must drop off the teams when it comes to the Trials though they were instrumental in helping to attain seeding points. Just one person’s opinion.

You are always so busy reporting on the nice goings on around you, but you neglected to mention the lovely editorial by Brent Manley in the March Bulletin on two people who are no longer actively playing as they were before — Larry Cohen and your own Bobby. It was a very touching tribute!

Sandy:

Yes, I did see it — but didn’t think it was right to blow my own horn (or one side of it).

Larry has chosen the course of seminars, cruises and private lessons and has more or less given up tournament bridge. He held a seminar here at The Wynn last June and it was a smash, partnered by Marty Bergen. This summer he is returning with Audrey Grant and Jerry Helms.

Bobby has slowed down but is far from retired. I keep him busy twice a week at the duplicates and he is playing in the Senior Trials in Detroit this June and possibly the Open Trials right here in Las Vegas in May. He has not hung up his gloves. In fact, he is still playing sensationally — just enjoying our marvelous surroundings and staying closer to the nest.

I remember after Edgar’s death, Norman had no interest in touching a card and you convinced him that when God has blessed him with such unique ability, it is not fair to forsake it when others would kill for that talent. I believe you then “fixed him up” with another great player, Eddie Kantar and they played for a while before Norman passed on.

I hope Bobby will go back into the big arena once again as it sounds as if he hasn’t missed a step. You are so lucky to play with him twice a week — but as long as he is on top of his game he should be playing in events like the Trials and major NABCS where it sounds like he is still qualified to hold his own quite adequately.

Forgive my sentimentality, but I remember how disconcerted you were when Norman assumed that position and it called it to mind.

Sandy:

Don’t get the wrong idea. Bobby is still very focused on high level bridge. Besides his United Media column Aces on Bridge which not only appears in over 100 newspapers worldwide and on our own blogsite right here, he is involved in many facets of the game. Bobby never fails to answer a comment on his AOB blog site and serves on over a half dozen panels as panelist or mediator. He still has his finger in the pot but just has slowed down on the top-flight end. We play together in the Sectionals and Regionals with good pairs. He still adores and respects the game but just does not play much high tension bridge anymore (and the duplicates are far from that though there are some very decent players and lovely people at LVBW). We have not attended a National in three years but I am hoping his appearance in Detroit (and possibly LV) will light a fire under him and he will return to professional bridge. Such wasted talent that only I am blessed to take advantage of! Lucky me!

And lucky us, the local players. The opportunity to play against and learn from Bobby Wolff! Keep him coming.

Yes, it is rare when someone of Bobby’s status plays twice a week in a local duplicate. However, it is still a challenge as there are some very decent players who are there almost every day. I am the real beneficiary! He really enjoys it and looks forward to our Tuesdays and Fridays across the table from each other.

Believe me. Carol, if I have anything to do with it, I will (as you say) “Keep him coming.”