September 27th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 4 Comments 
It begins with the year 1958 and continues with European bridge history. Most enthralling to me were the brief sketches of the following early bridge historians accompanied by their photos and brief intriguing squibs or biographies engulfed in a prominent light green background:
It begins with Harold S. Vanderbilt, a renowned yachtsman but more highly recognized as the inventor of modern Contract Bridge; Baron Robert de Nexon (a French perfume company president although better known as one of the founders of the WBF); Alfred Greunther (Nato’s Supreme Commander and sometime bridge partner of President Eisenhower); Alvin Landy, a founding member of the WBF; British Bridge Administrator Geoffrey Butler whom, together with Charlie Solomon, prepared the groundwork for the formation of the WBF, full page biographies of both Albert Morehead (a genius whose list of vocations was a yard long: book editor, magazine writer, games authority, author, tunesmith, newspaper columnist, lexicographer, businessman, translator, amateur criminologist and a half dozen other lesser things besides), and Charles Goren, Mr. Bridge himself with his countless accomplishments in publicizing the game; Waldemar von Zedtwitz, a linguist and lexicographer by profession who helped save the ACBL in 1948; Charles J. Solomon (a close personal friend of Norman and mine) who helped found the WBF plus numerous other contributions; bridge columnist and player B, Jay Becker whose career spanned 55 years; Count Carl Bonde from Sweden who served as President of the Swedish Bridge Federation, President of the European Bridge League and eventually President OF THE WBF; Andre LeMaitre, from Belgium who acted as President of the EBL and Secretary of the WBF; Julius Rosenblum, an ultra-successful businessman from New Orleans, who participated in multiple capacities, including WBF President; Swedish Nils Jensen who was known primarily for organizing the 1970 Bermuda Bowl and World Pairs Olympiad in Stockholm, the 1974 World Pairs Olympiad in Las Palmas and the 1983 Bermuda Bowl in Stockholm;
Between the photographic tributes a page is dedicated to the members of the WBF Committee of Honor (as of 2008):
Chairman Jaime Ortiz-Patino (Switzerland); Jean-Claude Beineix (France); Jose Damiani (France); Ernesto D’Orsi (Brazil); Joan Gerard (USA); Panos Gerontopoulos (Greece); Mazhar Jafri (Pakistan); George Retek (Canada); Gianarrigo Rona (Italy); John Wignall (New Zealand) and none other than Bobby Wolff (USA).
The photographic tributes continue with Alfred (Freddy) Sheinwold from Los Angeles (but born in London) one of the most successful player-writer personalities who wrote 13 books. He also was Editor of The Bridge World, Editor of the ACBL Bulletin and for a year Bridge Editor of The Los Angeles Times and was co-inventor of the Kaplan-Sheinwold System. Other photographic tributes were Jaime Ortiz-Patino, who served in countless capacities and was one of the most famous promoters of the WBF and World Bridge. Patino (known as the Godfather of the WBF) was followed by Josephine Culbertson (wife of Ely) “However, she stood in her own right as a renowned bridge teacher, player and writer.” Edgar Kaplan (my late husband Norman Kay’s partner for about 43 years until Edgar’s death in 1997) was a “true virtuoso and widely recognized as the world’s most complete authority on bridge in all its aspects, having firmly established himself as a player, writer, analyst, commentator and administrator and was co-inventor of the Kaplan-Sheinwold system.” Next in line was Robert Howes, an attorney and close friend of Jimmy Patino who served the WBF in many indispensable legal and advisory capacities.
Very delicate reference was made to the invention of the screens, the English Scandal, the Foot Soldiers, the Blue Team, the Burgay Tapes and other much talked about suspected questionable ethical situations. You will have to read it for yourselves to judge what the writer was saying.
I am only up to page 97 of the 231 page book, but it is an education in itself for serious and curious bridge lovers.
To be continued ….
September 25th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 5 Comments
This masterpiece was just released (after many years in the writing and collection of material) by JAMES ORTIZ-PATINO, the Godfather of the WBF. It covers the years 1958-2008. I have just started reading it and have been mesmerized by the information I have gleaned from just the introduction and first chapter.
More to follow ….
September 21st, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 6 Comments
Bobby has just received the email below from Anna Gudge, one of the most devoted workers for The World Bridge Federation (WBF) . If you have any questions, please contact her at the email address below.
I know special efforts have been made by Jill Stokke, Bob LaFleur and others right here in the Las Vegas area with classes and seminars to encourage the local youth to participate. Bridge has been taught in the schools of many Asians and Europeans for several years. They certainly got the jump on the U. S.
Just for the record – in the summer of 1993 Bobby (on behalf of the WBF along with Patrick Choy of Singapore and Jeff Polisner of San Francisco) met at The People’s Hall of the Republic at Tiananmen Square with the prestigious political Chinese leaders who enthusiastically endorsed Bobby’s proposal of educating the Chinese teachers to introduce bridge into the classrooms (ala Audrey Grant and her associates who would furnish all the material while the Chinese teachers would do their own translating). It was a DONE DEAL and the arrangements should have ended there. Bobby, soon afterwards, returned to a WBF meeting in Aspen, Colorado to report his success in achieving this great sought after feat (just imagine — 200,000,000 Chinese students would be learning our wonderful game). To his remorse (and perhaps his naïveté of not starting the agreed plan agreed in Asia right on the spot), the deal fell through because of internal controversy in Aspen (several countries in attendance wanted a piece of the pie). China finally included it in their curricula – losing fifteen precious years in accomplishing it. Bobby always regretted his personal decision not to proceed post haste at Tiananmen Square in 1993 and blamed himself for trying to be so politically correct.
Following is Anna’s appeal to the world of bridge:
From: ECatsBridge Press List <anna@ecats.co.uk>
Subject: WBF Pairs – An initiative to support Youth Bridge
To: “bobbywolff@sbcglobal.net” <bobbywolff@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 7:35 AM
As you will be aware, the World Bridge Federation is committed to the development of Youth Bridge – the future of our wonderful game.
To this end, the President has asked us to organise four new Simultaneous Pairs each year – in October, December, March and August to raise funds specifically to help develop and promote bridge for young players – please click here to read more about how the WBF wants to support Youth Bridge.
Each one will be run on a Monday and a Wednesday (day time or evening), with different hands for each day of course. WBF Year Points will be awarded to the leading pairs and we have requested the NBOs to award overall points based on their own national ranking.
The dates for the first two are Monday 22nd & Wednesday 24th October, and 17th & 19th December 2012. The dates for 2013 can all be found at http://www.ecatsbridge.com/sims/info/calendar.asp
The material will all be sent by email to the heat organisers, and the booklets and hands will be available on the website at www.ecatsbridge.com as normal immediately after the event.
Because we are doing it this way we are able to keep the entry fees low – just US$3.00, €2.50, or £1.90 per pair (note … per PAIR, not per player) – full payment instructions will be sent with the zip file of hands etc.
I know it is quite short notice for the first one, but it would be really great if you could help us with the publicity so we can get as many clubs as possible to play in these events. All the clubs need to do is email me – anna@ecats.co.uk – with their club name and the day they want to play. As simple as that!
September 11th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 13 Comments
Here at Bally’s, I was stopped dead in my tracks. I had to look twice to believe what was glaring at me! In the entryway to the game, there is a mirage of several beautifully presented posters on easels listing the achievements (at local duplicates as well as tournament events) played in by the subject participants. Some include average or mediocre performances. Apparently, the man who originated the display is attempting to promote a business by advertising the accomplishments of the subject players (two women in this case – one a club owner and the other current Board President). The individual posters bear photographs of those individuals and details (starting at a specific date), listing their exact scores (though sometimes under average with no master point recognition), their total points won for the period and the names of their partners. Other posters feature partnership photographs with commentary. I could understand if someone had consistent 68% plus games, he or she might want others to know about it — but this is not the case. I don’t quite fathom what all the hoopla is about.
If a person is a potential bridge professional, he or she might want to engage someone to do a resume to attract potential sponsors/customers. However, I don’t know what this energetic businessman is trying to accomplish by his glorification of these individuals and have the tournament participants be greeted by such a lavish display. I find this splashy type of haughty promotion to be in poor taste and see no reason for any celebration. However, as long the ACBL sees fit to award master points to some with games in the low 40% range (mostly in ‘C’), I suppose anything is possible!
September 10th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 35 Comments
I recently read the cast of characters representing North America in Omaha at the Buffett Cup. Noticeably absent are at least two of our country’s most outstandingly successful pairs (perhaps #1 and #2). What is the reason? Certainly, they are not afraid of flying and surely, it is not because they have to pay their own expenses. I cannot imagine they would not have been asked or overlooked.. Since I am under the impression that this is not a professional event where Mr. Buffett pays the players for honoring him with their talents, what, pray tell, is the reason for them not being part of the group?
I should think it is a magnificent honor to represent one’s continent — especially to say thank you to someone like Warren Buffett whom (together with Bill Gates) has done so very much for bridge, and, believe it or not, even more importantly–for the betterment of the whole wide world, and magnanimously, to boot!
Perhaps I am just some poor naive average bridge lover who has picked her brain clean and can come up with the only reason possible — the refusal to give up the lucre from some pro date at home vs. an act of good will to play the game they supposedly love. To me, it is apparent it all boils down to the absence of enough MONEY — proving once again why it is the ROOT of all EVIL.
Please tell me I am either naive, stupid or just plain wrong!!
September 10th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 1 Comment
Or rather “ Bally’s Hi” as we arrived last night at the Strip for five days to partake in the local Sectional teamed with some of our favorite partnerships. We have contented ourselves for the last five years (not missing the inconvenience of the hubbub and inconvenience of air travel) with the excitement of the Las Vegas atmosphere, living in the suburb of Summerlin (with three local casinos and wonderful restaurants and shopping facilities). After forty-five years for me of NABCS (one after another and missing only three, I believe) it is hard to believe that Bobby and I are delighted to content ourselves with twice a week duplicates together at the terrific, hospitable Las Vegas Bridge World and I play with my friend Carol Pincus Mondays and my daughter Robin who recently moved here from California when she is free on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Oh, how I wish that I had some of Robin’s bridge genes very apparent in her style – passed on to her from my late husband, Norman Kay. I gleaned what I could from Norman and Bobby – but it is just not the same as it being inherent. Have to rely on good partners and with whatever “smarts” I have been blessed. However, it’s better than nothing and much easier to be a natural player.
So I honestly cannot say missing the Nationals for the last four and a half years has deprived me of the excitement of the game. However, Bobby and I are going to San Francisco for the last five days where we will play in the Mixed Pairs and then he will continue on with Dan Morse in a knockout event on the weekend. It will be so wonderful for me to see my old friends again with whom I have had to content myself with emails back and forth.
Rushing down for brunch and then on to the first event – a bracketed knockout with Carol Stewart and Paul Ivaska, with whom we play often at the tournaments. Later ……
August 24th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 6 Comments
I read with great sadness of the passing of one of my favorites .. Phyllis Diller. Believe it or not, she bore a surprising connection to The Dallas Aces many eons ago – sometime in the seventies. For those of you who haven’t read The Lone Wolff or haven’t heard the story by word of mouth, Ira Corn, a business mogul, was the originator and moneyman behind The Aces and loved to invite and entertain bridge playing celebrities at his lovely home in Dallas for a lavish Sunday brunch followed by an afternoon game.
Ira adored the game though he was not a playing member of the team. At the time of it’s formation, he realized he needed a Public Relations person for both Michigan General (his successful business conglomerate) but also to bring the name of The Dallas Aces to the forefront as well. He had a Dallas Aces Bridge Column (since his death taken over by Bobby) and was eager for the public to be made aware of The Aces. Every Tuesday the column was dedicated to someone in the entertainment field who loved the game as well and featured a hand they played or defended outstandingly. To attract attention to Ira’s enterprises, he hired Mrs. Jean Carpenter (whose first husband was Charles Schulz, famous creator of the comic strip “Peanuts”). Incidentally Schulz loved bridge himself and made reference to it in some of his cartoons.
One of Jean’s bridge-related jobs was to sniff around in Hollywood to learn which famed stars were “into the game” and then she would check to see what road shows would be coming through Dallas and invite an eager bridge-loving celebrity to the legendary Sunday Brunch and Bridge. Phyllis Diller was one of those who charmed the Aces coterie. Also attending on other occasions were Meredith Baxter, Carol Channing and the one and only George Burns (whom Bobby felt was by far the best of the lot). The luncheon was a fun-filled social gathering, but when they got to the card table, things became very serious! There were other celebs (some from the sports world as well) who also graced the Sunday outings — but these were the standouts !
So, besides being a super entertainer, the late Phyllis Diller was one of us!
August 21st, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 7 Comments
Congratulations to the hard-working bridge devotees who are making a huge effort to not only draw beginners (and old timers who have forsaken the game) to classes – but also who have gotten their foot in the door at 25 middle schools in the area.
You may not be aware but bridge has been taught in the schools in Europe for about twenty plus years and in China for the last few. Some energetic bridge players in our area recognize the importance of the game in practical areas (as well as its social and pleasurable aspects) such as developing sheer logic, problem solving, understanding and interpreting numbers in real situations, etc. The beneficial offshoots of bridge are boundless. I spotted and copied the following literature which appeared on our local computer Bridge Site – well worth reading:
This page is devoted to people who would like to learn to play bridge.
BEGINNER CLASSES – Spring Mountain Bridge Club, 1151 S Buffalo Dr, #100, has a new bridge lessons offering starting Wednesday, August 22 at 6:00 pm. These lessons are designed for beginners and those who may not have played bridge in a while. No experience necessary. Contact Charlene Mintz at 278-8614.
BEGINNER CLASSES – Eric Bell will start Easybridge lessons at Las Vegas Bridge World, 5580 W Flamingo Rd, #101, Las Vegas, starting September 17 at 6:30 pm. These lessons are designed for people with no prior bridge experience. There is no charge for the first 4 weeks. For more information contact ">">">Eric.
Youth Program
BRIDGE IN AREA SCHOOLS – Our new school Bridge program is starting at about 25 schools in the Las Vegas Valley in September. It is aimed at middle school aged children, although some high schools and elementary schools have also expressed interest. Students will be taught by school teachers who, in most cases, have just learned the rules of the game. They will be teaching in slow steps with card play first, and bidding later, to kids who may not even be familiar with the deck of cards.
Teaching the teachers is being conducted in two seminars. The first seminar is on Aug 4, 2012. If you are a teacher interested in the program, or know children who might be interested in participating contact Richard Baker.
Hooray for Las Vegas! It would be great if other communities would follow suit!
August 21st, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 17 Comments
My, My – things have changed since I started playing duplicate 57 years ago. If my memory serves me correctly, the entry fee was either a buck or a buck and a quarter and over the years gradually creeped higher and higher.
HOWEVER, TODAY AT OUR CLUB (AND I AM SURE IT IS NOT THEY WHO SET THE FEE), WE HAD SIX TABLES AND A CUMBERSOME HOWELL MOVEMENT for an outrageous card fee of $9.50 per person. SOMEBODY’S GETTING RICH ON THE STAC FEES. WHERE DOES ALL THE MONEY GO? TO THE ACBL? TOWARD ENHANCING THE DIRECTORS’ OR ADMINISTRATORS’ SALARIES? TO THE PERKS AND TRAVELING EXPENSES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS? PRAY TELL, CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN IT TO ME. I JUST DON’T GET IT!!!!
August 10th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 9 Comments
A friend of Bobby’s who is a good player, extremely knowledgeable and honorable and for years has fought incessantly for the maintenance of the morality of our game, sent him a copy of an abominable club ruling (not that it was so shocking to those in-the-know). To emphasize how vehemently Bobby feels the game has fallen from grace, I want to share with you his reply to the writer — his “take” and strong critique of the incident.
The actual situation is unimportant to share, but Bobby’s outrage IS NOT!
“The actions of both the perpetrators of the heart contract, reached through impossible circumstances and with the obvious collusion of the TD’s are both individually and collectively a very sad day for our favorite game.”
“Nothing less than a sincere (public) apology should be demanded and received together with a letter of stepping down from any future tournament directing or advising, To do less than that should be construed as a permanent glitch and irreconcilable conflict on the way tournament bridge is run at that venue, with everyone connected with affirming this decision, or even being a party to tolerating it, guilty of either or both, gross evil and off-the-charts ignorance.”
TAKE THAT!
|
Subscribe to our feed
Bridge-related