TOMMY SANDERS PASSES AWAY

December 12th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  7 Comments 

I regret to report I have received several emails and calls that our beloved Tommy Sanders died last evening.   I know it was not sudden as he had been ailing for a while.  You will be reading more about his great contributions both bridge-wise and in the field of administration.   Tommy was a typical Southern gentleman and an extraordinary credit to the game.

FOLLOWING UP ON THE TOP 52 INFLUENTIAL ….

December 11th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  5 Comments 

bridge players in the last 75 years.  Appearing in the October daily bridge bulletin  I answered Brent’s innovative editorial ..

I have always enjoyed Brent’s focus on different subjects and this month’s caught my eye – celebrating the 75th anniversary of the ACBL.      He continues “We have been tossing around ideas for coverage in this magazine, starting next  month and leading up to the observance in 2012.   One of the ideas I like a lot is a Top 52 list of influential bridge people over the last 75 years.” 

At  the time I suggested Lee Hazen, a pillar of the bridge community who reached into his own pocket in the mid thirties to keep the League going when funds were low or nil.   There may have been no ACBL today had it not been for Lee.   However, since reading some of the preposterous nominees (including proven or suspected cheats), I came up with another idea.   

Influential does not necessarily have to be positive.   We can cite dozens of negative influences on bridge, beginning with Carl Albert Perroux, notorious mastermind of the exalted Blue Team (and stop at that for fear of getting into a blood bath).   Then there were the plethora of proven cheaters (barred from playing) and those suspected ones who are still roaming the aisles and filling the tables.  And, don’t forget proven cheats who illuminate our own Hall of Fame?  How about the people who took credit for conventions they didn’t invent and whose name they still bear?   How about the administrators whose prime concern is glory and popularity rather than a concerted effort to better the league and keep it free from politics and money lust?  I could go on and on.   In fact, outside of the bridge world – how about the MVP from the National League just named, followed by the fact he couldn’t pass the drug test.

It isn’t only bridge that has these sleazy type of phonies.   Every sport and group has their own Peck’s Bad Boy (and Girl) List.  I’d be careful naming the “Top 52” before scrutinizing their backgrounds.

2012 BRIDGE HALL OF FAME NOMINEES

December 8th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  10 Comments 

It was noted in the recent Seattle Daily Bridge Bulletin that the following were nominees for next year’s election and ensuing induction in Philadelphia:  MARTY BERGEN, PETER BOYD, BART BRAMLEY, KYLE LARSON, JILL MEYERS, JUDI RADIN and EDDIE WOLD.  I am relieved to see that all of the above are true experts at playing the game.  The current executive members are Steve Robinson (Chairman), Alan Sontag, David Berkowitz,  Karen Allison, Geoff Hampson, Ralph Katz (co-chairman),  Mike Passell and Peggy Sutherlin.  A candidate must receive a least 50% of the ballots cast to be elected.  The von Zedtwitz and Blackwood Award selections will also be announced at that time.

Norman, my late husband, served on the HOFC for a few years and shortly after his death, I was invited to replace him.   What a thrill it was to receive that call from Mike Becker – and what an honor.  For a time there, however, less than super expert players were put up for reasons of which I did not and do not approve.  I resigned soon thereafter.  Fortunately, the recent electors thought as I did and the results have remained pure.

CAYNE TEAM SWEEPS REISINGER BAM BY FOUR BOARDS

December 6th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  1 Comment 

Congraulations to captain Jimmy Cayne and partner Michael Seamon, and the great Italian foursome of Lauria, Versace, Duboin and Sementa who comprised the winning team   Behind them in second were Zimmermann, Multon, Fantoni, Nunes, Helgemo and Helness.

As I followed the happenings in the event since Friday, it became evident the contestants had changed a lot in fifty years when I first started following the supreme board a match event.   In those days, it was predominantly composed of U. S. contestants and a Mexican or Canadian here and there.  It was “The Event!” As I perused the slate which was posted on Friday, I realized I recognized less names than I had known over the years.    Professionalism has drawn just about every top player from around the world to share in the money and glory of the top national attractions.   If not advised what event it was, by just going over the names, I never would have guessed as there were so few U. S. players by comparison.

Concurrently, another high powered six-session Swiss event, took place starting Friday as well.   It was amazing that so many top players who normally play in the Reisinger had entered this other big contest.  Coincidentally, it may interest you to know, this was Bobby Wolff’s brainchild (presented to the BOD by Ira Corn) back in the 1970s and vigorously passed as people wanted (shall we say) a less tough event where they had a better chance to make a good showing.   Look at this year’s BAM entries and it will prove itself as many of the very top seeds were eliminated on the first two cuts.    Lots of big names chose the Swiss v. the coveted Reisinger.   Terrific showing for the proud winners of the Keohane North American Swiss were Gloria and Les Bart, Nader Hanna and Piotr Klimkowicz!!!

Where have the years gone and why have so many experts converted to the N. A. Swiss?   Perhaps it has to do with the more challenging competition of the Reisinger because of the better systems of the foreign players who have taken a shine to the attraction of success, the big money and bright lights!

TIME MARCHES ON…

December 3rd, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  9 Comments 

This morning Bobby and I were discussing the most challenging moments in our respective bridge lives and believe it or not, we settled on the same incident.

At 7:00 a.m. on the morning of July 20th, 1984 I received an ungodly early call from my close friend, Joan Weinrott, horrified about the kidnapping of Edith Rosenkranz at the Nationals at the Washington- Sheraton Hotel in D.C., — which news she had either seen on television or heard on radio.   Norman and I were in a state of frenzy as we were very close friends with Edith and George as Norman was George’s Merrill Lynch Stock Broker and close social friends … and it was the first we had heard of it 

Because Norman’s partner’s wife, Betty Kaplan, was ill with cancer, Norman and Edgar passed by the Washington tournament so this was shocking news from afar.  The last time Norman missed a tournament was after the assassination of JFK.   He immediately returned to his home ML office for a few days — then returned to Bal Harbour.  

Norman immediately called the hotel and asked to speak to George.   The stern solemn voice on the other end of the phone asked his name.  When he replied, he held his hand over the receiver (apparently questioning George) and then replied ‘THIS IS THE FBI.”   We were told you will receive a return call from George when he knew more.   Norman and I were absolutely petrified until a day later –when George asked Eddie Wold to telephone us that Edith was released unharmed and was now safely back at  the hotel.

Coincidentally, Edith’s disappearance unbeknownst to him, affected Bobby as well as Norman and myself (plus the whole bridge entourage).    It was the evening session of the Spingold Team event and George just happened to be kibitzing Bobby and Bob Hamman and had no idea his beloved was on her way to the downstairs inside parking lot where she was abducted.  The Washington Police and FBI  were contacted immediately and did an unfathomable job tracking the ransom money of one million dollars, the car, the kidnappers and of course Edith who was returned safely.  I remember the following day, George and Edith were gracious, calm and relieved enough to visit each and every bridge tournament site to rousing cheers of happy people whom they thanked for their prayers and concern.

It is now over twenty-five years ago since the incident and though in their late eighties or early nineties, the Rosenkranzes are still with us.   I will always consider Edith’s disappearance  the saddest, most frightening and happiest two consecutive days of my life.

SCANDALS, IMPROPRIETIES AND ALL THAT ROT …

November 23rd, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  18 Comments 

While I was working on a blog, Bobby came in and told me there was an article he had just read about the worst scandals in the sports world in the last fifty or so years according to a poll of many people.   I told him to let me think about it when I finished what I was writing.    I thought and thought and thought but never would have guessed the answers and percentages.  I will post the answers of the first three and the percentages who selected them this evening.    It boggled my mind.

BACK AT BALLY’S FOR A SECTIONAL

November 14th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  10 Comments 

This hotel is a far cry from the quaint Riviera where the size is miniscule compared to this hotel (except for the Riviera’s convention facilities which are terrific).   Everything else is downsized at the Riviera (to our liking).   Here was our experience after checking in late afternoon yesterday. 

Because of my walking problem, I always request a room as close to the elevator as possible.   Our accommodating desk clerk acquiesced, saying it was the fifth room when we alit from the lift, but neglected to add we had to walk two long corridors and pass through a lounge (at least a city block long in all) to arrive at our destination.    The room was elegant — twice the size of a normal room with an ante room with closets and counters PLUS a huge bathroom.   It has three telephones (even one in the bathroom).   Is that class, I ask you?   However, soon as I could, I called down and arranged for a scooter or I wouldn’t reach the playing room till after the start of the game.   After unpacking, we then returned to the main floor and played “Blackjack Switch” a fascinating version of the game, played by very few as there was only one Switch table and a variety of about twenty others.

We enjoyed a nice dinner at the exotic Thai Seascape and after rising late this morning we were in for a shock.  At 9:10 we arrived at the only breakfast place open to find a line of about forty-people and were told nothing else was available but Room Service.    We were not about to miss a meal, heaven forbid, so I scooted back to the room and ordered from the menu.   DON’T ASK.   Tomorrow we will be up at seven!

TOPICAL REMINISCING …

November 13th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  2 Comments 

This morning at breakfast Bobby and I were talking about some of his earlier bridge experiences, long before I came upon the scene.  He smiled when he fondly recalled when he was director of bridge on a cruise on the QE2 back in the seventies.   He recalls meeting a lovely couple and remembered them vividly.   She adored playing bridge in the duplicates but he was more into sports and in fact showed some football footage in the auditorium on occasion, at the beginning of his long career.   Their names were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Paterno.

CHANGING TIMES — BUT NOT FOR THE BETTER!!

November 8th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  20 Comments 

I can remember Bobby reminiscing that in his twenties what he wouldn’t give to make a U. S. team and represent his country.   Eventually, came the ACES and his dreams came through in cinemascope – winning eleven world championships.   At the age of 79, still sharp and brilliant, he has turned his efforts more  toward helping the ACBL straighten out their many administrative problems – especially this latest hullaballoo about every fourth year having both a pair and team trials, rather than a team with two winners.

People’s (the pros for the most part) true greedy feelings came out unashamedly in spades.  Incidentally, Bobby never refused to play in an exhibition match here or overseas whether or not stipends or money were at the other end, while America’s currently thought-to-be top pair decline to play unless they get adequate compensation.   This is the thanks the bridge world gets for offering them a means of support and enabling them to make a very respectable living..   Even worse, I just read about another probably greedy pro (who jumped ship from Canada to the U.S.) stated that if he made a U.S. TEAM (with no compensation – probably just expenses and per diem) – he wouldn’t think for a second about removing himself from the U.S. Team and if the opportunity presented itself, jumping to the Transnationals for a pro date, never passing up an opportunity to fill his pockets.

How sad it is that the green stuff has taken over the love, honor, and majesty of the world’s most fascinating and challenging game!  It’s the wave of the future and growing worse by the moment.  The founders of the game would turn over in their graves if they could see the offshoots from its glorious beginnings.

A FINE LINE …

November 6th, 2011  ~  Judy Kay-Wolff  ~  10 Comments 

Today I read a Nascar incident where a driver was ‘bumped” from racing for an unapproved incident.  The exact report was “Busch was parked for Saturday’s Nationwide race and Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Texas after wrecking Ron Homaday, Jr. under caution.’   Why is it that an organization like Nascar has the guts to take a public stand on wrongdoing while the ACBL closes its eyes to “dumping’ (yes, dumping – not GIVING YOUR ALL) in an effort to not try your best to win a match or a board as your opponents’ success will in the long run affect you affirmatively.   It is similar to not putting in your best lineup to potentially allow your opponents to move ahead of someone whom you were rooting against in your own best interest.  There should be stringent rules on wrongdoing but it is a hush, hush subject as the sport or game will get a bad name.

Good for Nascar.   Maybe the ACBL should start thinking about opening their eyes to what often goes on under their own noses but refuses to acknowledge it.   Discussing deliberately dumping is a NO! NO! and it has happened on more than one occasion to allow the dumper to get the edge but it is a seldom talked about subject.