December 4th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 31 Comments 
(Scenario #1:) BOTH VULNERABLE. SOUTH as dealer, passes. The auction proceeds with West opening 1H holding the following: 8 A7653 K3 KQ1073; an immediate skip to 4S by North, followed by two passes. As West do you take another call?
(Scenario #2) IDENTICAL SITUATION except over 4S, East huddles at least 15-20 seconds AND PASSES. NOW, THE QUESTION IS: AFTER A LONG HITCH BY PARTNER, would you now bid 5C?
(By the way, with everyone being aware of the situation, West jumped right in with 5C and voluntarily offered to me “I was always going to bid”). What say you? Tomorrow you will see the hand that hitched which is rather ludicrous and the end result.
By the way we heard an interesting auction before the game began yesterday. Someone repeated a duplicate story that proceeded 1NT P 3NT P (which normally closes the auction of course) – but surprise, surprise, the opener jumped to 6D (making of course). Recorder, anyone?
And who ever said duplicate was boring?
December 1st, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 6 Comments
In today’s NABC Daily Bulletin on page 4, Bobby noted a column captioned NABC Diary. As he read on, he asked if I realized that it was actually Yours Truly who initiated Breakfast with the Stars. Jackie Matthews, beloved “mother” of the caddies, who is recovering from surgery and missed Orlando, did some reminiscing by telephone:
Judy started it.
It has been pointed out that Judy Kay-Wolff was the originator of what has become Breakfast with the Stars, now being guided and organized by Rose Meltzer. The first such get-together was at the Spring NABC in Philadelphia in 2003 and was organized by Kay-Wolff.
I was aware that Rose had turned this into an ongoing successful event, but I must confess I really had not associated it with the one Jill Meyers and I collaborated on back in Philadelphia. In fact, in reading through my recap, I see Jill named it One-on-One Celebrity Brunch and also helped recruit many of the stars. I was Publicity Chairman and Co-Entertainment Chairman as well (and in retrospect can’t believe I agreed to don two hats, and play also). Naturally I started rummaging through my NABC Boxes and came upon a typewritten summary captioned “THE PHILADELPHIA NABC REPORT – MARCH 2003” which I had written (probably at someone’s request) recapturing all the events we put on each night, the names of all who helped, what kind of programs we presented, etc.. It was to serve as a guide to all future NABC holders suggesting successful ventures and warning them of some of the pitfalls of which we were not cognizant. It was a nine page summary and invited questions by contacting me by phone or by my (old) email address, coincidentally named judykay@bridgelove.com.
Here is a tiny part of the coverage:
“A novel concept introduced in Philly was our well-received ONE-ON-ONE CELEBRITY BRUNCH. Following through with the ideal of the ACBL of merging the newer, less-traveled player with the experienced world-famous expert, our District hosted a highly-successful (though very expensive) landmark event. For a paltry fee of $6.00 (a portion of which went to charity), our guests were able to “buy” brunch and the thrill of a fifteen minute sitting with the star of their choice (if one of the three slots was still available). The event was held Tuesday morning and tickets went on sale Saturday. Guess celebrities included: GRANT BAZE, LISA AND DAVID BERKOWITZ; SHANNON AND MIKE CAPPELLETTI, JR.; LARRY COHEN, DICKIE FREEMAN AND NICK NICKELL; AUDREY GRANT; ERIC GRECO AND GEOFF HAMPSON; ZEKE JABBOUR; DON KRAUSS; KYLE LARSEN AND ROSE MELTZER; JILL AND BOBBY LEVIN; JILL MEYERS; MIKE PASSELL; ERIC RODWELL; DEBBIE AND MICHAEL ROSENBERG; TOBI SOKOLOW; JOANNNA STANSBY; DOROTHY TRUSCOTT AND GAIL GREENBERG … and 24 hours before the brunch I accosted ZIA in the Marriott Lobby since he could not be reached in advance of the tournament.
….. ONE-ON-ONE was an uncontested winner.”
In retrospect, it was a very expensive adventure which was done as an accommodation to our guests. We had a healthy budget so money was not a consideration. Since we have not attended any of the Breakfast with the Stars events, I have no idea how it operates but I am so happy Rose continued the concept as it is a marvelous opportunity for the public to meet the great and gracious celebrities of our day.
Thanks for the memories, Jackie. Get well soon.
December 1st, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 1 Comment
Although I haven’t attended an NABC in over two years (after religiously showing up at them for over forty years), the wonderful cyberspace presentation of the Daily Bulletins through the courtesy of Brent Manley, Dave Smith and their great staff), allows one to keep up with the happenings on line.
I enjoyed reading of two well deserving commendations:
Larry Cohen (famous for ‘The Law of Total Tricks’ among so many other contributions to the game) was named 2011 Honorary Member of the year, being one of the most prestigious, diversified and competent names known to the bridge world. I will be following up this week on a story of Larry’s accomplishments over many decades.
Rose Meltzer was appointed as Chairman of the Good Will Committee to replace its originator, Aileen Osofsky, one of the greatest ambassadors of our game who passed on after chairing the committee for what seems like eons. Rose, with her background, warmth, grace and vivaciousness will be perfect as her successor.
The slate for next year’s Hall of Fame Candidates was just announced by the HOF Committee. They are: Marty Bergen, Peter Boyd, Bart Bramley, Gail Greenberg, Kyle Larsen, Jill Meyers, John Mohan, Sue Picus, Judi Radin and Tobi Sokolow. Quite an impressive list and a departure from previous years’ policy of nominating sponsors who have attained fantastic results with the help of professionals. (Since I have known so many of these ‘youngsters’ growing up, it is hard for me to accept the fact they have reached the magic HOF eligibility age of sixty)!
November 30th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 2 Comments
I am well aware this is a ‘bridge site” and the only way I can justify reprinting the following is by likening them to some of the dumb remarks made at the bridge table (of which we have all been guilty – including yours truly). They may not enhance your bridge knowledge, but they will surely give you a laugh! AND I QUOTE VERBATIM:
WHY CERTAIN ATHLETES DON’T HOLD REGULAR JOBS…
1. Chicago Cubs outfielder Hall of Famer Andre Dawson on being a role model: "I wan’ all dem kids to do what I do, to look up to me. I wan’ all the kids to copulate Me."
2. Former New Orleans Saint RB George Rogers when asked about the upcoming season: "I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first."
3. And, upon hearing Joe Jacobi of the ‘Skin’s say: "I’d run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl," Matt Millen of the Raiders said: "To win, I’d run over Joe’s Mom, too."
4. Torrin Polk, University of Houston receiver, on his coach, John Jenkins: "He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings.."
5. Football commentator and former QB Joe Theismann: "Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."
6. Senior basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh : "I’m going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes." (Now that is beautiful)
7. Bill Peterson, a Florida State football coach: "You guys line up alphabetically by height." And, "You guys pair up in groups of three, and then line up in a circle.."
8. Boxing promoter Dan Duva on Mike Tyson going to prison: "Why would anyone expect him to come out smarter? He went to prison for three years, not Princeton ."
9. Stu Grimson, a former Chicago Blackhawks left wing, explaining why he keeps a color photo of himself above his locker: "That’s so when I forget how to spell my name, I can still find my clothes."
10. Lou Duva, veteran boxing trainer, on the Spartan training regime of heavyweight Andrew Golota: "He’s a guy who gets up at six o’clock in the morning, regardless of what time it is."
11. Chuck Nevitt , North Carolina State basketball player, explaining to late coach Jim Valvano why he appeared nervous at practice: "My sister’s expecting a baby, and I don’t know if I’m going to be an uncle or an aunt." (I wonder if his IQ ever hit room temperature in January.)
12. Frank Layden, one-time Utah Jazz president and funnyman, on a former player: "I told him, ‘Son, what is it with you? Is it ignorance or apathy?’ He said, ‘Coach, I don’t know and I don’t care.’"
13. Shelby Metcalf, basketball coach at Texas A&M, recounting what he told a player who received four F’s and one D: "Son, looks to me like you’re spending too much time on one subject."
14. In the words of North Carolina State basketball great Charles Shackelford, "I can go to my left or right, I am amphibious."
15. Amarillo High School and former Houston Oiler coach Bum Phillips when asked by Bob Costas why he takes his wife on all the road trips, Phillips responded: "Because she is too damn ugly to kiss good-bye."
November 26th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 2 Comments
The first Cavendish Calcutta tournament to which I was exposed was held somewhere on Park Avenue in New York at a bridge club hosted by Kathy Fallenius many decades ago (when Norman and Edgar played on a team). I also attended two at the old Desert Inn where Norman was invited to serve on Appeals Committees. However, there have been many before and since, so let us take a brief moment and bring you up to date with a fairly comprehensive history from Wikipedia:
The Cavendish Club, whose name is associated with the event, was founded in 1925 in New York City. Its membership featured some of the most famous names in bridge, including Ely Culbertson, Charles Goren, Oswald Jacoby, Howard Schenken, Samuel Stayman and Zia Mahmood. It moved a few times from the Mayfair House to the Ambassador Hotel, thence to the Ritz Tower Hotel and the Carlton House. In 1975 the Club began hosting the prestigious Cavendish Invitational Pairs but in 1991 the New York club was forced to close its doors due to rent increases and flagging membership. The tournament continued to be held in New York City until 1997 when World Bridge Productions took over the Invitational Pairs tournament and moved operations to Las Vegas, an action which greatly increased the visibility and purse size for the event. The WBP added an Open Pairs event to broaden the field for more players. The Invitational Pairs is an auctioned event where the top pairs are acquired by the highest bidder at a black tie cocktail party a day before the event starts. The auction pool for the Pairs event has recently been running around a million dollars and has been as high as 1.5 million. Each pair must purchase a minimum 10% share in itself and may exercise its right to own as much as 40% of itself or more if permitted by the winner of the bid. At the conclusion of the tournament 95% of the auction pool is distributed in a scaled payout to the bid winners. Each pair plays three boards against all the other pairs with a time limit of 25 minutes per round. Up to 45 rounds are played to decide the winner. The tournament begins on a Friday and traditionally ends on Mother’s Day.
Stevie Weinstein has won it seven times (five with Bobby Levin and twice with Fred Stewart — quite a record). The host hotel in Green Valley is a lovely resort/casino and a short cab ride from McCarran Airport where the opening evening auction attracts (and feeds and quenches the thirst of) hundreds of curious onlookers along with the serious money people who are not there for the sociability, but from a business standpoint. A decent portion of money is taken out by the organizers for their yearlong efforts of busting their butts to host this lavish tournament, for the negotiated cost of the hotel, food, and other accoutrements and Uncle Sam is ever present taking the government’s share right there on the spot as the money is being distributed and bears witness as the accounts are settled. The lure of the hobbing and nobbing with the elite of the bridge world consisting of the rich and famous was the hook that made the Cavendish tick. It was and is "The Social Event" of the bridge year and it floats a lot of people’s boats despite the downturn in our economy. The evening is open to the public and anticipated with much excitement in terms of the wads of monies bid and delightfully entertaining styles of the emcees. A night to remember.
Other popular money bridge events held were — specifically The London Times Tournament (later renamed the Macallan Liquor), The Cap Gemini (held in Holland), a Danish tournament for a few years and one in Deauville and Monte Carlo plus the Cino del Duca which rotated among the greatest cities in Europe. Eventually, all of these tournaments ceased to exist — many of which — because of ‘cheating’ implications brought about by the prize money offered. A lesser, smaller one is still being being held in Japan which is popular among the contestants because of the warmth of the hosts and players and the accommodation the organizers provide.
Presently, a gala of recent vintage is being hosted mostly in different Chinese cities every year by generous financier and bridge devotee, Mr. Chen Yeh of Taiwan. However, in 2009, in conjunction with the Queensland Bridge Association and the Australian Bridge Federation, they brought The Yeh Bros. Cup "down under" to the surf, sun and sand of the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It has been far and away the most desirable tournament to attend because of the generous expense money given to far away travelers, the significant money prizes and the general ambiance the organizers provide. Most all of the tournaments described above have been Invitationals although many of the former European ones were basically open to most any worthy pair who wanted to participate; however, the organizers had the right to refuse entry to anyone they found objectionable.
Recently, through the never-ending efforts and energy of Jose Damiani, World Bridge Federation President, who has stepped down after sixteen years as President, it was announced there are proposed Tournaments of Bridge Mind Games. There are many issues to be discussed, resolved and voted upon as it is an offshoot of the World Olympics — allegedly displaying the BEST OF THE BEST — as any Olympic requirement.
The first tentative report on these events, according to Mr. Damiani are: SPORT ACCORD MIND GAMES to be held in 2011 BEIJING (team/pairs/individuals); The U. S. will be included in each event (six players); ALL EXPENSES WILL BE COVERED (BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL, 5 STAR FULL BOARD ACCOMMODATION). IN ADDITION: cash prizes (U.S.) $140,000 FOR MEN’S AND $110,000 FOR WOMEN’S. Also mentioned though less decisively were the WORLD MIND SPORTS GAMES IN mid-August 2012 (MANCHESTER, ENGLAND) which would include one Open, one Women and one Senior Team (pay own expenses) and One Youngster (under 20); one Junior (under 25) and one Young (under 28) where travel and full board expenses are to be paid.
I believe these are the tentatively sketchy plans awaiting finalization and approval — but gives us much to think about and the members of the ITTC; USBF, et al. are already initiating discussions on the options. Since it is obvious this is being offered to what they consider the top tier of players the world over, I suspect the WBF’s wishes are that the players sent from these privileged countries should REPRESENT THE MOST SUPREME PERFORMERS THAT THE COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER (the pairs TO BE SELECTED FROM THE TOP 15 OR 20) .
Now the fun begins …. how are they to be selected AND BY WHOM???? Is sponsorship acceptable? The banter – pros, cons, suppositions, suggestions for pair trials vs. team trials, selection committees, etc. has already been thrown open for opinions in the U.S. – with a plethora of thoughts pro and cons. So, what else is new? It will be interesting to see how this serious problem and moral obligation is resolved in our country if and when the events actually come to fruition.
November 26th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 4 Comments
Robert F. Jordan, a Washingtonian by birth, lived in Philadelphia, Cincinnati and eventually passed away in his final residence in a luxurious abode in Palm Beach, Florida. Bobby had a very unusual and quite fortunate life as things always seemed to go his way until his passing in 2004, two years after his closest friend, my late husband, Norman Kay.
Bobby’s bridge career started in Washington and Al Roth took a shine to him and recognized the great flair and table presence he had at bridge. Bobby who was not a believer in hard work, moved to Philly and met a beautiful and bright divorcee by the name of Polly (nee Levine) who was several years his senior. They married shortly thereafter. Norman and Bob became fast friends and local bridge partners, winning something like 17 straight unit or district tournaments until they were asked to stop playing. Eventually, they were invited to return to the local scene as everyone wanted to take a shot at them again.
Bob became involved in, of all things, a cemetery business, where his main responsibility was to find fast-talking and convincing men to sell cemetery plots. While he was playing pinochle and rubber bridge at the Cavendish Club, Polly kept the books and more or less ran the business. Polly was so mad for Bob, and after a failed first marriage, was ecstatic to fall in love again with such a fun person and terrific card player. It was an exciting and beautiful union. They each had found happiness.
Norman, Polly and Bob became an exclusive triumvirate. Polly, who had not gotten seriously into bridge, was one of the best gin rummy players players in the country (and was as good as most of the best of men). Whenever Ozzie Jacoby would come to New York the three of them would take the hour and a half ride and the boys would back Polly, almost always returning a winner. Eventually Polly started to take up bridge more seriously, but as in the case of most husbands and wives, it was not healthy for the marriage to play together. By that time I had met Norman and we were pretty serious, seeing each other almost every night. So, one Sunday night, the four of us went to a bridge club in Wynnefield called Bee Shermet’s. It was THE place to go. When Jordan and Kay walked in together, it raised a lot of eyebrows.
Norman partnered Polly, hell bent on improving her game with her natural ability for cards and Bob, with whom I had become quite close, volunteered to play with me, I was very nervous and had trouble following suit. After the sixth board, Bobby went to the restroom and returned five minutes into the next round, He took his seat, then looked up inquisitively and asked a simple question with a serious face: “Are you mad at me?” Of course not,” I naively replied, to which he responded in typical Bob Jordan style with straight face: “THEN, WHY ARE YOU PLAYING THIS WAY????” Of course, that was his cute personality, but it did not serve as an incentive to my self confidence. That was the first and last time Bob and I were partners although we remained good buddies for forty years till he passed away, speaking frequently with him before the final curtain.
In the summer of 1962 Polly went into the hospital for routine women’s problems and died on the table. Bob was devastated as he was not one who could be alone. Norman moved in with him immediately and one day we introduced him to a lovely young bachelorette I worked with in a law firm and six months later they were married and became the parents of three wonderful kids. Life was beautiful again and they moved to Cincinnati where Bob bought another cemetery business, this time with Phyllis running it. Soon after they moved to Florida. However, Phyllis contracted a form of Alzheimer’s, became non-functional and did not last very long. She was one of the loveliest women I ever had the pleasure of calling a friend.
Bob and Phyllis had been living in the lap of luxury, joined the Boca Rio Golf Club where he enjoyed his tennis matches (one time even played with Donald and Ivana). Soon he was living the life of Riley with his magnificent new wife Lorraine whom he and Phyllis had met at the Club. He also played in the rubber bridge games in FL with Benito, Billy Eisenberg, et al and soon as he started losing, he bid them his adieus. Bobby was not big on ‘losing’ and always knew when to move on. Seemed to be the path his life took.
As you can see no grass grew under his feet (perhaps from being in the cemetery business) but after about five years of wedded bliss to his lovely Lorraine, he contracted cancer and died. I have lost contact with the children – but what a sad ending to a once joyous and exciting life (even after giving up serious tournament bridge)!!!
Sometimes life can be very cruel. But, I will always remember Bob with a big grin on his face as he was a very funny man.
November 22nd, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 3 Comments
Born in New York City in 1915, the son of immigrant Hungarian parents, George rose above many obstacles – obtaining a law degree but chose the real estate business in preference to the legal profession. He hooked up with ultra successful businessman, Percy Uris, who helped shape George’s successful professional real estate investing career, allowing him the luxury of exploiting his own bridge talents most of his lifetime.
As a matter of interest, his “immigrant Hungarian father, Erno Rapee, had a love for music (which he passed down to George) and became one of the most prolific symphonic conductors in the first half of the 20th century! He rose to the heights when he became the head conductor of the Radio City Symphony Orchestra – the resident orchestra of the world renown Radio City Music Hall whose music was enjoyed by millions of people all over the airwaves.
In 1966, the Bridge Bulletin published their list of the top 25 bridge players of all time based totally on their finishes in major events. Surprised by many, George appeared in the No. 5 spot, ahead of Jacoby, Stayman and the leader of the cult, Charles H. Goren. During 1942-71, in the three major team championships (Vanderbilt, Spingold and Reisinger), he won 21 times and finished second 15 times. Quite an eye opener. Bobby also adds that during that time (middle 1960’s) George was voted the most effective USA player ever, not necessarily the best technical nor creative one, but because of his uncanny ability to adapt to his partner’s style (George had a number of the highest level partners and teammates) and his World Championship performance record of playing his best at the most stressful times.
However, probably the most often discussed subject was neither his great business success nor his tournament performance, but that the actual STAYMAN CONVENTION WAS INVENTED BY RAPEE – NOT HIS PARTNER STAYMAN. George and Sam were regular partners when Rapee came up with the idea of using the 2C response to a one no trump opener as an artificial bid to try to uncover a four/four major fit. Unfortunately, because Stayman wrote about it in The Bridge World Magazine, it took upon the name ‘ Stayman.’ And today, umpteen years later, Stayman and Blackwood are still the two most popular conventions used in the world.
Let me interject a personal story I always enjoyed. Because of Norman’s closeness with George, we were a hug and kiss sort of pair when we would see each other and he would always greet me with “Hello, Dear” which bugged me no end After ten years, he could have learned my name. I had ‘had it” and one day I lost my temper and blurted out — “What’s with this ‘dear’ stuff. WHAT’S MY NAME????? With that Sir Galahad (NK) rushed to his aid and blurted, “Of course you knew it was Judy the whole time.” ( I wanted to kill him – but I must admit I always got a special greeting (and firm recognition) after that!
What I probably remember most vividly about George was that his inherent love of music (as soon as he checked into the hotel) caused him to hightail it to a music store and buy a hi-fi operating system for his suite Perhaps the music relaxed him and caused him to play better. In any event, it became a ritual (and because he had so many musical accoutrements in his New York apartment), he would routinely leave the sound system to the maid as her tip. Yes, ladies and gentleman that was the one and only George Rapee.
November 20th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 11 Comments
During over five decades on the bridge scene. I can sincerely say I never enjoyed and respected a pair of gentlemen more than ERIC RUTHERFORD MURRAY, (now 82) and his junior partner by six years, SAMI KEHELA, both from Toronto, whose partnership lasted for thirty years and still remain good friends.
Their backgrounds were like night and day but they made beautiful music together and I was so proud that the bridge gods brought Norman and Edgar together with them. Not only were they top performers but were delightful honorable, ethical gentlemen who added much to our after hours get-togethers at Edgar’s suite over a couple glasses of wine. Eric was an amazing raconteur and captivated us hours on end – with Sami being his straight man.
Their compatibility was legendary though their backgrounds were so dissimilar. Sami was born in Bagdad and spent some time in England (a disciple of Terrence Reese) before settling in Canada. Eric, enjoying a successful career as a barrister and solicitor lived in Canada his entire life. He was quite outgoing while Sami was much more reserved.
Eric was married to a bright, charming young lady by the name of Helen who, too, was a successful lawyer (but didn’t play bridge) though she often accompanied Eric to the tournaments. At a rather early age, she contracted some debilitating disease, lingered for several years and died recently. Eric is now retired from the practice of law but does continue to indulge in the game. In fact he recently won the Canadian Seniors Team which qualified them to play in the WBF Philadelphia World Bridge Series – but declined. Sounds like he hasn’t missed a beat.
As far as I am concerned, Eric’s best line (and he has quite a repertoire) was after the Foot Soldiers Scandal where the Italian pair in Bermuda was accused of signaling by touching toes, Eric lost no time in telegraphing the American captain, applying as a replacement. The telegram (quoted In The Lone Wolff under the chapter called “The Agony of De-Feet) repeated verbatim and brought down the house when read in the vu-graph room.
“Dear Mr. Sheinwold:
I would like to volunteer for the North American Team. I play a reasonable game of bridge and take a size 14 shoe.
Sincerely,
Eric R. Murray
Sami, on the other hand, not married until fairly recently, had a rather more active not-in-one-place kind of life with various interests as opposed to a lifetime career. He is a semi-retired bridge journalist, and teacher – enjoying the pleasures of fine wine and films. He was the former editor of the Ontario Kibitzer, bridge columnist for Toronto Life, contributor to the ACBL bulletin and the Bridge Encyclopedia, enjoys playing rubber bridge and served as a coach as well.
Their combined victories might rival Mr. Everest, but more important, the respect and popularity with which they were embraced said it all
November 18th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 3 Comments
That is not necessarily true – when you exhaust all avenues until you find what you really need.
This pertains to the LV Sectional which has been getting to be old hat as discussed at length on my blog site for the last three weeks. However, Jay Baum, has agreed to have the episode reviewed in New Orleans by the original ruling committee on several of our complaints. The story is contained in the many blogs and comments about The Bastardization of Bridge.
Recently I was told by one of our administrators that all the directors ‘can’t have everything’ (bridge expertise, good director skills and the ability to make a ruling without getting into a fight with the players). Says who? They don’t have to be a world class player but they must have a clear understanding of the game, an easy going manner and be a good people-person when called to the table).
This calls to mind an incident which brings a huge smile to my lips. Back in August of 1987 (right before the crash), I hosted a huge 60th surprise birthday bash for Norman with about 150 in attendance. The Rosenkranzes flew in from Mexico – joining family, local friends and many famous buddies of Norman (with Edgar naturally presiding as MC, B. J. Becker, Alvin Roth, Lenny Harmon, Andy Gabrilovitch, Ivar Stakgold, Elaine Landy [widow of Alvin] , et al.).
Norman was speechless and as each guest appeared in the doorway, there were tears in his eyes. He hated to be the center of attention. Toughies! This was HIS DAY!. We enjoyed hearing tributes to Norman that ranged from the 50’s to that day, followed by cocktails and a sumptuous meal. However, to close the celebration, I planned something original.
At the time I was the owner of a successful wholesale baseball (sports memorabilia) business (and as good a service organization as any around, as we always satisfied our customers).We started in our home but moved to a 5,000 square foot office/warehouse and had many of my friends as full time employees. I wrote some ditties for the finale and the girl singers (three of the seven were at one time my bridge partners – Barbara Brier, Jane Segal and Helen Smith) came out donned in black tee shirts and slacks. The songs and the performance brought the house down – but I haven’t gotten to the point of my story. The front of the shirts bore the inscription in bold white letters. It said KAY’S BASEBALL CARDS, INC. That was all that was visible to the roaring audience. However, when the gals took their curtain calls, they turned around and on the reverse side of these black shirts were the following:
OUR MOTTO ….
SERVICE* QUALITY* PRICE*
*SELECT ANY TWO
Naturally, we DID provide all three and every good organization should – including our Unit and District. I never believed in settling for second best and I have Norman and Bobby to prove it!
November 16th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 6 Comments
One of the most charismatic characters I ever met as I aspired to learn the game was the handsome, charming John R. Crawford, a teammate of Norman’s, who died at 62, long before his time. He was well built, magnificently groomed and had steel gray eyes, to boot. He was born in Philadelphia and was married to a woman who was a descendant of Martha Custis Washington. They had three daughters (Dudley, Fenton and Ames) which always reminded me of a law firm. After his first marriage, he wed Leslie Bolton, the Reynolds Tobacco heiress and eventually moved on, marrying Carol Stolken, a good bridge and backgammon player in her own right, who died prematurely at 48. Johnny had finally found his true love and was kidded that the only time they were apart was when he strolled down the street for a haircut.
My favorite Johnny Crawford story (no doubt told before) occurred when Johnny and his teammates returned from an international tournament, landing in New York. Norman’s parents and an aunt and uncle offered to motor to New York to pick Norman up for his return to his home in Merchantville, NJ. Before hanging up the phone, Norman asked his mother to bring along several thousand dollars with no further explanation as they were having dinner at one of the New York race tracks. The money turned out to be for Johnny, an uncontrollable, inveterate gambler – but usually with great vibes. Norman, in the next teller line, heard Johnny instructing his man, “Keep Punching till the bell rings.” A few days later my mother-in-law received a package from Johnny, paying off his debt. They always used to say he would bet on two cockroaches crawling along the floor, putting up a line which one would reach there first. He just loved the action.
Another facet of Johnny’s charm was he loved playing host at Leslie’s gigantic estate in Camden, S.C. He would send airline tickets to dozens of friends and have them met at the airport. It was swimming, drinking, eating, card games and of course betting the ballgames. Not even sure whether it was on radio or television though I had heard the stories so many times. Norman, the youngest of the group, did not want to be an outcast so he approached Johnny, asking for a part of the action (whatever that meant). “O.K., kid.” muttered Johnny. I’ll give you 5% of mine. As they left for the airport Sunday night, Johnny handed Norman a bundle of money. Norman always laughed when he recounted the story that if he had lost (being a lowly trainee at Merrill Lynch on the way to the big time), it might have taken him a year to pay off his debt. Luckily, he won.
Johnny’s bridge career took off soon as he touched the cards. As the Encyclopedia says, “He demonstrated his adaptability by achieving national successes with many different partners and earned a reputation for competitive repartee, table presence and psychological awareness.” He lectured extensively and helped to found the New York Card School in 1950 and departed Philadelphia in 1959 to make New York his new home base, at least temporarily.
I also recall that in honor of our wedding, although The Crawfords could not attend, a package arrived from Tiffany’s with a dozen French Limoges plates. Since grilled cheese sandwiches were my specialty back then, I never had the pleasure of using them and my friends tease me about it to this day.
Johnny was always impeccably dressed and without a doubt the most fascinating bridge player of his era. Being with and getting to know Johnny Crawford (even from afar) was a special experience! He was in a league by himself.
Bringing my memories of Johnny to a close, I am compelled to include a story Bobby just imparted to me. Whether apocryphal or true, we are unlikely to know. The first Bermuda Bowl was held in 1950. They did not have so-called Trials but rather tryouts by the potential applicants. Johnny chose to flaunt his skill and make a stab at it, being a performer with incredible ‘table feel.” As the story goes, he made a slam by picking off a singleton king off-side (missing four pieces) — to score up the contract — but was not chosen by the committee as the selectors failed to appreciate that fact that sometimes ‘table genius’ trumps the percentage tables (and his play was considered to be anti-percentage). Rumor or legend? A good subject for Ripley.
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