November 14th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 7 Comments 
ascends a large array of world class players (some of whom you may never have heard about as they may have been before your time). Starting in alphabetical order (to not be accused of favoritism for obvious reasons) comes the following:
BENNY FAIN (for some strange reason not even mentioned in the Bridge Encyclopedia) who met with a bathtub mishap in the early sixties and became paralyzed for life, impeding his talented bridge career — originally from San Antonio/by way of Chicago; JOHN GERBER, of Houston (international expert player, mentor, captain, coach); EMMA JEAN HAWES, of Fort Worth, one of America’s best woman players; GEORGE HEATH, of Dallas (according to Bobby who was playing with Ozzie as a partner), Ozzie is known to have turned to George, stating, “You’re too good for me and always have been” — quite an admission from such a dynamic self-assured person; PAUL HODGE, who was movie star handsome, from Abilene and worked with Goren Enterprises; JIM JACOBY, of Dallas, who sadly lived in his father’s shadow though a very talented player in his own right; OSWALD JACOBY, of Dallas, probably most famous of the Lone Star group; BOBBY NAIL, originally from Wichita but residing in Houston most of his life — of small physique but bursting at the seams with talent; the ever-feared CURTIS SMITH, not the most profound bidder but as great a defender and declarer ever to grace the game; and lastly, BOBBY WOLFF, born in San Antonio where he spent his first thirty-five years and then did equal time in Dallas, lured there to help organize and become a member of Ira Corn’s Aces. Sadly (but luckily for me) Bobby is the only survivor of the Texas Ten.
No doubt the most celebrated name in the pack is Oswald Jacoby, whom I had the pleasure of knowing. In fact, I met him for the first time in the mid-sixties at Norman’s and my center city apartment in Philly, next to the Sheraton, the site of a Regional. We hosted a cocktail party and Ozzie unexpectedly breezed in at the last minute without a date for the mixed pairs. He offered to play with me (a pretty terrible novice), but Norman could see me starting to quiver, so he declined graciously! I got to know Ozzie over the years as he and Norman were quite friendly — but I learned so much more about him after marrying Bobby as he was one of Bobby’s mentors (along with Tobias Stone). What a character!
OSWALD JACOBY was a sheer genius (no ands, ifs or buts). Though born in Brooklyn in 1902, (but spent most of his life in Texas) he left Columbia in his junior year to become an actuary, completing the examination for the Society of Actuaries at age 21, the youngest person at the time ever to do so. No person in the history of our game has so many accomplishments chalked up to his credit. Time and space will not allow such detailing, but let’s touch on some highlights of his unparalleled career.
Ozzie first gained international prominence as Sidney Lenz’s partner in the legendary Culbertson/Lenz Match. He next became a member of the Four Horsemen and Four Aces Teams. He also set a record for winning The Goldman Pairs three times in twenty years (the only three times in which he played in the event). He won hundreds of titles but probably his greatest achievement, outside of bridge, was after the announcement of the Pearl Harbor attack, left the Open Pairs in Richmond, VA on December 7, 1941 returned to his assignment as a specialist in the Navy (with rank of Lieutenant Commander) and was credited with working on and helping to solve the Japanese code (along with Alfie Sheinwold), His bridge victories and record breaking achievements are far too voluminous to even begin so I suggest you check him out in the official ACBL Encyclopedia of Bridge. (I might add I never before (or since) saw anyone do the New York Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle IN INK going straight across without consulting the "down" column). He also shared a unique statistic with B. J. Becker (being the only fathers and sons – Jim Jacoby and Michael Becker, respectively) who ever captured world titles. Ozzie’s dynamic wife, Mary Zita, also was an accomplished tennis champion.
Besides bridge, Ozzie was a master at poker, canasta, gin rummy and backgammon and wrote the accepted ‘bible’ on canasta and gin rummy. Bobby sums up his take on Ozzie as probably in the top ten in all five of the popular card and brain games. However, since his aspirations were always high off the charts, he had a very losing penchant for searching out even higher icons with whom to gamble and with predictable results.
I will close my incomplete tribute to Ozzie with my favorite story (which I have told here before so please bear with me). Ozzie was diagnosed with terminal cancer and his days were numbered though his mind was still quite sharp. The year was 1983. His son John called Edgar Kaplan (a dear friend of the Jacobys) and asked Edgar and his team to play ‘professionally’ in the Reisinger with Ozzie as a fifth (in the Bal Harbour Fall NABC) as his swan song. Edgar snapped at John a gruff "NO" — followed by a profuse "YES." Translation: No one on the team (Edgar, Norman, Rich Pavlicek or Bill Root) would consider accepting a penny but they would be honored to have Ozzie join their group. It was almost twenty seven years ago and my heart is still full as THE OSWALD JACOBY TEAM came from miles behind winning the event by half a point. There was not a dry eye in the place. Imagine grown people crying. Call it destiny if you wish. Someone above was looking out for Ozzie’s gang that day.
OZZIE JACOBY WAS A TOP CELEBRITY IN SO MANY FIELDS. BRIDGE IS PROUD TO CLAIM HIM AS ONE OF THEIR EARLY GIANTS!
Ozzie died in 1984 and Bobby was asked (and honored) to serve as one of his six pallbearers.
November 10th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 7 Comments
Last week I reminisced about Julius Rosenblum and Edgar Kaplan, two legends from the past – each being remembered for his own special contribution to the game. I would be remiss if I overlooked my late, wonderful husband Norman who passed away on January 17, 2002. I even alluded to his Memorial Service at the Fall NABC in Phoenix, but when I finally unearthed one of the boxes of Norman’s bridge memorabilia, I must apologize for it was held in Houston on March 11, 2002. To paraphrase would not do the memorial service justice so I am resorting to the heartwarming article which appeared in the Daily Bulletin …. and I quote:
NORMAN KAY HONORED AT MEMORIAL SERVICE …
Many memorable thoughts about the late Norman Kay were voiced at Monday’s special memorial service to one of bridgedom’s greatest stars. The one that brought tears to the eyes of many of the hundred-plus attendees was delivered by Mike Becker.**
“The Twin Towers of New York will live in our memories forever,” he said. “The Twin Towers of bridge were Edgar Kaplan and Norman Kay, and they too never will be forgotten.” Before saying that, Becker told how he was told long ago how easy Kay and Kaplan are. His informant added, “The problem is they don’t make mistakes.” (**When I first started inviting speakers, Mike was one of the first to be called and he declined. You can imagine the shock when the Emcee asked at the conclusion if anyone else wanted to say something and Mike Becker marched to the microphone. I did a double-take!)
Altogether 16 bridge people with close connections to Kay spoke about their friend as Judy, Norman’s wife, and Robin, his daughter, listened. The video clip of the night when Norman was inducted into the Hall of Fame, was shown. Henry Francis, the master of ceremonies, read a warm tribute from George and Edith Rosenkranz, who were unable to be present.
Here are brief excerpts from each speaker:
SIDNEY LAZARD: “Norman had a remarkable will to win. He was the best partner anyone could hope to have. All the tributes we have heard today are fully deserved.”
BART BRAMLEY: My aunt who lived in the Philadelphia area was so proud back in 1960 when she read in the paper that her neighbor, Norman Kay, was a bridge expert. I wasn’t impressed then, but I felt honored many years later when I was asked to form a partnership with Sidney Lazard and play with Edgar and Norman. One of the highlights of every tournament for me was the opportunity to go to dinner with Edgar and Norman.’” (And I loved when Bart joined us as he always had lots of two word anagrams for me to labor over to come up with one long word. He used to enjoy my challenge and I got the hang of the thing and eventually became reasonably good! — JKW)
JOAN GERARD: “The bridge game in the sky is getting better and better all the time.”
GAIL GREENBERG: “It may be true that there’s no such thing as a modern saint, but we all had quite a problem when we tried to do a party roast for Norman. There just wasn’t any little foible to tease him about except his slow play.”
BRUCE KEIDAN: “Thirty years ago when I had one masterpoint, the Sharif Bridge Circus was coming to Philadelphia, and I, a cub reporter, saw the chance for my first byline. I wanted to feature Sharif, of course, but I was intrigued by Norman Kay. Later I pestered Norman trying to get an interview. I finally succeeded by following him onto a train to New York City. That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.”
BOBBY WOLFF: “Norman never intimidated anyone, he never needled anyone. There have been precious few like him.”
LARRY COHEN: “I got to know Norman and Judy through my friendship with Robin. Somehow Norman made me feel like a celebrity even though I was still a virtual newcomer to the game . That’s how Norman was.”
AILEEN OSOFSKY: “Norman had a good life with his wife, his children, his work, his hobby and his friends. He was the embodiment of goodwill.”
DAVID BERKOWITZ: I’m going to talk about Judy (Why am I not surprised. David? JKW). I have found her to be domestically challenged – she uses her stove for a planter. She was with Norman all the way – they were a great combination.”
RALPH COHEN: Norman was called the Babe Ruth of bridge. Let’s see what that means. We all remember Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson and those other baseball greats, but when it came down to the greatest, it was Babe Ruth. That’s the way it is in bridge — there have been many great stars, but when it comes down to the greatest, it was Norman Kay.”
RICHARD FREEMAN: (Though he was always ‘Dickie’ to Norman and me. What’s with the Richard? JKW). “Whenever Norman started to think, I knew he would always find the right answer. I believe I knew him longer than anyone else here, and I found him to be unfailingly kind.”
ROY GREEN: “I remember one time when I was kibitzing Norman and Edgar. As usual Norman was giving long and careful consideration to a play, and one of the other kibitzers was getting restless. Edgar turned to him and said, “I’ve put up with this for 40 years. You can do it for 15 minutes!’
ALAN LeBENDIG: “It’s good we remember Norman for his humanity. He was a very special person.”
ALAN TRUSCOTT: Alan read a poem that embodied the essence of Norman.
BRIAN GLUBOK: “Norman was a wonderful teammate. He was a pleasure to have as a friend.”
Norman has been gone almost nine years although he is still a household word among his fans. family and friends. Republishing this article was a way of introducing a wonderful human being to those of you who are newcomers and never had the pleasure of meeting or playing against him. Norman was a perfect role model and an unequaled credit to the game. The beautiful tribute above leaves little to the imagination.
JKW
November 9th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 7 Comments
Rather than elongating “Time for Some Leadership” which already has twenty-four (24) comments and an allied blog (Zero Tolerance – a two sided coin”) – I considered the following worthy of a blog unto itself.
Below you will find (with permission of the author, Pam Stratton, of Las Vegas) her follow-up with Jay Baum, CEO and – a email written to rulings@acbl.org.
It eloquently recounts the series of events involved in Friday’s Folly on October 22 at our Sectional at The Riviera. It is a factual description from the mouth of one of the players whose team was demoted to 3rd place, though rightfully capturing 2nd before the Director Interference took over.
To: Jay Baum.
RE: The Las Vegas Sectional team event on Friday, 10/22/10
I realize you have received several inquiries about this event and I received a copy of your response and ruling from Tom Shulman, our conscientious and very hard-working tournament manager. A number of friends have also contacted me about the comments on judy.bridgeblogging.com.
My team included Jan Crossley, Proctor Hawkins, & Gard Hays . We were the team who probably? should have come in second instead of third in the event. It isn’t the final standings that are of concern to me.
My motivation in writing to you directly is to hopefully inspire a review by the ACBL of how these situations can be avoided in the future.
I don’t believe any of the directors or the DIC had any sort of malicious intent, but mistakes, confusion (or problems exacerbated) did unplanned and/or unintentionally occur: Time allotted, different pair on Team A the possible offender in case 1, fault between the two competing pairs apparently not determined in case B, DIC out of the room at the time of the director(s) ruling, directors not present immediately after the event ended, etc.
I won’t go into all the details again, as I’m sure you are aware, but I do have a couple of questions and comments.
(Sorry about all the below items all labeled #!, I’m apparently not good at copying and pasting from my word processor.)
- Who decides how much time is allotted for the playing and reporting of each match? There was clearly a problem with the time allotted during this event. The normal 7.5 minutes to play each board was not given. Eight boards per round were played with a total of one hour per round including reporting, posting, making boards, etc. Sometimes less than one hour total was allowed as postings were not always made on the hour. Eight boards plus 10 minutes for posting, shuffling new boards, etc would be one hour and 10 minutes per round.
Most of the slow play problems during the day could have been avoided completely by having the appropriate amount of time allotted per round.
- Doesn’t the DIC have the authority to correct a problem once the facts are brought to his attention?
Our team did not “appeal”, because we were not aware of the problem. We assumed the Wolff team had lost their last match by 2 IMPs or more as the results and standings were now listed and we headed home. The Wolff team did bring the situation to the attention of the DIC after their match was over to explain what had happened and to protest the final standings though they had nothing to gain personally by doing this as they had won the event regardless of the ruling. We were not involved in the ruling, so I’m not sure if it would be appropriate for us to “appeal” anything even if we had known. Our last round was over and our results were in
- To whom should I direct questions about rulings?
I sent an e-mail to “rulings@acbl.org” thinking this would be the appropriate spot. When I did not get a response after about a week, I called the ACBL and was directed to Keith ? (I’m sorry, I don’t remember his last name.) He said I would get a response from someone when the directors who answered these questions were available to do so. He had read my e-mail and said the director’s rulings were correct. If these rulings were correct, I asked to whom I should direct my questions about reviewing the rules for this situation to avoid having it happen to others. He said those on the rules committee were not ACBL employees and I should talk to Chip Martel or Ron Gerard the next time I ran into them. This didn’t seem appropriate to me, but he said that was the best he could do as he couldn’t give me contact info for them or forward my e-mail to them.
- The procedures for dealing with slow play situations seem to need some attention.
I certainly understand that these are always sticky situations ie who’s more at fault, etc and judgment calls need to be made. However, there does seem to be a very broad spectrum of response to slow play: everything from notorious multiple time offenders being assessed no penalty, to punitive punishment. Here in Vegas during the course of one tournament (not this tournament), in two different team events, the same opponent was the admitted culprit resulting in a board being taken away on each occasion. There was no IMP or VP penalty assigned.
I totally understand that boards need to be taken away as the event needs to continue. Cheerfully, I have personally never been the offending party. However, a board being taken away is not a punishment to the offender. It’s quite random depending upon if the completed result at the other table was a good or bad result for the offending side.
Situations also occur where an offending party has taken 15+ minutes to play one board and now wants the non-offending side to rush through the remaining boards where the non-offenders may need/deserve the normal amount of time.
I have adopted the policy of politely calling the director when one party has taken an inordinate amount of time on a board or two to have all parties acknowledge the problem while it’s fresh in everyone’s mind. Same with opponents arriving late to the table to begin a round or match.
Thank you for your attention to this situation. I know you and your team are very interested in fairness and in addressing problems to insure the honest spirit of our beloved game.
I’ll copy and paste my original e-mail below just in case you want it.
Thanks again and look forward to seeing you in Orlando, Pam Stratton, ACBL # O122620, (702) 838-1790.
————————————————————————————————————————————-
Below is the original inquiry before contacting Mr. Baum:
Sent to rulings@acbl.org
At the Las Vegas Sectional last week (M-F), October 18 – 22, on Friday a swiss team was held just as it would normally be held on a Sunday (the last day of the tournament). The format was six eight board rounds with one hour per round (approximately six minutes per board with 10-12 minutes for reporting, posting, finding new table, etc).
On the last round of the event we had completed our match and would be 2nd overall if Team A won or tied or lost to Team B by 1 IMP. The result came in from that match and Team A had apparently lost to team B by 2 IMPs. We were third and headed for the parking lot.
Later, Team A called us to say they had stayed to discuss the situation with the DIC, Bill Michael. They had actually won the match by 1 IMP, but were assessed a slow play penalty of 3 IMPs (and they may? have had a board removed as well). Team B was awarded 3 extra IMPs thereby winning the match by 2. Team A still won the event, so the IMP penalty did not damage them at all. Team B now came in 2nd. The only team damaged by the IMP penalty and the awarding of extra IMPS was us, a team not involved in this match. (Aside: One pair on Team A had previously in the event had a board removed for slow play with no other penalty. The possible offending pair (though no fault was determined) on this second incident of slow play was not the same pair on Team A.)
We aren’t trying to make a federal case out of this, but we had done nothing wrong and were not only damaged in the event standings, but in the overall match point awards for the tournament. If this ruling is correct, there should be some serious evaluation of the rules. Obviously, boards have to be taken away when time has expired, but removing boards with no other penalty can damage the non-offending side just as easily as the offending side depending on the result of the pulled board. VP penalties for the offending side without rewarding the non-offending side seems more prudent?
Team A was the Wolfe team and Team B was the Harrison team.
Team A spoke with the DIC (on our behalf as we had left the building), who said this situation wasn’t right, but that he could not overturn it without speaking with the directors who had made the ruling. Those directors had also left the playing site.
The tournament chairman, Tom Shulman talked to Bill Michael and sent him an e-mail.
Now Tuesday, 10/26, and no word yet.
Thank you for looking in to this situation.
Pam Stratton ACBL #O122620 (702) 838-1790
Teammates: Gard Hays, Proctor Hawkins, Jan Crossley
November 9th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 3 Comments
The following has been copied, in part, directly from the ACBL Bible of things to do and not do. IT IS SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED At THE PLAYERS. I suggest this is not a one way street. As my husband, Bobby, suggested earlier ….. the same should apply to directors and their action, behavior, treatment of paying customers, knowledge of the rules and laws, etc. Obviously, they wouldn’t have passed the Acid Test in LV on the 22nd of October.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Be cool! Bridge is fun.
The ACBL Board of Directors and Management are committed to improving acceptable player behavior at all times. In accordance with Laws 74, 80F, 81C4, 90A, 91, and 92A (Laws of Duplicate Bridge) the following policy outlines what is expected of all players during NABCs and other ACBL sponsored events, as well as in the playing area before and after each session.
The ultimate purpose of the Z-T policy is to create a much more pleasant atmosphere in our NABCs. We are attempting to eradicate unacceptable behavior in order to make the game of bridge more enjoyable for all. Below are some examples of commendable behavior, which, while not required, will significantly contribute to the improved atmosphere:
Since Friday’s Folly at the Sectional in Las Vegas , many people (other than the ones directly involved) have been infuriated and spoken up on my various blog sites, starting with the original one which I appropriately entitled ‘The Bastardization of Bridge’ and a couple ensuing ones encapsulating the same incident.
Wearing a director’s shirt with their names emblazoned on their badges does not necessarily qualify them to be judge and jury. This begins with the club level and so on up – until you get to the Trials and World Championships where most of the Best of the Best are hired to assure professional disposition of the problem situations that arise.
For the gory details see the earlier sites (especially Paul Ivaska’s rendering of yesterday on “Time for Some Leadership” if you are not familiar with all the foibles that came to light. In the meantime, I think the Zero Tolerance Policy for the directing staff should be given serious thought.
WHAT’S SAUCE FOR THE GOOSE – IS SAUCE FOR THE GANDER.
November 7th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 10 Comments
Sifting through some of my memorabilia, I encountered a box with booklets on pink engrained paper which served as a touching memorial to Edgar Kaplan. Knowing, loving, enjoying and partaking in a large part of his later life, I was devastated by his impending and eventual death after battling cancer for a few years. As you will recall, Norman and Edgar played together for a total of about 43 years but for a short hiatus when he played with Sidney Silodor till his death .. (from 1960-63). Norman always joked that their true claim to fame (despite their many successes) was they probably lost more events together than any other top pair in the history of the game.
About two months after we lost Edgar, Gail Greenberg graciously offered to host at her magnificent bridge club (HONORS) on East 57th a luncheon tribute to Edgar which drew people from all over the country, including WBF members James Ortiz-Patino (one of his closest friends and the Father of The World Bridge Federation) and Ernesto-D’orsi, a former president. I organized the hostesses (besides Gail was who quite generous in every way – especially with her single-minded goal to help take care of Edgar during the last year of his life). The other part of the foursome was Joan Gerard (who needs no introduction), Edgar’s sister-in-law Sylvia Kaplan from Canada and yours truly. Before Gail’s fabulous repast, we had about a dozen speakers from all walks of Edgar’s life, I remember myself being all teary eyed as I delivered one of the eulogies (on behalf of Norman and our daughter, Robin who adored Edgar and remained as his ‘temporary house guest’ on the 4th floor while working in New York till she found other lodgings – but there was no rush.). If ever a sad event could be a labor of love, this one stood out above all others. His close friend and co-editor of the Bridge World, Jeff Rubens, presided as Emcee and you could hear a pin drop as one great tribute followed another. As I recall, Edgar’s niece, Beth Kaplan, stole the show – reminiscing about her beloved uncle – in a manner of speaking and with words similar to what Edgar might have used. He cloned her diction and sense of humor in an accomplished fashion. The entire afternoon was a true Love In!!
Besides arranging over a dozen speakers at the actual luncheon, I proudly labored over a brochure (with a precious picture of a young Edgar in a sailor suit which I eventually fell heir to and is featured on my living room’s bridge Rogue’s Gallery as a lasting memory of one I loved so dearly). Also, several who could not attend, sent generous contributions and/or flowers to be part of the memorial.
For over a month, I diligently wrote to his close friends asking them for a brief tribute (though some wrote tomes) and included them in the booklet called REFLECTIONS … From Across The Miles. Those responding were ARTHUR ROBINSON, BILL ROOT, EDDIE KANTAR, JOHN SWANSON, PAUL SOLOWAY, PAULA SHEINWOLD (widowed by EDGAR’S KS CO-AUTHOR, ALFIE. who predeceased him by about a year), AL ROTH, CAROL AND TOMMY SANDERS, BETSEY WOLFF, RUSS ARNOLD, BOB JORDAN, FRANK STEWWART, MARY JANE FARELL, RUTH McCONNELL, MIKE SHUMAN, BILLY EISENBERG, WILLIAM J. SCHODER (“KOJAK”), JOEY SILVER (who as a young kid used to sleep at the NABCs in Edgar and Betty’s suite on the sofa as an up and coming Canadian star before he became a success barrister), CHIP MARTEL, BOBBY WOLFF, STEVE BEATTY, PETER NAGY, RICHARD PAVLICEK, KATHY WEI-SENDER, BOBBY GOLDMAN, LOUISE FREEMAN, DICK FREEMAN, LEW STANSBY, ALAN LeBENDIG, EDITH KEMP FREILICH, JUDY JACOBY, DANNY ROTMAN, BOB HAMMAN, CLIFF RUSSELL, JEFF MECKSTROTH, MIN AND HUGH ROSS, FREDDIE AND DICK GOLDBERG, GERRY CHARNEY, PAMELA GRAOVETTER, MATTHEW GRANOVETTER, JIM ZIMMERMAN, SAMI KEHELA, BENITO GAROZZZO, SHERI WINESTOCK AND FRED GITELMAN, JOHN W. FISHER, ANDY GABRIOLOVITCH, MIKE PASSELL, ERIC KOKISH, JOHN SUTHERLIN, PEGGY BERRY SUTHERLIN, MIKE BECKER, GEORGE RAPEE, EDITH AND GEORGE ROSENKRANZ, SUZY AND CHUCK BERGER, RALPH COHEN, EDDIE MANFIELD, BONNIE BRIER, DAVE TREADWELL, DAVID BERKOWITZ, LARRY COHEN, AND ‘GOREN OF THE NORTH’ – (as Edgar so quaintly named me), signed …. Alias ERIC R. MURRAY.
Our program had already gone to press but I added a small section entitled “LATE PLAYS’ which include EUNICE ROSEN, BILLY ROSEN, SALLY WOOLSEY, DAN MORSE and JOSE DAMIANI (now retiring WBF President after a fourteen year term succeeding Bobby).
The messages were from the heart – some very serious – others QUITE humorous. Two I feel compelled to quote, even if in portion because of space limitations, were Eddie Kantar’s:
“Because our names were so similar I frequently basked in Edgar’s reflected glory. I can’t count the number of times I was congratulated for books I didn’t write, tournaments I didn’t win, and classes I didn’t teach. At first, I used to say, “No that’s not me. That’s Edgar Kaplan from New York.” After a while I thanked everyone, telling them nothing. Edgar would not have minded.” ……………….. EK
The other I singled out was from his great Canadian buddy and teammate, Sami Kehela: “In the world of Bridge, Edgar was a man for all seasons – and he made the best Bloody Mary’s.”
I won’t confess how many hours I had taken off from running my baseball card business during this very satisfying adventure, but I can honestly say it was one of the most rewarding endeavors of my life and I wanted to share this tribute to one of the most charming and gracious contributors to the bridge world.
JKW
November 5th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 26 Comments
Let us consider the ACBL’s role in the recent Las Vegas Sectional held at the venerable Riviera Hotel at the strip in LV.
The last Friday (of the Monday-Friday tournament of October 18-22) was featuring its traditional Swiss Team, playing straight through except for an hour break at the mid point, starting at 10 a.m., stopping from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and normally ending shortly before six p.m. It was decided by a collaboration of the LV BOD and known by the directing staff to have six, eight-board rounds to be scored at Victory Points based on the 20 Point Scale. It is further specified at the ACBL Web Site that the players should be allowed 7 1/2 minutes per board making each round of the actual playing last 60 minutes (8 X 7 1/2).
One might think that when considerable time (perhaps 10 minutes) is added for the following, you cannot expect the last round to finish at 5 p.m. If the allotted time is respected (8 x 7-1/2), it is a physical impossibility because other factors must be taken into account:
(1) the time taken to find one’s starting tables; (2) shuffling the boards; (3) briefly discussing specific systems; (4) scoring the results; (5) comparing scores with your opponents after the final board (eighth); (6) taking a "comfort break" (restroom for sure — and possibly a smoking break – optional and certainly not mandatory); (7) comparing with your teammates at the other table; and (8) sending the scoring slip to the head table. People play bridge for relaxation and pleasure .. not to feel they are in a pressure cooker.
For the above 8 reasons, at the very least, another 10 minutes must be added — making six rounds last close to 7 hours (6 x 60 minutes) and then add on the extra allowable time after matches 1 and 2 and 4 and 5. Ten minutes extra are unnecessary after the break for lunch or end of the game so an additional 40 minutes should be tacked on to accomplish the list above — predicting we take about 7-3/4 hours (including lunch break) – making the 5:40 p.m. 5:45 p.m. finishing right on schedule. But others had plans of their own. As I had alluded to in another blog, this is a bridge tournament — not a Nascar Race .. or the Indianapolis Speedway.
The scene at our table in Round 6 was mind-boggling. At 4:52 p.m, The Floor Director, Jean Molnar, appeared as our eighth board was ready for play. We still had eight minutes to conclude the round — rules or no rules. However, Jean gobbled up the board, announcing that we were too late to start the last board (inferring it was attributable to our lethargy which was untrue) and so that board would be canceled regardless of what had happened at the other table. A little later she announced 3 IMPs would be awarded to our opponents (she must be kidding!), but none would be subtracted from ours (winning by two IMPS) although the avowed unwarranted 3 IMP penalty, for some stupid reason, would be added to the opponents’ score in this match (why a boon for them?), causing them unfairly to go ahead of the rightful second place team (shifting them back into third).
Are you with me so far? Good!
In Las Vegas the hostility by a couple of the directors is obvious and has been for some time now. Our teammates Carol Stewart and Paul Ivaska were upset by the ruling and when they, after the game, went over to speak to the DIC, Bill Michael, Paul overheard one of the staff say to a fellow member (loud enough for the crowd around to hear) something to the effect …….. "If you’re special, you get extra time." Also, the staff has been known to have their own pet nicknames for some of the teams, one being called "The Dolly Parton Team." Heaven knows what nickname they accorded our foursome. It must have been a whopper! What a disgusting professional manner for a directorial staff (or individual) to assume, certainly worthy of reprimand.
Updating the scenario, our two teams were playing to determine the overall winner (with us being a few VPs ahead). I did not know the players (a female reputed to be a sponsor and three male pros) who were very nice, respectful and ethical opponents from Ohio and Canada. The upshot of the TD’s ruling was that our team still won the match by two, but our opponents instead of finishing 3rd overall were moved up to 2nd via the additional three imps mandated by Ms. Molnar or one of her cohorts.
To enlighten the readers, we estimate the time spent on Match 6 was approximately 32 minutes by the opponents and 20 by us, not because of our fast play, but because we had almost no problems while the opponents had many. There was one slam where declarer took about 5 or 6 minutes before he played to trick one. The slam was very difficult, eventually went set, but the time spent by the declarer was warranted. Also our opponents hardly missed a beat, although they did have all the problems to solve, not us. Next the director, Jean, had no idea nor any evidence that Bobby and I were the guilty parties (although I am admittedly slow at times) but that lack of evidence did not deter her from making her decision, which, of course reeks from the now oft-used-term of ‘profiling.’ Also bear in mind, there were still eight minutes left.
After we left, Carol first and then Paul (although we all knew that we had won) went to talk to the DIC, who was now in the room and told him how we felt about the IMP penalty, but both the floor TDs had left because one (Jean) was catching a flight and Patty Holmes (who also was officiating on Friday in that event) and she planned to have an early dinner together. Since they were gone (and without corroboration), the DIC said he could not change the score. (Don’t directors use cell phones?) It turned out the DIC’s information was incorrect but let’s not go into that now.
What is important is the direction in which the ACBL is going — delayed rulings, unreturned messages, stalling tactics and inappropriate remarks by people representing the ACBL.
Since then (exactly two weeks today) the ACBL has gone into hiding and refuses to discuss the issues. With the exception of the CEO Jay Baum, no telephone calls or emails have been returned from either Tom Whitesides (who presides in these cases as LV is part of his area) or Jeff Johnston who is now Chief Tournament Director, succeeding Rick Beye. Thus, we have been stonewalled at every turn. Jay agrees something is awry and said he will again check into it — but suggests probably the best they can do is call both teams involved 2nd instead of 2nd and 3rd. Nice try at mediating — but unacceptable.
It appears that when the ACBL makes as many mistakes as were made on this one case, it would be prudent for them to look for ways to reduce the number or do away with them completely — instead of pretending and hoping that it will all go away — OR BETTER YET — do a better professional job of training those in command.
The suggestion of both teams being awarded 2nd place instead of the rightful and respective 2nd and 3rd places, which is a slam dunk, was reminiscent of an episode from 1958 which Bobby related to me. Helen Sobel and Charlie Goren were announced as winners of the Life Master’s Pair, but then after a valid score correction, another pair was deemed to have clearly won. So, in order not to ruffle Charlie’s feathers or his reputation, what else could they do than to make them co-winners – another total cop-out.
As a member of Unit 373, I (as well as tournament chairs Tom Shulman who followed it up immediately was also ignored), Barbara Dunkley and Unit President Justine Hancock are outraged and ashamed that this humiliating debacle occurred in our midst. Time to straighten up and fly right. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise and proof what Bobby has been saying for years that our tournament department has much to learn.
So much for directing! Whatever happened to quid pro quo??
October 31st, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 5 Comments
I just called to wish Martha Beecher a great trip as she is headed once again to the Orient. You may remember Martha not only as a good player who triumphed with the late David Ashley and others, but who, together with Grace Matthews, literally and physically ran Unit 373 for many years back from the mid seventies to the early nineties, setting all sorts of attendance records, including the 1991 NABC right here in Vegas. She is no stranger to the game and we talked about how it was THEIR Unit (when they were in command) which determined how many boards they played, the time period allowed, the policies, the types of events, personally selected the directors (CTD and associates), etc. I had to laugh when she told me she showed up on Friday to play but until the next day did not learn that they were playing IMPS rather than matchpoints as expected.
She is as surprised as I that we have heard nothing back from ACBL Headquarters in Horn Lake, MS as they have been officially informed of the irregularities that occurred during the Friday October 22nd Swiss Teams — NINE DAYS AGO. WHAT IS THE HOLD UP?? They have responsibilities to the members to own up to their indiscretions and rectify the bastardization of the final results as soon as humanly possible.
Just for the record, our team were the clear winners. That is immaterial. WE HAD NOTHING TO GAIN EXCEPT TO SEE A FAIR CONTEST. The board-pulling and IMP AWARDS displaced the true second place winner (The Crossley Team) and our opponents (who were not victimized by slow play) were gratuitously awarded IMPS (converted to victory points) and thus, the undeserved IMPS allowed our opponents to go ahead of Crossley.
The questions are quite forthright:
1. Who made the decision to play eight boards instead of seven? Just for the record: The afternoon session (4th match of six) at our table started at 2:07 p.m. as people were still milling around and the boards had not yet been distributed or made.
2. Who decided that the standard 52-1/2 minutes for 7 boards were to apply to the 8 board movement? (Bear in mind that the boards must be made; hands bid, played and defended; compared at the end with opponents; checked with teammates; and a ticket filled out and given to the director). That does take time and is unreasonable to expect eight boards to be played plus all the above and be ready for the next match within the hour mark. Bridge players are only mortals. If my math is correct, the match alone (8 boards x 7-1/2 minutes) still equals 60 minutes and an adjustment should have been made. This is not a Nascar race – but a dignified bridge game. And — what about the other time-consuming responsibilities? The board was pulled from us, according to Bobby’s watch at 7 minutes to five.
3. Who made the decision to pull a board? To our knowledge at least five were yanked by the floor director.
4. Was it the DIC Bill Michael or one of the floor people to whom he assigned the decision?
5. Were there cameras or monitors used to decide whom, if anyone, was at fault for slow play? Of course not. And, how did the floor director know what had gone on during the previous boards where she was not present?
6. Who made the decision to ‘award the alleged victims of the slow play’ an additional three IMPS rather than, if legitimate (which was absolutely not true in our case) subtract them from the purportedly guilty slow players? No questions were asked by the director. It was a done deal — an outrageous fait accompli!!!!
7. Why, after the game, did the DIC not know anything about the pulling of boards and awarding of IMPS to the other side? This was confirmed by a member of our team with whom he spoke.
8. Why were not all the directors present when this was discovered as the DIC claimed he could do nothing since the floor people hightailed it out of there — probably for dinner appointments?
9. We learned in order for the pulling of boards, the SAME PAIR MUST BE GUILTY twice (not their teammates)? That statement came from the DIC himself after the match but he seemed to know little about what had transpired. Pray tell, with all due respect, who’s running the ship anyway?
This, in our eyes, is so ridiculous and mishandled that it wreaks from rank amateurism. True, it was not a world championship, but what the hell? We all pay our dues and entry fees. We are entitled to expect a more professionally organized event, run in a timely fashion — rather than an ignored cover up.
October 27th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 9 Comments
Because of the normal laws of attrition of our wonderful bridgeblogging.com site, the newer blogs replace the earlier ones and eventually as you near the bottom of the list, your blog drifts off into oblivion (though it is retained on your individual site). Since this is such a current and topical subject (the incident that occurred at our Swiss Team Regional in Vegas this past Friday), I have taken the liberty of carrying on the commentary by relisting it. To see the original and the 19 comments that ensued in the past five days, please go back to my original blog, dated October 23rd and read the story in living color.
I have never seen my husband so outraged about a situation since our marriage seven years ago that I have taken the liberty of reposting his opinion dated October 27th as I am momentarily expecting my original blog to disappear after blogging on Remembering Julius Rosenblum a few moments ago.
Bobby Wolff October 27th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Not much to consider but only the following:
1. The DIC is in charge and should not, in the absence of a very unusual or, of course, a life threatening situation, be away from the site, especially at the conclusion of the event.
2. Since the wrong #2 finisher was declared, how can it not be possible to now list the rightful 2nd place winner together with a profound apology?
3. I am a firm believer of giving vast leeway to the DIC, but with his performance last week, it would now be under question and certainly subject to future close scrutiny.
4. He may be a wonderful person and have the potential to be good, if not great in his job, but if last week was an example, HE IS NOT!
5. When incompetence is accepted, it becomes the rule rather than the exception.
6. Consistent professionalism in performance is expected in every ACBL tournament and last week was indeed only an ACBL tournament.
7. I will be waiting for a change in who finished 2nd in the Friday Swiss Team and an official apology from the DIC, without which it would be impossible for me to accept what happened. If none is forthcoming it would, in my opinion, be randomly proper for all players at the next tournament to question every move, of almost any magnitude, made by the directing staff, up to and possibly including even rebellious behavior.
NOTE: the preceding sentence is an automatic legacy of what was allowed to happen.
8. After due consideration, what happened during the last day of that tournament, was the worst I have ever experienced in over 60 years of vigorously attending ACBL events.
October 27th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 8 Comments
Every fourth year the prestigious Rosenblum Team Cup is held by the WBF and in 2010 it was in Philadelphia where the laurels went to our young U. S. Team who received plaudits and respect from all over the world for such a fantastic achievement. However, when I think of Julius Rosenblum, my mind flashes back to the Nationals in New Orleans in 1967 Incidentally, although Memphis born, he moved to the Bayou area in 1935. Besides my first breakfast at Brennan’s, another of my most memorable experiences was when the world renown Preservation Hall Jazz Band marched onto the bridge site providing music and excitement never to be forgotten. However, of all my associations with Julius, I remember most vividly Miami Beach, 1967, when as npc of Norman’s team (with Kaplan, Murray, Kehela, Roth and Root), he hosted a dinner at the famous original Florida site of Joe’s Stone Crabs, located on 1st Street in Miami Beach – a world revered seafood landmark. I recently learned it was one of Bobby’s favorite dining spots as well.
I hadn’t thought of “Joe’s’ in years, but we kept seeing billboards along I-95 and so to celebrate Bobby’s Birthday ( for which I traditionally insist on “treating”) we postponed his October 14th soiree to last night, as the actual night of his birthday we were wearily just jetting down from our trip to Philly The LV site is called Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab, located in the Forum Shops at Caesars. By the throngs at the tables and waiting in line, you would never know we are in the throes of a recession. It took us five years to finally partake in one of their meals, but I have already made reservations for our 7th anniversary dinner on Pearl Harbor Day.
Forgive my getting sidetracked! Let’s get back to the incredible Julius Rosenblum. He has quite a track record – being President of the ACBL in 1951 and the WBF from 1970-76. He began playing in ‘43 and won his first major championship in 1944. Julius has captained many Bermuda Bowl Teams and also has the distinction of not only captaining but playing briefly on a team in 1951 where the U. S. beat the Italians. He also captained U. S. International Teams in 1963, 1966, 1967 and 1968. Because of his distinguished service to the WBF, he was also appointed to the Committee of Honor in 1974. The IBPA bestowed upon him the Charles Goren “Man of the Year Award” in 1975 and the Australian Bridge Federation also named him to Life Membership, the first non-Australian to be so honored. Julius was named ACBL Honorary Member in 1970 as well. He passed away in 1978 at the spry age of 72 — about six months prior to the celebration of the first Rosenblum held at the World Championship in New Orleans.
The above information was retrieved from our Bridge Encyclopedia – but I must conclude by adding that “Behind every great man, there is a great woman” and I could not close this blog without a well-deserved tribute to a special Southern Belle named Natalie Rosenblum who was one of the most charming and gracious grande dames I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and calling my friend.
Now, perhaps the Rosenblum Team Cup will not be merely just ‘another event’ to our readers.
October 23rd, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 20 Comments
On the concluding fifth day of the Las Vegas Bridge Sectional at the Riviera, Bobby’s and my teammates, Carol Stewart, a well respected player, and her sensational partner, Paul Ivaska, won the Stratified Swiss. (In fact, they won three of the five events in which they competed). Well, maybe we won Friday. Maybe, we didn’t. The final score declared us the winners – but you judge for yourselves.
Let me begin by reassuring you again I do not profess to be an expert and know very little about the Conditions of Contest as far as time elements. I have enough problems counting trump. I try my hardest, play as ethically as I know how and don’t mince words if I feel an impropriety has taken place.
From what I understand from a knowledgeable, experienced bridge authority, a normal Swiss Match consists of 7 boards and is expected to conclude within a certain time frame. I was never aware of this as I play whatever board appears in front of me and am not a clock watcher. The format was three matches beginning at 10 a.m. and after a break, three more resumed at 2:00 p.m. I believe 50 minutes is allowed (but it is immaterial as this event added an extra board — bringing it to EIGHT, and did not compensate for the extra board time-wise which certainly makes a difference).
In Match 4 a board was removed from Paul and Carol’s table, with no penalty to either side. It served more or less as a slow play warning. Bobby and I were not involved. So our score was based on seven boards and I believe we won by 16. In Match 6 we played against a contender (being the most important contest of all) and I recall looking at my watch as the declarer took about five minutes in 6NT before he called a card. The director had come over earlier and said to move it along. All hands are not lay-downs. Some can be claimed when dummy hits; others could require long considerations especially in doubled contracts or high level ones that are touch and go. We didn’t happen to have many problem hands.
As we were about to play the last board, the director who made her appearance earlier, said play ceases and only seven boards would be counted. It was the eighth board and other tables were still in play. Our score would count only the seven, but the other side would get a three imp award. WHY WERE THEY ENTITLED TO SUCH A WINDFALL? Except for the slam alluded to above, no one was particularly slow and THERE WERE NO CAMERAS OR MONITORS SO WHO HAS THE GALL TO ASSESS THE BLAME AND REMOVE BOARD 8????? We actually won by 2 (11-9) but our opponents had three IMPS tacked onto their score and moved into second place to displace the rightful 2nd Place winner (the team with Pam Stratton). Therefore, this policy of removing boards at the will of a director AFFECTS THE ENTIRE FIELD. And, who is to say if we played Board 8, we would not have lost a large number of imps and the entire event. The two women involved in the ruling punched out for dinner as soon as the scores were posted. Done deal. After the game, Paul, out of curiosity, confronted Bill Michael, DIC (who apparently was never consulted) who admitted it was an incorrect ruling but with the directors involved gone from the premises, he could not verify the facts. Too bad! The “time problem” must be with the same pair and obviously, it was not. So, the 3 IMP Award to our opponents was an undeserved bonus and Pam Stratton’s group got screwed out of 2nd as the ugly situation was adjudicated. (There were, to our knowledge, at least five such happenings yesterday – with removed boards).
We don’t understand how blame cannot be assessed. Are the directors claire voyants or do they have x-ray eyes to be certain whom, if anyone, was responsible. How can Headquarters allow this? How can directors not know the rules? How can the DIC, Mr. Michael, not be aware of these incorrect rulings that his directors were making during the course of the game? (Apparently IMP penalties are only issued if the same pair is at fault twice or more). Why was it not discovered until after the two floor directors had left. HOWEVER, SINCE THE DIRECTING STAFF IS AT FAULT FOR NOT KNOWING THE PROCEDURE, WHY ARE THE SCORES NOT CORRECTED. It is never too late to restore equity!!!!!!!!!
Come to think of it – were the stipulations of eight board matches, IMP penalty rewards or take-away boards POSTED OR ANNOUNCED? I arrived just at game time so I dunno!
In any event, it is high time that ACBL Headquarters did a better job of recruiting and/or training – so that the directors know the Conditions of Contest and never allow this to happen again. We can all learn from our mistakes. Nobody’s perfect!
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