October 23rd, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
9 Comments 
at the bridge table but the rules and regulations made by our administrators and enforced by puppet directors only add to the stupidity of the rulings. It brings to mind the famous Andy Fine case where the auction proceeded 1N P 2C (Stayman) P and Andy accidentally took out the Pass card rather than responding to Stayman. WHAT IS WORSE IS THAT HIS LHO wasted no time reaching for the GREEN CARD — just shouted PASS, not allowing him a second after he realized what happened to replace his green card with a Stayman response. I cringe at the inequity of allowing the Pass to stand.
ARE THE RULES WRITTEN TO DELIBERATELY MAKE A FARCE OF THE GAME? I OFTEN WONDER! Its sequel occurred Wednesday at the LV sectional. JUSTICE SHOULD BE TEMPERED WITH MERCY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A NORMAL RESULT WHICH AFFECTS THE FIELD. A GAME FOR LADIES AND GENTLEMEN? You must be kidding. The laws of the jungle seem to prevail.
The auction (by a seasoned partnership) went 1H P 3D (alerted and explained as Bergen four-card suit raise with 4-8 HCP). The 3D bidder was leaning on the table inadvertently glancing down waiting for partner to bid. Her opponent criticized her for looking at her card and the conversation got heated and the atmosphere at the table became hostile. Opener became distracted and inadvertently pulled out his Pass card and immediately reached to replace it with the 3H card.
Naturally, the greedy animals called the director and it was termed a mental (not mechanical) error and responder was locked in to play the ridiculous 3D contract (although a ridiculous concept – rule or no rule). The director was summoned and the combatants were graced (?) by the Director in Charge, Bill Michael, who, at one point, it was reported, warned the appellant if further action was taken “to spell my name right (arrogant, self-serving and an indication of his self-assumed importance)!
The green card was showing near the table but had not been released when he said something to the effect … whoops I meant to pull out 3H (obviously). When the muckety-muck arrived he asked the opponents if they would accept 3H. CERTAINLY NOT. That was too gentlemanly and too sportsmanlike to do so he declared the final contract a ludicrous 3D. The Opener asked for another director which “Michael” (hope I spelled it right) refused and when she asked again, he awarded her a 1/4 board penalty and she countered with, “Why don’t you make it a 1/2 or a whole?” I know this sounds like a scene from an Abbott and Costello movie – but this was real life involving the exalted DIC .. just following the rules of the ACBL, ma’am. At one point the C & E Committee was alluded to, but they settled for 1/4 board. Is this what bridge has come to???
THE POWERS THAT BE SHOULD CERTAINLY CONSIDER THAT ‘WHEN AN ARTIFICIAL CONVENTIONAL CALL IS MADE’ AND AN ACCIDENTAL PASS CARD IS PULLED, IT WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT INTENDED AND NO HARM IS DONE TO EITHER THE TABLE OR THE FIELD AND JUSTICE IS SERVED BY ALLOWING THE PROPER CARD TO REPLACE THE UNINTENDED ONE. I understand the ruling may be in line (maybe yes – maybe no) with the words of the bridge lords, but certainly ridiculous. When this happens – bridge ceases, as Bobby says.
You are not alone, Andy Fine. Few care about the decency of the game anymore! It’s about me, me, me!
As bad as this one is, it is nothing compared to my upcoming blog about the bastardization of the game and the lack of knowledge and misinterpretation of the rules of a Swiss Team by the floor directors involved who rushed out to dinner soon as the scores were posted. Stay tuned and check out my next rendering.
October 21st, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
11 Comments
The other day here at the Riviera, we had the pleasure of playing against a charming middle-aged woman student who was visiting from Hawaii. She was sitting opposite what I would call a "dream teacher." His name is Cameron Doner, a Canadian from Vancouver, whom I hear is the second leading master point holder there. I understand he not only plays on line professionally but with students at tournaments when he is not already booked.
I had seen him on occasion but had no idea of his name or profession. His demeanor is one of a kind. After the session, while waiting for our teammates to finish the round, he discussed the hands in which his student had made errors. His tone of voice was soft and sweet, not serving as a putdown — but in simple, easily understood terms, he explained what his bids meant, how many points he showed and what she needed to bid again and suggested what, if anything. His impressive presentation was charming, non-offensive and it was obvious the woman was observing his extremely tactful and factual explanation and happy to learn her mistakes.
It was not even an embarrassment as Bobby and I sat and listened — but more of a treat to see Cameron Doner in action with his student. A lot of playing pros should be inspired by his example — the consummate individual to handle a truly interested student who does not have to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune at a public bridge lesson.
Bobby and I were indeed impressed. If there were more Cameron Doners around, perhaps we would draw more new people to the game.
A genuine pleasure.
October 19th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
18 Comments
Does anyone have an opinion on the following scenario?
The auction proceeds:
1C 1NT P 3NT (with club opener taking a long time before passing).
What would you have led holding 10XXX JXX Q9XXX X?
What is your ethical leaning of opener leading his singleton club? Are there any moral issues involved after the huddle before passing (by a famous expert)? A diamond lead allows you to make 9 tricks and the lead of either major gives you a shot. The only opening thrust to beat the game is a singleton club.
What say you?
October 19th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
1 Comment
As if ten days (including air travel) at the WBF Bridge Series were not enough, we jetted home, did laundry, paid bills, returned calls, repacked and left 48 hours later for the Las Vegas Glitter Gulch Sectional at the newly remodeled Riviera Hotel. At our ages we hardly had time to come up for air. The Philly 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. sessions were grueling and disruptive to our normal lifestyle, but we outdid that scheduled match when we agreed to play in the three session knockouts five days in a row at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. I guess I am just set in my ways, but I still enjoy the old-fashioned 1 and 7:30 starting times. However, when all was said and done, today had an exciting culmination. We were down by a dismaying 27 IMPS going into the final twelve-board battle against a Hall of Famer and some pretty good teammates, We finished with a 42-5 12-board match, miraculously winning by 10. It goes to prove the old saying, “Never say die!” Our teammates, Carol Stewart and Paul Ivaska produced a dynamic game and it meshed well with ours. One down, four to go. I feel like I need toothpicks to keep my eyes open.
When we arrived at the upscale Monaco Tower (where the event was being held), we were greeted by two keys that did not open our door, a toilet that not only did not flush but the toilet seat was unusable as a urinal (I don’t mince words) and only the shower was operative – without any direct flow into the bathtub because the converter was stuck. It seemed to not bode bright vibes for the future – but with a steady parade of maintenance people, the problems were resolved. That was our Hurdle Number Uno!
Most amazing of all was the first day (today, Monday, October 18th), this ordinarily little sectional, (offering several different events each day) welcomed 175-1/2 tables. AMAZING. By the way, they have an extraordinary restaurant which has been our favorite, Kristofer’s, right near the elevators to the Penthouse playing space and also a cute little oriental restaurant for casual dining called the Banana Leaf. It was a delightfully exciting adventure which my mother always viewed as “happy winners.’
I might add that the Unit President, Justine Hancock and worker bees Barbara Dunkley, Tom Shulman and many others – including dozens and dozens of enthusiastic volunteers make the bridge scene a delight. It is a great site at the Penthouse overlooking the city and provides an enjoyable experience. Their repeated press reminders of the tournament plus personal emails and their Newsletter (advertising free night sessions Tuesday-Friday) do not allow the members to forget there is another great event being held.
Until tomorrow … from one wilted teammate who had to finish this blog before staggering to her bed — but the blog is up and running.
October 14th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
2 Comments
While awaiting our return flight to Vegas, my mind flashed back upon the previous exhausting nine days where the irregularity of the morning shuttling back and forth between the WBF events at The Marriott 3rd to 5th floors and the Regional goings on taking the circuitous route to the magnificent convention center via our scooters were so stressful with such short lunch breaks. Notwithstanding all the navigations, the WBF covered itself with its continuing splendor, particularly Friday evening at the special dinner honoring Jose Damiani, the outgoing President and recognizing Gianarrigo Rona, his popular successor. And being a District 4 volunteer myself, for forty-some years, it swelled my heart with pride to see my old cronies and lots of enthusiastic unfamiliar faces taking up the slack of us old bucks now either moved away or retired.
Sadly the bridge was not the highlight of our trip, but I got my kicks from making the Marriott jewelry lady a few shekels richer with two purchases as well as my good friend, Gail Bell, of Encounter Cosmetics, where I practically bought out the store. Bobby felt like a winner compared to my mile-away expeditions to our local Chico’s where he always teases if I am carless, they’ll be delighted to send a limousine for me. That’s a bit of an exaggeration, I confess. But shopping for me in Philly felt like old home week.
Because our plane seats are so cozily close, he could not help see my subject matter and it brought a smile to his lips. Though we are married only two months shy of seven years, we have this eerie capacity for reading each other’s mind. (It would be great for yours truly at the bridge table but I might add that you don’t always get everything for which you wish.
Bobby had a glimmer in his eye and I just knew he was reflecting on the result of last night’s Rosenblum finale. Indeed, he was – AND for good reason! If you read TLW, you will recall his involvement in the training of the promising Juniors. He had prepared an Aptitude Test which I came across recently buried with his old bridge memorabilia. In the old tests (back in the very early nineties) he spotted an exceptional pair who were EACH rated INDIVIDUALLY with the score of 100 while the top was only “99.” The reason for +1 was because each further elaborated on the depth of the questions and were always on target.
His predictions came to fruition twenty years later (as they enjoyed normal lives like working for a living and devoting themselves to more pressing interests). The time was finally right to start coming back to the fold! They were the teammates of other young superstars like Fred Gitelman, Eric Greco, Geoff Hampson and Brad Moss. The 100%ers were none other than THE WINNING CAPTAIN JOHN DIAMOND and his partner BRIAN PLATNICK.
To make this a further candidate for Ripley’s Believe It or Not, five of this six-man team all came from the magic of junior bridge from the early 1990’s. Only Eric Greco, a few years younger, who played on the Junior Team in 1999, rounded out the successful Rosenblum Team in partnership with Geoff Hampson.
Pretty good handicapping for my Lone Wolff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 13th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
7 Comments
After Bobby and I had dinner, we checked into the Vugraph auditorium (formerly Pendergraph Room) to see the final score. With three boards to go, Diamond was leading Nickell by, I believe, 42 IMPS. We didn’t await the final three boards — so unless, this turns into a DEWEY WINS headlines, congratulations are in order for the young stars: Brian Platnick, John Diamond, Eric Greco, Geoff Hampson, Fred Gitelman and Brad Moss. It is a pleasure to see six fine gentlemen capture a title from the world greats on the Nickell Team!
I am sure there will be many reports later, but as for now we are closing our suitcases, going beddy bye and will be headed back to Vegas early tomorrow.
October 13th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
3 Comments
It has been a while since I reported on the disbursal of Peter Pender’s total bequest of $77,500 to the ACBL or its tax alter ego The Educational Foundation (EF), the latter of which has been very cooperative through the efforts of Dr. Eugene Kales.
I have several hundred pages of correspondence on the two separate individual bequests. The first donation, as you recall, was to The Junior Trials (JT) trophies. an event held every two years. We discovered, though it was designed before Peter’s death on 11/19/90, $27,500 was turned over for the making of engraved replicas and presentation to the players of the proud winning team (usually 6) plus the captain and sometimes even a coach. We discovered it was done for the first two occasions and then discontinued dead in its tracks. I spoke to my honorable friend, Jay Baum, who conceded I was indeed right and I am happy to report that they have taken care of everything until 2006 – leaving two Junior years to be brought up to date. Jay has never disappointed a reasonable request and it looks like the JT debacle will soon be behind us.
However, the $50,000 bequest by Peter to the ACBL/EF is still up in the air with many issues unresolved and buried under the carpet as it started over twenty years ago. Despite my request to put it on the NO Agenda, it was not. It seems when respectable people have an issue involving so much money, it is worthy of consideration to further bridge which has gone awry. But alas, No! The status: $10,700 remains in the fund though the Pendergraph has disappeared into outer space. No one even remembers for certain the last time the Pendergraph name was used. For those of you who want the details, see my several earlier blogs on the subject. The long and the short of it was the vu-graph (recognized and acknowledged in many correspondences of the BOD and EF) was to be renamed Pendergraph.
Substantial sums were used for screens, monitors, computers, etc. plus payment for the development of sophisticated improvement (which was accomplished by the geniuses at BBO, namely Fred Gitelman and staff). Wonderful – no qualms at all. However, the Pendergraph name was dropped in ???? and we maintain that is when the money flow from Peter’s endowment should have stopped on the dime although EF records show the continuing disbursements long after Peter’s name stopped being used (The Pendergraph).
Let’s face it – in the vernacular – Peter got screwed. Bobby had been in on the original group with Becky Rogers who convinced a very ill Pender (dying from AIDS) that he should have his name perpetuated and the vugraph (Pendergraph) was the way to go. So much for that. Peter very much wanted to be remembered and have his name perpetuated for years to come to be recalled by his peers and those that followed.
My suggestion is that all money used after the stoppage of the name Pendergraph should be added back to the $10,700 remaining and (1) PREFERABLY USED FOR SOME WORTHY CAUSE – PERHAPS TO PAY THE WAY FOR EXTRA EXPENSES OF THOSE NON-PROFESSIONALS WHO WIN THE RIGHT TO REPRESENT THE COUNTRY AND NEED SUBSIDIZING CALLING IT THE PETER PENDER INTERNATIONAL FUND: OR (2) Return the full irresponsibly used money (about $25,000) to Peter’s residual estate heirs .. as his wishes were not honored – more specially violated.
By the way, the suggestion of calling it THE PENDERGRAPH THEATRE PRESENTS BBO was turned down as it was decided it was not equitable.
Bobby’s views are even stronger, but no shy bunny (or wolff) is he so he can howl for himself.
October 10th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
5 Comments
Bobby and I arrived in the wee hours of Wednesday morning and have been on a roller coaster ever since. These 10:30 and 4:00 schedules (with several variations and changes) keep one on his or her toes. The place is immense with playing on three floors of the Marriott and those less fortunate have to hike over to the other playing site at the Convention Center (though inside) about three blocks away. For those who like to take their ‘constitutionals’ like Harry S. Truman — they love the exercise. As for my partnership, we rented scooters.
Though there are many restaurants in the vicinity, the Marriott has only Starbucks and a supposedly lovely restaurant with the enchanting name THIRTEEN. It is far from elegant, but you can have a nice buffet in the morning and either counter or table dining for lunch or dinner. Not The Four Seasons, but beats going outside as far as I am concerned. (However, they do give you 20% off on food with an AARP card).
Attendance is down but I am sure that has something to do with the economy and it has not stopped both the foreign and local professionals from making their appearances. The foreign nations are well represented, but the American turnout has been a tremendous disappointment. The room rate is $150 plus tax though we heard of several people going through Priceline. DONT’ ASK! Also, overnight parking is – would you believe? … $43! (Now they say $36). Big whoops!
The WBF events are scattered all over the hotel (3rd, 4th and 5th floors) with starting times at 10:00, 10:30 and 11:00. You can’t tell a player without a score card and there has been much confusion as to who goes where and when.
But here in Philly, though we think the feature event is the world bridge championships, don’t kid yourselves! The big news is the Phils sweeping the Reds and the opening day no hitter (with the Eagles just winning a squeaker over the 49ers)! Lots of happy sports fans in the City of Brotherly Love tonight!
October 6th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
2 Comments
In every sport and hobby, distinguished performers are honored by their peers (present and past). Sadly some earn the right because of longevity or undue influence although they may not be qualified to make a knowledgeable and impartial judgment. In bridge, players are inducted into the Hall of Fame and in baseball, in addition to HOFs, baseball players (in the subject case) have their numbers retired by their teams based on both accomplishments and tributes from the fans.
Today, I took offense at an article written in USA Today by Paul White. There is no doubt New York Yankee legend Derek Jeter has aged and is not the Jeter of old. White, in his opinion, adds:
Jeter’s apparent decline as a fielder – and when it might be time to move him from shortstop to a less-demanding position – is another of several potentially delicate issues that will shadow the negotiations between the Yankees and Jeter. The talks will involve balancing the player Jeter is now with what he represents: the face of baseball’s most storied franchise, a player whose No. 2 jersey will someday be honored among the retired jersey numbers of Yankees legends such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio.
Perhaps I am being overly sensitive because of my bridge background. However, I consider it sad that Grant Baze did not make the HOF during his lifetime – as he certainly was at least as accomplished as many others who have been inducted. I think Mr. White made a humongous omission naming his three idols (Ruth, Gehrig and DiMaggio). No one is contesting their accomplishments, but I am offended by his overlooking Mickey Mantle.
There is not a doubt that Ruth, Gehrig and DiMaggio were among the Yankee Supremes, but a slightly later day player, MICKEY MANTLE, deserved to be judged on the same overall talent level In some respects, I am being picky, but when great players are singled out, the absence of someone who has every right to be included among them, is very hard for me to stomach. If the omission was accidental and careless, it is one thing – but if deliberate, the writer should be ashamed of himself as it appears to me that he is displaying a total bias – not something uncommon in the media.
October 6th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
3 Comments
Bobby and I whizzed from Vegas to Philly in what appeared to be record time. I am not the best of travelers and always need something to occupy my mind to prevent staring at the clouds and alternately gazing at my watch. Quite by accident, at the last minute, I discovered an old quiz book written by the legendary Uncle Al (alias Albert M. Sobel) described in 1969 by then-ACBL Bulletin Editor, Richard L. Frey::
“Quizmaster General” columnist and champion bridge payer Alexander .M. Sobel, the man who dreamed up the questions for such popular radio programs as the Dr. I. Q. Show and the Bob Hawk Show (You’re a LEMAC Now) has written a quiz book to test your memory:
Al dedicated the book to R. L. (‘Skinny”) Miles, Jr. ‘who spent many a boisterous and sleepless night with me arguing and checking over the thousand items contained in How’s Your Memory?’
How’s your Memory is a match ‘em up quiz game. There are 100 categories (from Girls’ Names in Songs, Nursery Rhymes, Lovers in History, Advertising Slogans, Well known bridges, College Football Nicknames, Famous Pairs, Mottos and Expressions, Characters in Novels and believe it or not — Contract Bridge). Three’s something for everyone! The left column gives you the clues for ten of the topical subject questions. They’re only eight answers on the right hand side so you may have to supply your own correct answer as some might be bogus ones (or omitted) to trip you up. You don’t have to go far to see how on point you were as the answers are on the following page (on the back, of course). It was absolutely fascinating bearing in mind some are very old subjects written 41 years ago published by Exposition Press of New York. Some you could whiz through in wham-bam/thank you ma’am style and others, if we were lucky, might have gotten one or two of the ones on the back side if they weren’t ‘our type’ of category.
For example: Eastern Hemisphere Capitals:
COUNTRY: 1. Israel; 2.Turkey; 3. Switzerland; 4. West Germany; 5. Portugal, 6. Hungary; 7. Rumania; 8. Norway; 9. Finland; 10. Denmark.
THE CAPITAL: A. Budapest; B. Jerusalem; C. Bucharest; D. Copenhagen; E. Ankara; F Oslo; G. Bonn; H. Lisbon,
THE ANSWERS: 1. B; 2. E; 3. BERNE; 4. G; 5. H; 6. A; 7. C. 8. F; 9. HELSINKI; 10. D.
I might add that on this one (one of the easier ones), we missed one of them and it is too embarrassing to own up to which it was.
The predictions were as expected although often some of the answers you normally know in your sleep totally elude you. Being such a world traveler via his bridge career (administration as well as competition itself), Bobby was great on geography, famous cities, landmarks, songs and naturally all the sports – major and college as that is the love of his life. (According to my assessment: Sports is #1, Bridge comes in close behind and Moi is a distant third – but I am too obsessed with my own interests to be bothered by such trivial evaluations). Predictably, my good areas were movies, writers, Oscar winners, well-known women – typically female specialties). I am not sure the complimentary mid-trip Bloody Marys helped or hindered our memories but before we knew it, we could spot the lights of Center City and the skyscrapers that stood taller than City Hall (an unmentionable subject in my later years).
We arrived after a four and a half hour flight that, shall we say, flew by (ugh)! And, being on Pacific Time I (not we) found the energy to unpack our baggage and even set up my computer (or how could I sleep without my wanky being operable in the morning).
It has been two and a half years since I have been back here in my home town and I can’t wait to saunter down to breakfast and see all my old buddies since it has been two years since we have been to any local tournament in this familiar neck of the woods (that’s anywhere East of Vegas).
I’m not playing till Saturday which will give my partnership with Jane a chance to practice and remove the crusts of rust which have settled in – not having played in well over two years because of our temporary absence from the bridge scene. BUT – how could I pass up Philly? It would be pure unadulterated sacrilege!
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