June 23rd, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 5 Comments 
Many ACBL members will be saddened to learn of the passing of Aileen Osofsky, who Chaired the ACBL Goodwill Committee for some twenty years. Aileen was the epitome of Good Will and a true Grande Dame in every sense of the word – both in real life and in the bridge world. Though Bobby and I have been removed from the NABC site for a couple of years, every now and then I would get an email note of cheer from her – just checking in. I have no idea whether she had been ailing or her death was sudden but one thing is for sure – they will have to search far and wide to find a replacement – as no one could ever measure up to her modesty, exuberance, charm and genuine caring for all whose lives she touched. Bobby and I join Aileen’s hosts of friends sending sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to her husband Meyer, son Alan and all the other Osofkys whose lives will be devastatingly changed by her loss.
Her email moniker will forever send a smile to my lips as I will always remember “Goodwill O"!”
June 22nd, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 5 Comments
I am writing to you from The Wynn in Las Vegas, where Marty Bergen and Larry Cohen are holding their BERGEN-COHEN REUNION SEMINAR. First, about the site. Over decades of travel, especially to world championships with Norman and Bobby, I have stayed at some elegant hotels – but this one is in a class by itself — electric curtains and shades, incredible telephone set up, a “standard room” which in most hotels would be considered a deluxe suite, a compartmental bathroom (larger than Bobby’s den which holds six wall TV sets) etc., etc. It will be hard to return to our little nest in Summerlin which we call home.
Why am I here (with Bobby)?? Good question. Larry, a dear friend for twenty-some years, asked me to recommend some directors for their duplicates. Before I knew it Dixie Perkinson and Sue Grue were lined up to co-direct, handle partnerships, etc., etc. and Martha Beecher (who ran LV tournaments for many years – who just happened to be my real estate agent and good friend) was appointed Head overseer as Larry and Marty were not arriving until game time and much pre-preparation was needed. My role, besides being head of what Bobby named Judy’s Angels (Dixie, Sue and Martha) was as chief decorator – making novel centerpieces out of old photos of young Larry and Marty from twenty or more years ago with teammates, et al. It was really a labor of love and kept me out of trouble for a couple of months working on them – changing, adding, redoing, etc. Today, I was finally able to enjoy the fruits of my labor when I peeked into the Petrus Room to see the centerpieces on the breakfast tables. This is just Opening Day of a three day seminar (consisting of two scrumptious meals daily, lectures with both Larry and Marty individually and two duplicates per day). The amazing part is that as soon as the word got out, they had over 140 eager beavers signing up for this three day junket.
Later! Back to work!
June 20th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 7 Comments
The popular and respected international star, Peter Pender, a native Philadelphian who in later years migrated to the West Coast, was a very good friend of Norman’s and mine. In fact, I recall in 1966 Peter was on a mission to help Jeremy Flint, his good friend and British Superstar, break the record of becoming a LM in the shortest period of time. So up from Philly to Harrisburg we trudged, with Norman enlisting either Bob Jordan or Edgar Kaplan (I’m not sure who his partner was) – but in any event the foursome went on to win the Regional Team game, mounting up more points for Jeremy. He actually accomplished the feat in eleven weeks – and that was before Master Point inflation.
Peter was a very special young man. However, by 1990 it was no secret he was dying of AIDS and was interested in both promoting bridge and leaving a legacy bearing his name.
Before his death on November 19, 1990, he gave the ACBL $27,500 outright for the development and nurturing of Junior Bridge, for which an annual Peter Pender Trophy was to be engraved and presented to the yearly winners. At this point, two decades hence, it appears his vision has fallen by the wayside and there remains over $28,000 in the Educational Fund (probably from accrued interest) where it ended up. Obviously his request was no longer being honored as no one has seen hide nor hare of the Peter Pender Trophy for Junior accomplishments in ages. I have spoken to CEO Jay Baum who was most cooperative (though all this happened long before his reign) and soon as the ACBL is settled in their new headquarters, he will tend to bringing the engraving and presentation up to date. End of Pender Issue No. 1.
The other matter is of much more concern to Bobby and me as it was at Bobby and Becky Roger’s urging that Peter made an additional hefty bequest in his Will of $50,000 in return for renaming the Vu-Graph … THE PENDERGRAPH (which has been out of existence for longer than anyone can pinpoint or remember).
At last report from a very helpful gentleman representing the Educational Foundation (Dr. Gene Kales) I was given a sketchy accounting. There is a shade over $10,000 left …
BUT — WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE PENDERGRAPH AND PETER’S INTENTION TO HAVE HIS NAME PERPETUATED LONG AFTER HIS IMPENDING DEATH???
I am not certain at this point how to best handle the apparently misdirected money from Peter’s estate — basically tantamount to anything but quid-pro-quo. His money was given to perpetuate his name via The Pendergraph and that request has fallen by the wayside with the wonderful introduction of BBO — perhaps the greatest contribution to modern bridge — for which we should all be most grateful.
Since no one (including a shocked long-time member of the BOD whom I recently saw) can explain what happened to the money (the missing $40,000 which was part of Peter’s specific bequest to perpetuate his name) – I took the liberty of contacting someone I thought would have better recall than anyone else regarding the transition from Pendergraph to BBO. Believe me, I don’t fault anyone for adopting BBO — but I feel strongly that Peter has been done a disservice (like reaching into a dead man’s pocket and robbing him blind).
I went to the one person who was in the best position to know about the transition from Pendergraph to BBO and though he qualified his remarks by saying he was not 100% positive of the details — one thing is for damn sure: THE PENDERGRAPH IS HISTORY!
I, personally, have sent this information on to the Board of Directors and seen to it the Board of Governors was copied on it as well! The big question:
WHY WAS THE PENDER BEQUEST SPENT ON SOMETHING OTHER THAN WHAT WAS INTENDED (TO PERPETUATE HIS NAME) – AND BY WHOSE AUTHORIZATION???
Until this is resolved and explained, why would anyone consider leaving money to the ACBL as there is no assurance their wishes will be honored. Stricter monitoring and accountability is mandatory and use of bequeathed money should be of public record to prevent a recurrence of this horrifying situation!
June 15th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 35 Comments
In the recent Las Vegas Regional, a big to-do was made over a hand where there was a failure to alert a cue bid. Said failure was, in fact, because the player making the bid had intended it as a transfer with an eight card suit headed by the AJ10. The auction eventually led to mayhem when his partner (having overcalled spades) jumped to a game (thinking it was a cue bid fit).
When 4S got doubled, what person in their right mind (and there are still some bridge players out there that qualify) — would not retreat to his eight bagger???? That is pretty normal and who could fault him (alert or no alert)? Partner passed.
When the Partner of the opener chose not to double (but bid 6C which was opener’s first thrust), the light dawned and holding AXXXX AKX Q984 K, the overcaller (a very respected player and a perfect gentleman) figured out partner had a very long suit and bid a slam which got doubled and a greedy lead allowed them to make an overtrick. That’s known as ‘toughies’!
Soon the Sh_t hit the fan!!! No one is denying it all started with what Bobby calls Convention Disruption (not knowing your system). Naturally the opponents (minus 1740) protested. The Director, after consulting with the “local authorities,” mulled it over and on the second board of the next match told the 6D bidder he was reversing the score to 4S undoubled. How kind! Sheer madness! The player got up and left the tournament (fearing otherwise he would explode from this asinine ruling). His partner started to accompany him out the door but reconsidered and remained though he vented his spleen by turning back and calling the Director "a f_cking idiot" (and well within himself)!
The Ruling of the Disciplinary Committee (and you gotta be sitting down for this one) as it is one that is hard to rival or top:
1) The player who opted for an early departure from the tournament is not allowed to exit an ACBL sanctioned game before its conclusion FOR SIX WHOLE MONTHS; Big Whoops! He’ll really have to exercise control!
But — catch the next one …..
2) His partner (who remained at the site but couldn’t hold his tongue) is not allowed to call that Director (or ANY Director for that matter) a “f_cking idiot” FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS!
THE MORAL OF THIS STORY — AFTER SIX MONTHS …. ANYTHING GOES!
June 12th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 6 Comments
I wanted to share with you some interesting, candid thoughts by the celebrated Editor of the International Bridge Press Association (IBPA), John Carruthers, in his June 2010 Editorial. It gives one much to consider by calling a spade a spade and openly discusses many controversial views as to what is best (for the game itself, the country and/or the individuals involved).
Because many of you are merely interested bridge players and not privileged to access the IBPA, I thought you would enjoy the frank outlook of Canadian, John Carruthers. He really covers several touchy subjects. John mentions the non-democratic hand picked teams issue and also takes swipes at the USBF and professionalism. But after all, is that not what modern day bridge is all about?????
It’s that time of year again – Team Trials. In the matter of Zonal Trials for Bermuda Bowl qualification, expediency and financial considerations sometimes play a part, especially in Europe and North America. The European Team Championships are now held in even-numbered years, despite the fact that the Bermuda Bowl for which they are used as a qualification process will not be held for 15 months or so. Is that a problem? Perhaps not for the NBOs. In practice, it could be a problem for some players because the teams qualify as NBOs, not individuals, so it is quite possible that a team qualifying through the European Championship will not appear in the Bermuda Bowl with the same personnel, and this sometimes happens. Additionally, a team may be more ‘in-form’ coming off qualification than in 15 months’ time. Why does the EBL do it this way? Ever since the introduction of the Open European Championships, it was felt that those championships should be held in non-Rosenblum (odd-numbered) years to ease the financial and time burden on people who can attend only one big event per year. So they fit the European Team Championships into the even-numbered years. The process has its pros and cons and you could argue the case either way.
What about the United States Bridge Federation? The USBF does things a little differently from the Europeans, and even their Open Trials are different from their Women’s and Senior Trials. Both the Women’s and Seniors choose their two teams in the year of the event for which they qualify. However, there are two separate Trials for USA1 and USA2 in the Bermuda Bowl, one this year and one next year. Why should this be? Regardless of the rationale, having two Trials appears to support the view that the professionals, who dominate the USBF Board of Directors, desire two paydays rather than one. That may not be the case, but that’s how it looks.
For individual NBO selections, there are basically two methods of choice: democratic and autocratic. It is difficult to argue with either, since their chief proponents are the USA and Italy, respectively, winners of a combined 39 Bermuda Bowls and Olympiads (everyone else has won just 13 combined) since 1950. Italy is the avatar of the autocratic methodology, Carl’Alberto Perroux dictating the makeup of the Blue Team in the 50s and 60s and Maria Theresa Lavazza choosing the Lavazza Team lately. The USA has always had a democratic process to choose its representatives, whether by pairs trials (in the early days) or team trials (since the 1970s).
Both NBOs get it right in their own selection process. Not many (perhaps no other) countries have the depth of talent the USA has, and thus, in any given year, four or five teams could win their Trials and be a co-favourite for the world title; a handful of other countries could produce two competitive teams. On the other hand, why should Italy take a chance on an upset in a team trials when they know they can produce a co-favourite for a world title without such a process interfering?
The rest of us have to make do as best we can, with some picking a non-playing captain and giving him (almost) free rein, with others holding completely democratic open trials, still others finding a middle ground. Sweden has got it right for them, giving their NPC, much as a national football team manager, the freedom to choose his own team, based on selection tournaments and compatibility. Other countries using a completely-democratic process have it wrong, with too small a base of world-class players to make an open teams championship winner the best choice.
So, who will qualify for the Bermuda Bowl in Europe and the USA? We’re going out on a limb, making predictions. It is wonderful to see so many teams with really young players and we predict that they will come to the fore this year. For Europe: Poland, Italy, Sweden, Israel, England, Netherlands; for the USA: Diamond. You will notice that all these teams are relatively young, with Balicki, Lauria, Fallenius and Muller the closest we can come to “Grand Old Men”, not that any of them is ready for the old folks’ home just yet. Another group from which one or more qualifiers could come in Europe: Bulgaria, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Turkey. In the USA, everyone has to overcome Nickell to win.
June 9th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 2 Comments
Bobby and I are enjoying some leisurely time here at the Riviera (no – silly, not THE Riviera – but rather The Riviera on Las Vegas Boulevard where the popular Annual June Regional is always held). Since we have not been attending the ACBL NABCs for a while, it has been delightful to see so many good friends from whom I have been estranged for the last couple years. Among that group is someone I know only as a very casual acquaintance: possibly the most prayed-for individual in ACBL history, CURTIS CHEEK, who suffered from swine flu while in Sao Paulo last year and was rumored to be at death’s door.
Bobby and I were in South America at the time but did not learn about his misfortune until we returned home. The popular bridge star has some roots now in our hometown of Las Vegas as he married a local girl and is now a bridegroom of two weeks. I had not seen him since he waged a wicked battle for his life, having undergone extensive physical and emotional trauma – but who wouldn’t from such a suddenly random life-threatening attack. Why him – such a sweet guy?
I just wanted to report, though temporarily in a wheelchair, he professed the future was bright and after some planned surgery on his casted foot in a couple of months, the doctors predict he will be walking with no ill effects. That news really made my day! Before the game began, he was surrounded by dozens of people (perhaps even some strangers) who threw their arms around him and expressed their joy that such a devastating nightmare will have a very happy ending.
Say what you want about bridge players. And – I am sure lots can be said. In fact, you might have to get in line – but when it comes to having a heart – no group is more caring.
Welcome back to the land of the living, Curtis. We are all so grateful! Our prayers have been answered.
June 6th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 2 Comments
I have had the pleasure of witnessing our game in all strata .. from Mama-Papa Bridge Kitchen Bridge episodes though the club duplicates, Sectionals, Regionals, Nationals and the Trials – all the way to the top sphere of world championships. I started in the Sixties kibitzing Norman in Bal Harbour, Deauville, Taipei, New Orleans and Biarritz through the Eighties and my tour of duty continued with Bobby in Monte Carlo, Verona, Istanbul and Sao Paulo last year. I also had the honor of accompanying Bobby to China on three different occasions for the celebrated Yeh Cup. I must confess I felt truly blessed to kibitz all these world-class super experts. I was reminded of Mike Todd’s famed Around the World in Eighty Days. But in my case – it took fifty years.
Last night Bobby and I were relaxing over a drink and he started to recount his memories of high level events starting in the seedling days of the Aces in the Seventies. It was a combined lesson in bridge history and tournament structures and I sat spellbound realizing how much the average (even avid and experienced) bridge player does not know about the history and frequency of championship events. After five decades, they all start to look alike to me but Bobby elaborated on who runs what and how often and I listened in amazement. I’d like to share what I gleaned from my hobby history lesson of last evening.
Make no mistake! The Bermuda Bowl (BB) is the World Bridge Federation’s (WBF) premier, signature event. From its beginning in Bermuda in 1950, it was played every year (with perhaps one or two years omitted through 1976) when the new format took effect.
The current schedule is for the BB to be held every other year (with the remaining events every fourth year). The latter is known as The World Team Olympiad (WTO), with as many as 80 different nations participating and being entitled to one team each. The World Bridge Championships (WBC) (which now bears the caption of The World Bridge Series) specializes in Trans Nationalism (being able to jump borders and not be required to play with a countryman). The Rosenblum Team and the World Open Pair are the two main events which draw bridge players from near and far.
The WTO spends over half the tournament eliminating the lower finishers (perhaps around 60 teams) coming down to a Round of 16 which features relatively short KO matches to the finish. The WBC is socially charged where all players from the best on down have the opportunity to partner and team with players from all around the world, promoting the purpose of what the WBF stands for and is seriously opting for — "Bridge for Peace".
Both the WBC and especially the WTO have many novice-type players representing the various around-the-world countries with the WTO welcoming lesser bridge-known contestants from places such as Botswana, French Polynesia, Cypress, the Netherland Antilles and many other smaller principalities where bridge interest is great but the number of players is small and, of course, very inexperienced. It is a great stage for socializing and offering opportunities for bridge to arouse interest and then remain in those developing nations. Without that thoughtful beginning fifty-plus years ago, South America, for one, would almost surely never have developed so many world class players as there are today.
To repeat, the BERMUDA BOWL is what the WBF is all about!
Since it is basically a contest between the Zones (eight in all), each zone is entitled to send a small number of teams varying and based upon the bridge population within. Zone 1 (all of Europe and its satellites) is now entitled to either 6 or 7 teams based on an overwhelming size advantage (perhaps 450,000 bridge players) compared to Zone 2 (North America) being allowed three teams (about 160,000) with most of the other zones (3-8) being restricted to no more than two. Also, a recent change has now allowed the host Zone an extra team in order to insure local interest in the staging of the tournament. For those interested in bridge history, when the Bermuda Bowl was first established, Zone 1 only had about 120,000 members while Zone 2 had around 180,000.
For Bermuda Bowl years each zone has their own qualification tournaments to determine their official representatives. These trials have expanded to include the Open, Women, Senior and, in fewer countries, the Junior event. While each country (not zone) also qualifies teams for the WTO, there are events and championships for the women and seniors but they are not classified as highly as the major team event. Of course, the WBC has all sorts of random world championships but none have close to the aura and importance of the BB.
Again it may be interesting to some to learn that our WBF Godfather, Jimmy Ortiz-Patino, has always been against lesser events being held simultaneously since he thought we should concentrate (like the prestigious America’s Cup, Davis Cup and Ryder Cup) on the “main attraction” and not dilute its importance.
As a history guide, there have been two other events called ‘World Championships.’ The first was the Pan American Championship held in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1992 for the Western Hemisphere. The second was the Salt Lake City Championship held in 2002 in Salt Lake City (with a limited number of top teams — more on the order of an exhibition – with many good players, but not necessarily regular partnerships). It took place before the Winter Olympics which were scheduled in Salt Lake a week later with the intention of enticing the World Olympic Committee to consider Bridge as a competitive sport.
Different logistics through the years have also influenced our site selection. Since for a long period of time the third world developing countries had very few Convention Center-type facilities, the WBF then preferred to award BB’s to these third world countries where only 20+ teams attended instead of the far larger WTO and WBC which would go only to Zones 1 and 2 to be held in either very large hotels usually with Convention Center-type access in order to have enough space for more than twice as many players. Add that problem to the ACBL’s reluctance (after 1986 where poor planning caused the ACBL to lose much money on that Miami tournament) to hold any WBF type tournament on our soil — until this upcoming October when The World Bridge Series Championship will be held in Philadelphia.
I know it is a lot to digest (and perhaps boring to some), but I had no clue (nor did many of you) how expansive world bridge competition has become. I might add that Bobby watched the evolution of universal bridge since his early days on the ACBL BOD through his presidency of both the ACBL and WBF as well as tons of other administrative positions. It boggles my mind that bridge has come such a long way in six decades.
June 2nd, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 3 Comments
I too shared the thrill of the Canadian HOF induction of Eric and Sami (along with other revered Maple Leaf players whom I did not know nearly as well). It brought back touching memories of July 19, 2001 in Toronto — to another Hall of Fame Celebration — this one sponsored by the American Contract Bridge League.
In fact, I remember overhearing a telephone interlude with Sami. Norman was serving on the HOF Committee and was assigned to call his close former teammates Eric and Sami to receive permission to honor them in the Summer Nationals by presenting them with the Von Zedtwitz Award (usually given to deceased players or otherwise deserving overlooked players).
Sami, in his inimitable soft, quiet way (fully aware that most of those voted into the VZ category were six feet under), immediately replied to Norman something to the effect “Yes, but only in the LIVING category.” Terms accepted! By the way, don’t be shocked by the word “permission” as Mike Lawrence (for his own personal reasons) refused to allow his name to be placed on the ballot.
Meanwhile — back to my Canadian friends. The earlier omissions of Murray and Kehela were obviously EGREGIOUSLY OUTRAGEOUS as their exceptional individual talents and high moral ethics were of towering caliber — and in the opinion of many, a disgrace to keep passing them over in favor of many much less talented U. S. candidates and recipients. It was one of the most embarrassing oversights in ACBL HOF history and many (including yours truly) will never forget it!!! However, you cannot blame the ACBL — but rather the process which seemed to have had great flaws (and still does). Meanwhile, back to 2001. The very long overdue night had finally arrived.
I remember that Montreal evening nine years ago and Sami and Eric (in their own individual ways) stole the show. No one wanted the program to end as their routines were as good as any stage show ever witnessed. It was indeed a love-in and the roaring laughter continued to bring down the house. It brought to mind Linda’s closing in her beautiful tribute, “The Canadian Hall of Fame Love-In”
“This was an audience of peers and each of us was acknowledging the great contribution made by these historic players. It wasn’t even the kind of standing ovation you sometimes give in the theater for an exceptional performance. This was more than that. It was a feeling that all of us in that room were comrades.”
I assure you, there was no less enthusiasm in 2001 by their American brethren who loved and revered Murray and Kehela. It was not about Nationalism or Comrades — but epitomized the highest esteem in which these two were held (and utter shame for the disgusting oversight of earlier years) as evidenced by their American fans in the audience who came out in droves to honor their overdue recognition. Truly a time to celebrate.
What is even nicer – they have been acknowledged by two great countries!
May 30th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 8 Comments
I am trying to retrace some bridge history and am soliciting whatever help I can get. Peter Pender died in November of 1990. He had left a generous amount of money to the ACBL. There were two separate bequests – one to the Juniors, particularly for trophies and another regarding the vu-graph. Does anyone recall the last time they remember the use of (or watched) the actual Pendergraph, as such? Thanks.
May 28th, 2010 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 9 Comments
This is what my late husband Norman used to call a "napkin" hand and I was his "napkin champ." Translation: If someone gave me a hand (at dinner written on a napkin) as a problem, I knew there was something to look for so I usually rose to the occasion. If someone had presented the hand to me, I would have made what Bobby thought was the right call.
Hats off to all of you who were good enough to bid 2S. I didn’t! Most of those given the hand after the game bid either 2NT (my bid) or 2H (should really be six or a better five bagger). The Master told me (PLAYING FLANNERY) my bid was A-U-T-O-M-A-T-I-C. (Don’t you just love when someone tells you that — especially if it is Bobby Wolff)? If I had three, he was willing to play it there.
However, upon reflection, it should have been a piece of cake. Playing Flannery (11-15), if I had 4/5 I would have opened 2D. If I had 16+ with 4/5, I would have opened 1H, intending to reverse into 2S. SO, partner suspects I have only three spades and would pass with his hand. If I had the Flannery hand (with 16 or more), over the negative double, I would have either jumped to 3S, or with a maximum, either cue bid or jumped to 4S (though I don’t like the cue bid, causing it to play from the wrong hand if it should matter).
THUS, I tend to have only 3S and he will know that by my rebid of 2S (not 2NT or 2H) — and the hand will still be playing from the right side with KJ2 of diamonds.
The sad story, I (Dumb-Dumb) bid 2NT and went down -200 (and lucky to have the diamonds 5/4 rather than 6/3 after taking the losing spade finesse or it would have been -300). Had I thought it out (and it really wasn’t such a difficult problem in retrospect), I would have bid 2S which Bobby would have passed and even with the 4/1 spade split would have scored up +110.
We were not playing in a very good field and Righty might have bid 3D (for down -200 their way unless they guessed how to play the diamonds, restricting themselves to one loser).
Here are our hands. It was a great learning experience for me and I wanted to share it with you. I’ll get it right next time. I usually don’t make the same mistake twice. I look for new ones!
AJ763 92 8 Q8632
Q98 AK854 KJ2 97
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