September 1st, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 4 Comments 
This morning here in Sao Paulo, I sat down to kibitz Bobby’s first match of the day. With some minutes to spare I socialized with his LHO who happened to be close to a dear friend of mine from Philadelphia (who recently died) but had remarried and moved to this gentleman’s native land. Apparently, they were close and played on teams together. There was an immediate kinship but it proved to be temporary insanity from my standpoint. He was warm, charming and as the game proceeded, I could see he was very ethical and volunteered all necessary information. That was was the only positive statement I can make after I witnessed the sixteen board set. What I watched did not vaguely resemble bridge.
I was startled from the first board to the last as I watched a system called Artificial-Red in all its gory. In fact I came straight from the playing room to the bar to grab a Bloody Mary (appropriately named). Indeed, it was artificial (to say the least) — but the “red” should have had flashing lights and sirens as on a fire engine as no bid had anything to do with the suit they had or inferred they had. For instance, an opening 1S bid showed five hearts. (Get the picture)? IT DIDN’T HAVE THE LEAST SEMBLANCE TO THE GAME I ENDEARLINGLY USED TO KNOW AS BRIDGE. My prime objection is that there is no pre-warning and absolutely no time to prepare how to combat all these artificial bids in advance. Of course, people with systems similar to these, give you ‘their’ defenses — and in a timed event, you and your partner have little time to come up with bids to counter these preposterous calls which don’t vaguely represent the game as the public knows it. THIS IS A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP — NOT A CRAPSHOOT and I would like to see more respect and dignity accorded to the game. It made me want to cry that bridge has sunk to this subterranean level and I use the term deliberately and advisedly.
I sat there in amazement that the illustrious “Conventions Committee” allows such deception and subterfuge. But, according to a member who was asked, he denied its illegality. Maybe it is time we had people on committees who wanted to preserve the concept and good name of Bridge. But between professionalism fostering far less-than-the-best players under their own flag and these now bastardized systems by players who cannot win playing by standard methods — no wonder bridge is going all downhill. What ever happened to that game to be played by ladies and gentlemen? I fear it is soon to become history.
P. S. Despite all the tacks and nails along the roadside, the tread was strong enough to withstand the pricks, and Bobby’s team eked out a victory — but a sad day indeed for bridge when we allow the clowns to take over the game.
September 1st, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 3 Comments
For those of you who don’t have access to the standings, this is what the top eight look like at the end of six matches:
BERMUDA BOWL: NORWAY, BULGARIA, NETHERLANDS, CHINA LONG AHU OPEN, ARGENTINA, ITALY, USA2, GERMANY
VENICE CUP: USA I, CHINA LONG AHU WOMEN/FRANCE, I TALY, USA 2, EGYPT, DENMARK, GERMANY
D’ORSI SENIORS: ENGLAND, EGYPT, POLAND/USA2, PAKISTAN, INDONESIA, BELGIUM, USA I
There’s a long way to go, but the magic number is EIGHT. Finish below and you are history.
Bobby sat off the third session (that is when our team blitzed Uruguay) and we had the pleasure of watching the vugraph together (USA2 V. NORWAY/24-22), featuring commentators Barry Rigal and Philip Alder and other gentlemen I did not know. The theatre is magnificent and the screens constantly flashed the up-to-the-minute standings of the other two Cups to keep us abreast of the scores as we went along. The WBF Organization is managed so professionally it is hard to describe. You must witness it with your own eyes.
We are here only four days and I can tell you it is exhausting. Time to catch a catnap before Round 7 begins at 11 a.m. this morning. It seems never-ending and has truly just begun.
August 31st, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 1 Comment
The Transamerica lends itself quite well to the needs of the WBF EVENTS. All three categories (Bermuda Bowl. Venice Cup and D’Orsi Senior Bowl) are self contained in a mammoth carpeted convention hall with tables quite far apart to avoid problems. I have only seen the open room but assume the closed ones are comparable in quality as well. There are three electronic scoreboards as well as small TVs to itemize the standings and plenty of room to navigate. Either by accident, coincidence or deliberate arrangement, a rescue squad vehicle stands available if needed and is camped in front of the entrance. I don’t know if it was singled out for the bridge venture or serves all conventions renting their space. Just the first time I witnessed one at a world bridge event. Maybe it’s a back up play. Everything seems to be running smoothly. Most impressive were the new pristine bidding boxes — never before touched by human hands — a far cry from the condition of ours back in The States.
The evening highlight was an open cocktail party in conjunction with the antique card collection of James Ortiz Patino with an amazing display covering several centuries of cards from their earliest inception. It has a museum like quality and will remain open for the next several days. The curator explained several of the origins and it was a mind boggling site to behold. After the display, everyone scattered for their evening snack, preparing to start anew tomorrow at 11 a.m. An exhausting opening day for all (staff, players and kibitzers as well)!
Till tomorrow.
August 30th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 3 Comments
It was an impressive opening scene as one entered the Alfa Theatre to see two huge clasped hands covering most of the huge silver curtained stage with the World Bridge Federation Flag as a backdrop. After the welcoming speeches by the Sao Paulo Mayor, Ernesto D’Orsi and Jose Damiani and introduction of the 36 participating nations here for the Bermuda Bowl, Venice Cup and/or D’Orsi Senior Bowl, each team seated in the same vicinity arose to be recognized by the audience. The “hands” separated themselves and departed to their respective sides of the platform and the mind-boggling Brazilian spectacular began which included renditions from concert pianist, Arthur Moreria Lima, including the impressive Brazilian National Anthem with an array of dancers, singers, gymnasts and other assorted talented performers. Following the two hour ceremony, the guests enjoyed getting to socialize over the flow of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and all sorts of chafing dish goodies.
As many of these that I have attended over the years with Norman and Bobby, I still depart with the same fuzzy feeling: A touching array of warm, genuine friendships –some new — and others forty and fifty years in the making and a camaraderie that can only be felt but not explained. You had to witness the admiration and respect among the countries — but come 11 a.m. this morning — it is all out war (the good kind with bidding boxes and pasteboards).
Until Day Two of the competition!
August 29th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 5 Comments
New York Journalist, Barry Rigal, a good friend of Bobby’s and mine met in the lobby of the WBF Site, The Transamerica, a plush hotel where many of the players are staying. I asked if he heard of anything unusual, to share it with me as I doubted if we would be leaving the hotel. This Is what I just received from Barry:
“Sao Paulo is an industrial city and we are on the very outskirts. I’m staying a few km away and take a shuttle to get there. It takes 2 minutes to get back –down a motorway and 15 minutes to get there down back streets, since its a giant ring road and crossing over to go the other way is not convenient given the two locations.
Some friends went into town on Wednesday and while there saw a pickpocket being chased by both the victim and a policeman who produced a gun and a ‘Stop or I’ll shoot’ command.
On the way back they were not sure if they were on the right bus; a policeman escorted them to a taxi and made them call him to make sure they had got home safe.
But PO and I walked happily around town yesterday so it is hard to know whom to believe about danger.
A giant Carrefour supermarket IS within walking distance for us; loaded up the fridge so I can eat in my room; there are cheap and cheerful restaurants on the street too. Not tried one yet.
Bobby and I were lucky enough to have reservations made for us on the Concierge Floor of The Transamerica and at 6 a.m. were there to meet the gentleman who opened the Golden Lounge. It was a modest buffet but trying to get a cup of coffee (decaffeinated) was a mammoth chore. In fact, we are facing the same problem everywhere we turn in the hotel. NO ONE, with few (very few) exceptions speak English of any kind. Portuguese is the native tongue and it is quite difficult to make ourselves understood. Right after we arrived, we were followed by the D’Orsi’s (Ernesto being the host honcho here) and when they heard we were going to have to replace Bobby’s electric razor which disappeared from our suitcase sometimes during our customs inspection, graciously offered one of their WBF cars (with driver) who could take us on a short shopping expedition to replace the missing razor and other items needed for the seventeen day stay. We were impressed when the limo appeared with driver — only to learn he spoke no English either. He took us to a lovely shopping mall which was so immense, I needed the assistance of a wheelchair as I could not navigate the distances. The only shop we could find was some electronic store which carried TVs, computers and electrical paraphernalia. This must be the most expensive razor in South America (don’t ask!) but tonight is the opening Banquet and Bobby didn’t want to disgrace the American Delegation. Have a feeling that had I contacted Barry earlier I could have saved a three hour outing and over a hundred dollars — but I timed the hand badly.
As far as the hotel’s dining facilities, they are very overpriced and no great shakes. While the diamond studded razor was being charged, we proceeded to the Piano Bar for a bite of lunch. Bobby and I enjoyed bowls of soup and shared a sandwich, each having a beverage. Adequate but not exceptional. The bill came to about $44.00. We learned that was a bargain as the other part of the room had a separate buffet and everyone was raving about it –$77.00 per head (Portuguese currency) –a bit too pricey for me. There are many unsponsored teams here and it is unfathomable to me how they can afford both the hotel rates and the cuisine. Here I am bitching, and the bridge hasn’t even begun.
This is the fourth or fifth world championship I have attended with Bobby and we are all anxiously awaiting tonight’s kickoff — a traditional Jose Damiani Special. His forte is PR and every succeeding Opening leaves the audience in awe. Tonight’s extravaganza will be held in the Alfa Theater, adjacent to the hotel and the event itself within the hotel on the first floor. We haven’t had a chance to explore much else but are raring to go as the actual world championship starts tomorrow at 11 a.m.
Till Sunday,
Judy
August 28th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 2 Comments
It was not the best of trips, but the important fact is we arrived none the worse (though diverted to Brazilia for five hours) while the fog was trying to lift from Sao Paulo. We left Las Vegas at 9 a.m. yesterday and arrived here in Brazil (after an hour and a half cab ride from the airport) at 3:30 p.m.the following day — utterly exhausted but happy to be safe and settled. Lots of familiar faces in the lobby when we arrived (P.O., Zia, etc.). Isn’t it nice to have one name and everyone recognizes your moniker? The hotel seemed lovely and we are readying to meet Dan and Joan Morse for dinner. They had the same fog problem and landed in Rio for five hours — but all’s well that ends well. I’ll be reporting in and trying to cover some of the bases till Linda and Ray arrive next week and have asked Barry Rigal to keep his eyes and ears open for good stories and hands that he won’t be using.
I must add despite all the aggravation of the trip, it was nice to be warmly greeted at curbside quite coincidentally by Jose Damiani, WBF Chairman, and Ernesto D’orsi, a native who will be hosting this extravaganza. Tomorrow is the opening banquet and Jose always goes all out. Everyone will be there in full regalia to kick off the event which begins 11 a.m. on Sunday. Till then ….
August 23rd, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 6 Comments
The site of my first big international tournament after my marriage to Norman was held at a hotel in Miami Beach in 1967 across from the glamorous shopping malls in Bal Harbour. The ‘wives’ hunting binges were hard to forget (even after the event when we returned to our respective homes) as the influx of credit card bills began to roll in and refresh the memories of our shopping expeditions while our husbands were fighting for the honor of their country at the bridge table.
I recall Florida as my first world championship with Norman (playing with Edgar Kaplan), Murray and Kehela and Roth and Root. As usual, the Exalted Blue Team continued to run away with the honors (and for good reasons) and sponsors were spoken of in hushed tones although there were quite a few popping up on the horizon. Ira Corn must be credited as the ‘ultimate non-playing sponsor’ and was the first American to ‘sponsor’ a United States Team from a “rooting” v. “participating” interest. Though his original idea was to field a world championship team for the U.S. which included himself, Bobby soon convinced him that it was in the best interests of the game to sponsor (for what in today’s market is a pittance) three solid, expert pairs to play together in an effort to bring home the Gold to the U.S. which they accomplished in 1970 and 1971. (Bobby recalls at the inception of The Aces, he and Jim Jacoby were high men on the salary totem pole, drawing $12,000 per year each as they were ‘with wife and child” and needed more to get along on). Occasionally, minimum raises were instituted — but hardly dramatic in comparison to today’s world of professionalism.
That was a LONG, LONG time ago and has the scene ever changed! Today, on an annual basis, MILLIONS are spent in one year (regionals, sectionals, etc.) by one or more sponsors to buy a team of five to support the client in the hope of success. Today’s is a personal ego goal — for the sponsor to achieve world renown recognition with the help and support of five experts — having nothing to do with the total excellence, quality or majesty of the team and — negating the responsibility of the USBF and the U. S. to send their three best pairs — a literal crap shoot.
Back to Miami — 1967. Someone had to perform the physical nitty-gritty which was close to scutwork to transmit the happenings to the bridge world at large and volunteers such as myself recorded the live auctions and play and then turned the results in to Chief Director Al Sobel (or it could have been Harold Franklin). As I said, it was an eon ago and there were no such things as perks, free plays or payments for the volunteers. We participated as gratuitous ornaments and slaves dedicated to the game.
In fact, I remember there was a tiny hospitality room which provided soft drinks and hot coffee and tea for the players and officials (not the helpers). I became so incensed that we were treated as chattel, I think I started the first Bridge Volunteer Union. Little me (hard to believe, but I really was) approached big Uncle Al (Sobel) and laid down the law to him — similar to no tickee — no laundry. If they wanted scoring recorders, we were entitled to the other amenities (hot and cold beverages as well as the goodies which were being served). That was my first labor/management dispute but I’ve come a long way. Believe me, it was a slam dunk.
I have never been a believer in privileged characters and that year in 1967 may have marked the beginning of my crusade/s. I always cheered for the underdog but respected supreme talent. Here we are — forty-two years later — and you wouldn’t believe it is the same scene. Well, it really isn’t – just in name only. Sadly, most of our heroes (with few exceptions) are either dead or retired and the new breed is upon us. However, the teams that once composed Zone 2’s finest has been expanded to include (in addition) a new group of wealthy, ambitious bridge enthusiasts called “sponsors” who pay big money to play with superior performers (known as professionals). The sanctity of the bridge world has been turned upside down on its ear (or its ass, if you prefer).
Make no mistake, duplicate bridge games are the lifeblood of bridge. And, how better to improve your game than to play with an expert in higher level competition as sectionals, regionals, nationals (including world class venues as the Reisinger, Spingold and Vanderbilt)? However, when you get to the level of the Trials to determine who will represent Zone 2, (you’ll pardon the pun) — the bucks stop there! It is not designed for the average or aspiring good players but the best their country has to offer!
Bear in mind the WBF was born in 1958 — the brainchild of James Ortiz Patino, The Godfather of World Bridge. The ACBL had been in existence decades before and a proliferation of ACBL greats joined together either as board members or consultants to oversee its operation. We are talking of legends such as Waldemar von Zedtwitz, Charlie Solomon, Alvin Landy, Lee Hazen, Al Morehead, Ben Johnson, Julius Rosenblum — among others; later followed Edgar Kaplan,(*) Eric Murray, Judge Carl Rubin, Sidney Silodor, and many other professional, erudite, top-rated players, honest, hardworking, dedicated and perhaps most important, successful businessmen. They labored not for their own good — but for the honor and good of the game. The game’s name was BRIDGE and in case you have forgotten, that green stuff was not a consideration. One of their major chores was to organize the playoffs (trials to select the top three ethical expert twosomes to represent their country, Zone 2). No money exchanged hands. There were some standouts on the board (though, it was rumored, perhaps at times, they drank too much — and I suppose bridge can drive you to it sometimes) — but one thing was for certain: The only objective was to organize the event to produce three such pairs to give us our finest shot at winning and in general do what was best for the game!
(*) It may be of interest that Edgar served on the BOD from the New York area for several years, but resigned in favor of spending more time playing and working on The Bridge World. He had also served as a distinguished US representative to the WBF BOARD — and no doubt the strongest, most knowledgeable, respected, best informed in-the-know person that graced it’s board. However, after his resignation from the BOD, he was disgustingly replaced as a WBF Rep by one of the Board’s ‘own’, Jerry Silverman — a far cry from the likes of Edgar Kaplan. Politics was beginning to rear its ugly head.
It was no secret we had to combat what we all knew was happening on the foreign front as a result of the “accepted” disgusting cultural standards (preferably sub-standards) known as the ‘C’ Word because back then it was not fashionable to talk about cheating. Besides, the League feared law suits. You old timers will know exactly what I am referring to — and if you are not of that ilk –just ask to get filled in. It was hardly a sacred subject. The cat was out of the bag but because of “chicken bridge press” and a potential scandal, the ACBL silently watched. All they could do is stand with hands folded and shake their heads in dismay. SHAME ON THE ACBL –and more recently for that matter — the USBF.
But that scenario (for the most part) has begun to clean up its own act with the help of glued-to-the seat appointed monitors (when appropriate), cameras, stronger committees and the fact it was public record — which makes private arrangements and signals a bit harder to perpetrate. The old “closed eyes” routine has abated substantially — but replaced by lots of unholy alliances of individuals to protect their own hides and interests because so many inner-conflicts are inherent to its existence. Bobby has a great name for it. He refers to the foxes getting into the henhouse — a way of saying exerting influence upon others to serve one’s own or a friend’s best interests).
How can a husband and wife sit on the same committee and have equal votes? How can someone who is granted a vote in a certain issue not recuse himself or herself when his or her spouse’s involvement is an integral part of the final outcome? How can inept, unknowledgeable persons be appointed to (and serve on) committees when they are easily brainwashed or influenced by other honchos on whom they may be dependent for a recommended pro referral down the road? How can? How can? How can? How can this be? Well, it happens all the time and the decisions rendered make it quite obvious — but the beat goes on shamelessly.
To bring you up to date, the bridge scene has flourished and reached the far corners of the globe thanks to the help of the World Bridge Federation and its many devoted workers — especially people like the redoubtable President of the WBF Jose Damiani and the charming Ernesto D’Orsi who will be hosting the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN his native BRAZIL beginning this Saturday with the Opening Banquet on August 29th and concluding on Saturday, September 12th.
The above scenario is simply seen through the eyes of a casual (but observant) bystander (moi) who watched from the wings but missed nary a trick. These are meek observations by comparison to those witnessed by Bobby Wolff, former President of the ACBL and WBF. Back in the nineties, my husband Bobby, whose credentials need no verification, made the biggest mistake of his career. He turned over the reins of the U. S. Team Trials (which he sought and obtained from the ACBL and donated it to what has now become the ITTC (International Team Trials Committee) along with its official Zone 2 international connection, the USBF (United States Bridge Federation). Without detailing the many sordid reasons for his disappointment, suffice it for him to say simply, “I cannot abide by groups which are subject to politics and not 100% dedicated to the sole reason for their formation and existence.”
We’ve come a long way. Unfortunately, it is in the wrong direction.
P.S.
Did you know there are TWO non-professional teams (technically amateur sextets with ‘no backer’ or subsidizer) this year who will represent YOUR COUNTRY in South America? They are USA 1 OPEN (THE ROBINSON TEAM) AND USA1 SENIOR (THE MORSE TEAM). It may also interest you to know that neither are receiving enough of a stipend to cover their daily food and room expenses for the original ten days???? BESIDES — NOT ONE PENNY HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR AIRFARE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO SAO PAULO, BRAZIL. SWIMMING IS A BIT MUCH!
August 19th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 4 Comments
Until Master Point Press entered our lives, our computers were no more than objects used to pass emails back and forth. Its owner, Ray Lee, whose name I had never heard before helped resurrect an epic started in 1994 and saw its to its conclusion in 2008 which will always be heralded as The Lone Wolff, Bobby’s tell-tale revelation of sixty years on the bridge scene. Ray is a highly dedicated upstanding member of the Fourth Estate who has given his all to turn bridge in the right direction and keep it moving that way. His underlying objective is always what is best for the game — not unlike the principles of one Bobby Wolff — and perhaps that is why they have become such fast buddies.
His right hand man (woman in this case) is his perky, dedicated never-stopping wife, Linda, and together with his staff (at least those I have gotten to know .. Sally, Eric, Colin and Colin’s exceptional charming and talented wife, LUISE), I have been able to successfully and consistently blog –but until six months ago, I couldn’t even spell the name LUISE — let alone pronounce it (and I didn’t even know if ‘it’ was a female or male. She (and Eric) have been a big part of my (our) bridge blogging life (especially with the popular Aces on Bridge Column )-where they have proven to be quite adept at cyberspace and its magic. However, the heroine of this blog is LUISE LEE, wife of COLIN, daughter-in-law of Linda and Ray, mother of two demanding toddlers and the most gracious, adept young woman every company should be proud to have in their employ.
Back in the fifties, while I matriculated at college, we were filling our heads with rather impractical information about theories of logarithms and calculus while the new generation was concentrating on this newest gadget called the computer — which today none of us could live without. I assume Luise must have an unusual talent in the technical end of the business as there is little she cannot fix (and if she can’t, she battles her way to success and reverses the course.) I have had unending ‘computer problems” (including crashing hard drives, the purchase of a new lap top, and the “accidental removal of crucial (life dependent components of blogging) — only to learn my converted WINDOWS LIVE WRITER had disappeared from my control panel and I had to rely on Eric and Luise for the last month who graciously took my emails and converted them to actively posted blogs. However, last evening after 47 minutes non-stop, Luise ‘talked me through the adjustments” (no easy task dealing with a computer dud) while Luise’s daughter Jessica was feeling a bit neglected as it was bedtime in Canada . There would be no distractions until our appointed 7 p.m. telephone time successfully concluded (and if this blog goes through) it is known as the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Thank you LUISE LEE. YOU ARE ONE BRILLIANT, CHARMING, MODEST, DETERMINED, DEDICATED young lady and all the Lees are lucky to have you in their lives for various and sundry reasons.
With my undying gratitude,
Judy
August 11th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 2 Comments
Admittedly, not being an avid book reader by nature (though I love anagrams, word puzzles and games) — I rarely get my teeth into a new release but the clever title My Favorite 52 caught my eye (though not quite accurate as it contains 60 deals). (And they say bridge players are good at counting but not even Larry Cohen is perfect!). It started out as you may know as interactive software, and in 2005 won the ABTA “Software of the Year Award. It had never before been presented in book format. It stands apart in many ways from the rank and file ‘bridge book’ and heaven knows the tables are inundated with hoards of them (both prehistoric and current).
Perhaps, I am a bit partial to Larry Cohen. But why not? He is most deserving. He has accomplished so much in countless directions, he deserves all the recognition and kudos that has come his way. Perhaps there is only one other bridge hero who was as unassuming and modest and that was my late husband, Norman Kay, but Larry was much more diversified and accomplished a plethora in so many more directions. It appears he is always volunteering — regardless of where it brought him or what it entailed. It makes me very sad that he has (for the time being, I hope) forsaken his active play in tournament events, concentrating on a sane, normal, adjusted. happy, non-pressured relaxing outdoor-directed life with his beautiful, charming and adoring wife, Maria. If ever two people were meant for each other, they fit the bill (and this comes from an old friend who perhaps may have even ended up as his mother-in-law).
It’s too often been said that all’s well that ends well, and I do hope someday Larry returns to the table. When Edgar Kaplan died, Norman decided to call it quits as well. He just lost interest (as well as a friend and partner of four decades). Although Larry’s reason for moving in another direction had nothing to do with anything as sad and lugubrious, he will be sorely missed by the masses as he is quite a popular attraction at all the bridge gatherings. But — I have my own personal convictions about throwing in the towel, regardless of the reason. I told Norman that when God has blessed someone with such incredible competitive talent, it is sacrilege to stuff it in a closet and move on to other things. Norman came out of retirement (much because of my urging) to merge with the popular Eddie Kantar for a year or two before his own death and they had some wonderful sessions together (with Yvonne and I enjoying the humorous banter). So, Larry, you have permission now for a temporary hiatus (like a little sabbatical) but don’t stay away too long.
O. K. back to MF52. What I found captivating was I felt the book was written in a one-on-one tone. It was like Larry was talking directly to me (or perhaps thinking out loud) as he gave the backgrounds of the partners, the specific hands, the different options for bidding and playing, the analyses and the final result. They weren’t always the result you had hoped for … or you got a top because the opponents didn’t exercise their best option. But — the analysis (good or bad) you knew was candid and unbiased. I never felt pressed as it was written in a low key manner and I could put the book down and look forward to resuming the next morning — picking up where I left off. It always amazes me how much basic, matter of fact theories we all think we know, but when it presents itself at the table in the form of one of Larry’s selections, we don’t always recognize it. MF52 kept doing that to me — a bit of ego deflation — but every bridge player is sorely in need of that! Of course, he also threw in some exotic ones — like the 8/5 hand (Once in a Lifetime). You can’t miss it — It’s Chapter I.
The pictures were the kicker — especially one of Larry with Marty Bergen and another with Ron Gerard. For such a straight-faced, serious (but cute) looking individual, it is hard to imagine such an impeccably put-together gentleman as Larry at that stage in life. It was reminiscent of Peter Weichsel (the first one I ever saw in a pony tail) and the gradually unconventional hair styles by all individuals around the bridge world. But knowing Larry now as I do — in retrospect — the curls tickled me. On the other hand, there was an elegant photograph of Edith and George Rosenkranz suggestive of royalty which could have been hung at Windsor Castle or the Vatican in all its majesty. David and Larry never seem to change — although make no mistake about it: Everyone thinks of David as the comedian and Larry as the straight man. Says who? Larry is pretty funny and quick witted on his own — and not the quiet sweet Mr. Nice Guy when David and he first became partners. Larry doesn’t hold back when he has something to say — but always in a civil tone with humor, class and dignity.
This blog started out as a review of MF52, but all the other bridge reviewers can do that. My critique is more about a special human being who represents what every first class bridge player should be about: honor, ethics, love of the game and possession of a unique talent for bridge, proving that the best players are ambidextrous — they can AUTHOR AND COUNT AT THE SAME TIME.
August 10th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~ 5 Comments
When I first spotted “My Favorite 52,” I did a double take at the cover. It really brought back some warm, funny memories. Was this the same handsome, boyish looking Larry Cohen I met in Atlanta some twenty-three ago? Indeed it was. He reminded me of the Picture of Dorian Gray — minus the shoulder length curly hair.
The first time I heard his name was from my daughter who had just graduated UVA and majored in Bridge (so went the rumor — but we never told her daddy). In fact one of my favorite bridge stories concerns a casual afternoon rubber bridge game between classes. Though she was a relative novice, her enthusiasm attracted fellow addicts. One day after lunch she and three others enjoyed a few hours playing and as she was about to head home to settle down to her studies, her host asked her to hang on a moment. Within seconds he returned with a tattered bridge book and commented, “I think you have the makings of a good bridge player — why don’t you read this. Robin looked down straight faced, cuddled the book in her arms and thanked him for the lovely compliment. That night she called home and confessed he had lent her “The Complete Book of Duplicate Bridge” by Silodor, Kay and Karpin. The next day in class (before she had a chance to figure out how to wiggle out of the situation), her young host accosted her, stating, ” Robin, excuse me while I remove my foot from my mouth. I just learned your last name was Kay as in Norman Kay”. Embarrassing moments — but it titillated us for months as we recalled the incident.
After graduation, she moved to New York and was lucky enough to become a rent-free tenant on Edgar’s fourth floor. She met a lot of bridge players in the Big Apple and when they learned she was driving down to the Fall Nationals, she became exceedingly popular. Once her crew arrived in Atlanta, she played in some random two-day session. As she was walking through the deserted garage after the game she bumped into a nice young man who warned her she should not be alone late at night. They started chatting and he asked how she did. Proudly, she beamed, “We are going in second.” “Oh, he replied, “we are in third place.” Having raised a very polite daughter, she knew it was incorrect to challenge him, because she knew who was right behind her. However, he indeed proved to be telling the truth. She was playing in the beginner’s event. Her new ‘garage chum’ was playing in Flight ‘A’ or something comparable. I wanted to meet the nice fella who kindly escorted Robin to safety. Sometime later in the week she introduced me to Sir Galahad and I expressed my appreciation for his courtesy.
That was my first exposure to Larry Cohen, author of the most popular bridge book of all times, “The Law of Total Tricks.” Norman and I fell in love with him when we first met. On the other hand, he came into Bobby’s life much later and admires him as a player, writer, analyst, administrator, teacher, cruise director and an all-around-good guy — spreading himself thin — availing himself in every bridge venue imaginable. I must confess the last few weeks have been time consuming (with the sectional, Trials, Brazil visa arrangements, etc.)) and I am behind schedule. Thus I have been trying to catch up –and though only halfway through, it’s quite apparent if “My Favorite 52” is half as delightful as Larry’s array of old time pictures, this guy’s got another winner.
To be continued.
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