August 7th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
8 Comments 
THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN RELEASED FOR ALL THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THIS YEAR’S (AND HOPEFULLY ALL FUTURE YEARS’) ACBL/USBF/WBF COMPETITION. In an effort to stand firmly behind our world effort in bridge to uphold the road to peace, all members and coaches of teams representing ZONE 2 are unconditionally required to sign and return for the USBF/ACBL records so they may be approved.
USBF CODE OF CONDUCT
As a condition of USBF qualification to represent the United States, I agree to abide by all regulations of the USBF, ACBL, WBF and other sponsoring organizations regarding international competition, including the Olympic Rules adopted by the WBF. I recognize that it is a privilege to represent my country as a member of both the USBF and the ACBL. For the duration of the competition I will adhere to the regulations of proper dress and deportment at all times including tournament play and any related events and ceremonies. International bridge events are not the time or place for any type of planned or spontaneous personal statements, demonstrations or public displays. I agree that they are intended as a respite from politics, with all nations welcome to participate. Without permission from the USBF, only the winners and their official captain and coach are to appear on the podium to receive medals at the award ceremonies where full respect is to be given to the US and the USBF through absence of all non-bridge related activity. I understand that the USBF reserves the right to sanction any participant who violates the Code of Conduct.
I hereby agree to these conditions, as a representative of the USBF.
Name (printed): __________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________
Date: ________________________________________
Apparently the above was recently drafted (and well documented) although the same major basic conditions were indeed required and in existence in 2007 What happened there is not worth discussing again. In any event, this strong mandate will prevent any future mamby-pamby and avoid committees, recusals, unrecusals, legal representation, outside interference and the other sordid events that took place over the Shanghai debacle resulting in whitewashing the podium indiscretions. Surely the above will keep the tournament running smoothly and without incident in Sao Paulo in about a month. Being in Ernesto and Cecilia D’Orsi’s back yard and with Ernesto overseeing the production, we expect great things!
July 29th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
6 Comments
The year was ’87. The date was August 9th — two day’s before Norman’s actual 60th birthday and a bit over two months before the famous Crash of 1987. Norman’s parents timed it right — cause had he arrived two and a half months later in 1927, our situation would have been quite different — less money, teetering stock and certainly no glorious party. God works in strange ways. Norman was one who shied from the limelight and I think he was oblivious to my intention of throwing him a 60th! Unbeknownst to him, I recruited my kids and three close confederates. Each was on the receiving end of the RSVPs. The blast was going to be held at EVVIVA, three blocks from our house. I concocted an excuse that my friend Essie was having a party and I volunteered to set up the decorations an hour beforehand, so her husband Milt would pick Norman up and we’d meet here. It was just another Sunday in August – and I am positive he had no clue.
At 3 p.m. he entered EVVIVA and you could have knocked Norman over with a feather. There before his eyes were more Masterpoints than you could shake a stick at (long before inflation where points were sacred accomplishments). EDGAR KAPLAN was the quick witted, glib-tongued Master of Ceremonies. Others in attendance were BOB AND PHYLLIS JORDAN, ARTHUR ROBINSON, B. J. AND ESTHER BECKER, GEORGE AND EDITH ROSENKRANZ, LENNY AND MARION HARMON, ANDY AND WANDA GABRILOVITCH, ALICE AND IVAR STAKGOLD, ELAINE (MRS. ALVIN) LANDY, TANNAH HIRSCH, ALVIN ROTH PLUS FOOTBALL CELEBRITIES AND ONE-TIME PART OWNERS OF GINO’S (BABS AND LOU FISCHER AMD YVONNE AND ALAN AMECHE). The fellas were not not only part owners of Gino’s but Lou played for Ohio State and donated the astroturf and Alan, of course, was famous as ALAN (THE HORSE) AMECHE, OF THE BALTIMORE COLTS. Norman’s Merrill Lynch bosses (past and present) were two of the speakers, telling funny stories of Norman. It turned into a ninety-minute Roast ‘cause we couldn’t get the bridge players off the podium .. especially Al Roth chirping “My Way”. The roast produced one laugh after another and lots of warm cuddly feelings of early bridge.
I also wrote to non-bridge celebrities in the news and requested notes of congratulations: Some of those responding (many by handwritten notes) you may have heard of: George Bush, VP; Donald T. Regan (Norman’s boss from ML) who traded places in the Reagan administration going from Secretary of the Treasury to Press Secretary – switching jobs with James Baker; Nancy and Ronald Reagan (**); Pa. Governor Robert T Casey; Pa. State Senator James Heinz; Philadelphia Mayors Frank Rizzo and Wilson Goode; Morley Safer; “Red” Grange; Philadelphia Flyer Ron Suter: Timmy McCarver; “Red” Auerbach; Julius Erving; Joan Rivers; Radio announcers Larry Kane and Howard Eskin; Barbara Walters; Steve and Eydie; Lucy Arnaz; Omar (the one and only); 76er player and announcer Matt Goukas; New Jersey Governor Tom Kern; Senator Arlen Spector; Senator Edward M. Kennedy; Senator Bill Bradley; Don Rickles; Wall Street Week Announcer Louis Rukeyser; Dolly Parton; Bob Hope; Judge Wapner; Wayne Newton; Johnny Carson; Eagle head coaches Buddy Ryan and Dick Vermeil; Frank Sinatra; Mike Schmidt; Coach Lee Elia; Jane Pauley; Wayne Gretzky; Tommy Lasorda; Dale Murphy; Joey Bishop; Larry Bowa; New York Mayor Ed Koch; … and would you believe, I even wrote to The Pope (and Norman received a blessing by his Secretariat of State with a photo of His Holiness). (**) By the way many of Norman’s congratulatory notes wished him well on his 80th birthday as I learned early on from other similar ventures that 60 or 70 was considered kid-stuff and they ignored requests for less than octogenarians).
Although the guest celebrities were the star attractions, the real entertainment was my business showgirls, known to our business associates as Kay’s Baseball Cards,Inc. I had started a little baseball shop in my unfurnished living room/dining room in 1981 and until the zoning board ten years later paid us a friendly little house call advising us we had one week to cease and desist operating from my Main Line driveway, I would be fined. They suggested to immediately rent a warehouse. If we complied, all was forgiven. The next day I was became the Landlord of a 5000 square foot office/warehouse at Lee Park, in Conshohocken.The business was my son’s idea and Norman was the banker – ever eager for a challenge. One morning I woke up in the middle of an empire and had six girlfriends taking and compiling orders and two warehouse people doing all the heavy work. My key employee was Samantha Schuman who was really the head honcho, taking over the business when we were at the Nationals. I installed a kitchen and bought two huge couches, TV, microwave, refrigerator, toaster and whatever else was needed to keep everyone working through the lunch hour (sustenance provided). It was completely enclosed – like a cell block but with no outside windows. Better yet, you couldn’t tell if it was raining, snowing or a heat wave – and night or day — more conducive to uninterrupted work. Many a night Sam and I slept over readying a huge 6 a.m. delivery. Time was very much the essence of the hobby. It was lucrative to be the first kid on the block. I was like Simon Legree but no one was complaining as we were doing great, we were one great big happy family and everyone was paid well.
I gathered the girls for a meeting, drafted them into action and ordered eight extra large black tee shirts with white script which said on the front KAY’S BASEBALL CARDS, INC. and on the reverse side “OUR MOTTO – SERVICE*/QUALITY*/PRICE* (SELECT ANY TWO**). Because the shirts were pretty skimpy, I remember Barbara Brier stretching hers over a huge wooden rocking chair (to little avail). Milt opened the show introducing the Kay’s Baseball Cards Girls (?) Choir featuring Helen Smith (the lead singer), Barbara (who was told to mouth the words), Joan Weinrott and Jane Segal (who literally ran Unit 141), Dene Bloom, Essie Dubow, Sam Schuman, my sister Deedy Gart and moi. (We also had a professional pianist Ed Hagopian who became like a member of our family as I was always having amateur shows for special occasions. At one point, he very tastefully hinted that we should not consider giving up our day jobs. Amazing how quickly we got the message). Our opening number featured a huge veiled easel and we sang ‘Hello Norman’ (a takeoff on ‘Hello Dolly’) and with the closing words, Norman’s mom ripped off the sheet revealing a blown up photo of two-month old Norman (modest Norman) in his birthday suit so to speak (but luckily posing on his tummy). It took minutes for the laughter to subside.
The party lasted five hours (including cocktails and lunch) and no one wanted to leave until the owners literally threw us out. If was one of the happiest days of Norman’s Life — and was just one of many bashes I threw over forty years — but that was the sole appearance of the KBC Chorus as they had cards to sort and boxes to package. Twenty- two years ago seems just like yesterday. I kept the RSVPs and often look over the scrap book, photographs and still watch the original VHS that professionals had taken to preserve this day for posterity. I still get enormous pleasure watching the expressions of elation on Norman’s face (and sometimes his even trying to repress tears of joy). I suppose I am just an unbridled, adventuresome devil at heart who strains to be “different.” Indeed, it was!
July 27th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
Comments Off on ANSWERS TO BRIDGE TEASERS
Well, how’d you make out? I thought it was a nice change of pace. I’ve always enjoyed word challenges. Probably more prudent to be working on numbers and counting but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks (or sometimes even new conventions).
1. MAGNIFICENT CLOUT (1/5/4/) A GRAND SLAM
2. AN UNDERSIZED BAT (1/5//4) A SHORT CLUB
3. TWO LEVEL LEAP (1-6-4) A DOUBLE JUMP
4. BELOW-PAR OFFER (8) UNDERBID
5. CRASHING WATCHER (9/8) UNWELCOME KIBITZER
6. McCARTHY TWICE (6/5) DOUBLE DUMMY (AS IN CHARLEY)
7. JUMPING JACKSONS (7/8) LEAPING MICHAELS
8. PRESSURIZED PRODUCTION (7/4) SQUEEZE PLAY
9. 144 MISTAKE (5/5/) GROSS ERROR
10. EBONY TIMBER (9) BLACKWOOD
11. REMAIN, FELLA! (4/3) STAY, MAN!
12. UNDERSKILLED CONTESTANTS (11/7) HANDICAPPED PLAYERS
13. UNDER PAR OUTFIT (5/4) MINOR SUIT
14. RESPONSIBILITY TO REMAIN SILENT (10/2/4) OBLIGATION TO PASS
15. EARLY THRUSTS (10/4) PREEMPTIVE BIDS
16. LAZARD LOANS (6/4) SIDNEY LENZ
17. TENTMAKER’S CARNIVAL (6/6) SHARIF CIRCUS
18. ORDINANCE OF ALL MAGIC (3/2/5/6/) LAW OF TOTAL TRICKS
19. TRACKING OF MAJOR DESIGNATION (8/6) COUNTING TRUMPS
20. VICTOR’S DESIGNATED PROTOCOL (7/8) MITCHELL MOVEMENT
21. REVEALED PASTEBOARD (7/4) EXPOSED CARD
22. HOWLING GOODBYE (5/7) WOLFF SIGN-OFF
July 27th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
2 Comments
The word ‘recusal” is a rather new word in the English Language. Some dictionaries do not even include it. However, Merriam-Webster defines it as “to disqualify (oneself) as judge in a particular case; broadly: to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest.” In fact, when using the word on your computer, sometimes a red rippled line appears, suggesting a misspelling.
The situation appears in the area of bridge more frequently than the average person realizes and no doubt the stench of the “Oh, Shit” farce permeated the four corners of the globe in no time flat as outraged emails came pouring into the ABCL in indignation. (If you are not familiar with the situation, the two co-chairs of the said Committee were acknowledged arch-enemies of one of the contesting appellant teammates and it was prevalent common knowledge that such bad blood flowed among the three parties. Because no one stepped up to the plate strongly urging the recusal of the co-chairmen (although their prejudice was front page news), the two co-chairman obviously ruled the roost and the victimized team lost the case — which went down as the most disgusting judgment in the annals of bridge history. In fact, people sarcastically wrote that perhaps after they have made a bonehead play — just go before a committee using the OH, SHIT case as a defense and get the verdict reversed. This appeal became the laughing stock of the bridge world and has yet to meet its equal. Let us examine recusals — and the effect they have on the process.
1. First of all, recusals apply to both the CHAIRMAN and their MEMBERS. However, recusals do not stop there. It is just as INAPPROPRIATE for those involved in a judiciary capacity to voluntarily NOT RECUSE THEMSELVES (resign and step down) for either reasons of BIAS (BASED ON FRIENDSHIP OR FINANCIAL ACCESS) or PREJUDICE (EMANATING FROM ANOTHER FORMER UNPLEASANT, NEGATIVE ENCOUNTER OR INCIDENT). CHAIRMAN/MEMBER — BIAS/PREJUDICE. It makes no-never-mind!
2. Individuals with past, personal histories (either presiding or voting — in favor of or against) should be automatically dismissed with no options available.
3. Since one votes the way he or she believes, (and these are serious matters with ethical overtones), there should be accountability with OPEN VOTES. IF YOU AGREE TO SERVE ON A COMMITTEE IN GOOD FAITH, you should not be ashamed of your position (pro or con) — or abstaining ALWAYS WITH THE REASON REVEALED. VOTING SHOULD BE PUBLIC RECORD We cannot be so naive to think that a voter tells one person one thing when he has voted the opposite way. ACCOUNTABIILITY SHOULD BE MANDATORY — no ands, ifs or buts!
4. Another major factor which is prevalent in bridge is that so many married couples or significant others serve on allied committees and the influence caused by this closeness is beyond belief. The connection is there and the vote is not far behind!
Now let us candidly examine what would change an ordinarily fair person’s mind? IT IS CALLED PROFESSIONALISM. About 80 or more percent of the top players are involved in professionalism — where they make a living. If a sponsor sits on the committee (which should be a no-no) or as an appellant or defendant (more likely), what position would you place yourself in should you take the opposite side. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to come up with a palpable answer. Or, on the other hand, let us say a ‘respected’ pro serves on the committee and you take the opposite position, how good do you think your chances would be to get a referral from a pro who might be already engaged and asked to recommend a replacement?
People with specific agendas to satisfy (who cannot be objective) should be removed from committees as too much is at stake. I know it is a sticky task, but if bridge is to be honored at any cost, the people serving on a committee (or chairing) must have pure hearts and clean hands. Not too many qualified candidates are willing and available. Self-preservation, if I am not mistaken, is the first law of the universe, but bridge falls outside that realm. We must fight it if the game is to be preserved and maintain its sanctity before professionalism continues to overstep its bounds. Otherwise, the verdict will always go to the highest bidder. Is this the course we wish our beloved game to follow?
July 24th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
6 Comments
Many years ago, as a joke, my best friend presented me with a 5" x 9" notepad which was captioned "Bitchalittle". I had forgotten all about it until I accidently came upon it the other day If that stationery isn’t an expressive way to list your grievances, I don’t know what is. Speaking of grievances, I had been busy between the blackjack, buffets, blogging and bridge (seems to be an alliteration of "b’s’) and eventually settled down to arrange for our visas and boy, did “Bitchalittle” rise to the occasion.
In the old days, passports were all you needed (plus your airline ticket). No wonder WBF ‘foreigners’ recently were so much against holding an event in the U.S., because there was such carrying on. Maybe it has to do with terrorism and all the new security measures. Nothing like the ease of navigating in your own country. I tried by following the USBF instructions, but Bobby’s teammate, John Solodar, suggested doing it the lazy way and using an "agent" who specializes in such tedious exercises as Visas. He suggested one who seemed quite capable. I made the call and this is what I was instructed to send:
1. Current Passports (not lapsed) that had two free pages side by side. Bobby barely made it the space qualification, but I had enough for a dozen adventures.
2. A passport picture (2X2) and not a replica or other photograph of each of us — piece of cake (except their camera wasn’t working perfectly). Half an hour for two
pictures.
3. A copy of our driver’s licenses (easy).
4. A copy of our entire airline travel tickets (thank god for computerized ticket replicas).
5. A two-page VISA APPLICATION form (must be signed in blue) (?) which asks for everything from your mother’s maiden name, to the telephone number of the Brazilian
hotel (which I didn’t have).
6. A money order or cashier’s check made out to the travel service (for both of us including overnight return of the documents- but excluding our overnight cost) totaled $417. About $427.50 total (and we haven’t even begun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
But wait – here’s the rub to bitchalittle more!
When I presented my Master Card which I have always used for stamps, packages, etc., at the P.O., it wouldn’t accept it and a musical bell would sound each time I inserted it. We did it five or six times and I thought the people in line were going to start dancing. Finally, the brain surgeon who waited on me, asked "That is a debit card, isn’t? "No, I only have a credit card." SO …………….. I drove home (eight miles round trip) hit Bobby up for $417 CASH (putting up the other $10.75 for overnight service and acknowledgement of receipt for the the "whole megilla" ). I was there so long, we are on a first-name basis. I had full entitlement to bitchalot for spending one day’s preparation to complete the task and rush it off. It will be interesting to compare notes with others. All the women will have their own stories, unless they were smart enough to turn the chore over to their husbands!
There are several other issues to ponder regarding the world championships, but we’ll save it for another time.
July 23rd, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
1 Comment
Because I had forgotten so many of you are en route to, or at the Nationals in, Washington, DC., I will postpone the revelation of the answers until Monday as many will have had time to set up your laptops by then. I will say I have already gotten half a dozen private messages with answers. Boy you bridge hobos are pretty good at these word games Check again on Monday or write to me at [email protected]. Put on your thinking caps! Some are really marvelous plays on words.
July 22nd, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
3 Comments
Back in the seventies, while teaching bridge at some of the suburban Philadelphia Country clubs, they had an Annual Luncheon which was a hoot. Besides marvelous cuisine, it included an original bridge show by you-know-who and before lunch some bridge brain teasers were passed out to doodle with. Below is the type of challenge.
The numbers to the right of the puzzle are the number of letters in each word of the answer: For example: SAD BOW TWOSOMES (4/6/5). The answer: BLUE RIBBON PAIRS. TRY THEM. They’re fun – and if you get tired or bored – there’s always Direct TV or BBO. ANSWERS TOMORROW.
If you want to answer them privately first, email me at [email protected] and not let your cat out of the bag.
1) MAGNIFICENT CLOUT (1/5/4)
2) AN UNDERSIZED BAT (1/5/4)
3) TWO-LEVEL LEAP (1-6-4)
4) BELOW-PAR OFFER (8)
5) CRASHING WATCHER (9/8)
6) McCARTHY TWICE (6/5)
7) JUMPING JACKSONS (7/8)
8) PRESSURIZED PRODUCTION (7/4)
9) 144 MISTAKE (5/5)
10) EBONY TIMBER (9)
11) REMAIN FELLA! (4/3)
12) UNDERSKILLED CONTESTANTS (11/7)
13) UNDER PAR OUTFIT (5/4)
14) RESPONSIBILITY TO REMAIN SILENT (10/2/4)
15) EARLY THRUSTS (10/4)
16) LAZARD LOANS (6/4)
17) TENTMAKER’S CARNIVAL (6/6)
18) ORDINANCE OF ALL MAGIC (3/2/5/6
19) TRACKING OF MAJOR DESIGNATION (8/6)
20) VICTOR’S DESIGNATED PROTOCOL (7/8)
21) REVEALED PASTEBOARD (7/4)
22) HOWLING GOODBYE (5/7)
(If when I post this, they are printed out of line, forgive me. I can only do one thing at a time. jkw)
July 13th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
11 Comments
The Bridge Community appears to be a strange configuration of birds — especially to those on the outside peering through the fence and seeing such a diversity of characters. If you ask ten bridge players to name their priorities in order of preference, the answers would astound you. In a recent blog, a very respectable expert player listed them in this order (much to my surprise) — (1) My wife; (2) My family; (3) My friends; (4) My dogs; (5) My bridge. That’s what is known as to each his own. Mine would vary greatly as I have no dogs, cats, fish, birds, mice, snakes or other animate objects. Think about it yourself and see what you can come up with. Bobby’s might be Sports, Bridge and whomever he is married to at the time (only kidding as Bridge would probably supersede Sports)!
Norman Kay, my late husband, was certainly an exception to the general rule of a devout bridge player who took the game very seriously. However, starting as a ditto machine operator at the age of 18 (with filthy purple gook all over his hands and clothes) and retiring 38 years later as a successful Vice President of Merrill Lynch, there was never a doubt that his job and his customers came first. There were few top players in Norman’s category who treated their profession as a life and death situation despite the debacles of ’87 and ’01. Most of his teammates had lighter or looser schedules (or no schedules at all) but respected his priorities. Today, to hundreds of people, bridge is not a mere hobby, but rather an obsession and thriving livelihood (and in most cases full time). As Director Harry Goldwater once said — it’s more important than life itself. It sure beats having a real job and enjoying being wined, dined and deified. Of course, hugs, kisses and flattery are part of the package as well. Fortunately, in earlier days college took preference to professional bridge but it is hard for a parent to wrestle with a kid who has just graduated high school and bringing in more than the parents in some instances. Welcome to Bridge 2009. Soon the concept caught on and it has become a very popular profession for many foreign experts who travel to the States frequently for bridge. In some cases, they even take up residence/citizenship after the required time which has cut into the once-lucrative monopoly American pros had over their clan. It is definitely dog-eat-dog now — extremely competitive (especially with the sinking economy). One must hustle and be aggressive before your competitor beats you to the punch. Witnessing the groveling I find repulsive — and it is quite evident.
Bridge has changed immeasurably from the days of Roth, Stone, Schenken, Becker, Root, Crawford, Rapee, Kemp, Sobel, Goren, Jacoby, Gerber, Mathe, Silodor and a slew too long to mention Their first objective was (1) to make the U. S. TEAM; and their ultimate goal was (2) to bring home the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. Few other things mattered. The only money that came into the equation was the cost of travel to foreign countries to participate. With objectives so different today, it is hard to imagine this is the same game from the fifties and sixties.
The distinguishing factor is now MONEY IS IN FIRST PLACE AND BRIDGE HAS PLUNGED TO A DISTANT SECOND. I can understand the positive effect of paying a pro to play at the club level, sectionals, regionals and even the NABCs to learn to improve with professional guidance — a reasonable expectation. But, to me, the engulfment of sponsors on the scene tarnishes the sanctity and splendor of the game at the world level when one of the six world class players (intended to be a part of three partnerships par excellence) is usually replaced by an inexperienced, mediocre, ambitious competitor paying and playing with a supporting cast — fighting for the Gold). Don’t misunderstand me. There are SPONSORS AND THERE ARE sponsors. For example, Jimmy Cayne, Nick Nickell, Russ Ekeblad, Roy Welland, Richie Schwartz, Aubrey Strul, Warren Spector (all names are in random order with no particular significance) and a few others fall outside of the traditional sponsor category . They are far more than respectable experts but do not equate to the category of Meckwell, Stansby, Hamman, ZIA, Wolff, Martel, Bramley, Lazard, Berkowitz, Cohen, Weichsel, Sontag, Mike Passell, Lair, Weinstein, Levin and a plethora of others too long to enumerate (again in no special order).
Playing pro is perfectly legal, popular and ethical but, to me, it detracts enormously from the ethereal majesty of the game we once knew for its grand excellence In some instances it is ludicrous — but who am I to judge how others choose to spend their fortunes — and I do mean fortunes. I always dreamed that the three best pairs would qualify and play as a sextet once again (without lure of big money) — but I suppose that may never occur again in my lifetime as the players are now dependent upon huge salaries, winning bonuses and, besides, it is self-deprecating to descend from one’s throne.
Why doesn’t a USBF cycle of four years include THREE TEAM GAME IMP EVENTS and every fourth year forget the lame battle cry in the guise of camaraderie and conduct a PAIR THEME — with the pairs finishing 1-2-3 being our representatives whether they be pros or sponsors or just the man on the street. Playing imps by qualifying pairs scored duplicate-style over several days will certainly separate the men from the boys. They’ve earned the right, have no support system arsenal to back them up if they falter and can hold their heads up because they have distinguished themselves in their own right not being a passenger on a high-powered dogsled. Some of the weaker sponsors are reminiscent of sending in the water boy to replace the first string quarterback. Many will disagree and that is your prerogative — but I speak from the heart and remember the days where BRIDGE ITSELF was our sole consideration. Winning the Gold had no tinge of green in the background.. The thrill of success was more than enough!.
Hope springs eternal and I am a born optimist that someday those in the ivory towers will come to their senses.
July 10th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
5 Comments
I am bursting with pride to tell the bridgeblogging world that Bobby’s Team just won the outright opportunity to represent the U. S. A. as the No. 1 Senior Team. Those from the losers’ bracket will be playing off to see who joins USA 1 in Sao Paulo, Brazil in late August and early September as U. S. 2 at the WORLD BRIDGE FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP. The team was originally enlisted as The Wolff Team but as we neared the start, Bobby reconsidered and renamed it the Morse Team as Dan had arranged the union of the three pairs and tied all the loose ends together. In fact tonight we are having a dinner victory celebration at the S. C. Prime at the Sun Coast. Actually it is a double occasion as one of the players, John Solodar, is celebrating his 69th birthday today as well.
The team in its entirety: DAN MORSE AND BOBBY WOLFF; ARNIE FISHER AND FRED HAMILTON; and JOHN SOLODAR AND PAUL SWANSON. They were the only undefeated team and I must confess were far from the favorites.
Since the NABC in Las Vegas last Summer, Bobby has not played ‘serious’ bridge which translates to biweekly duplicates with Yours Truly at Bridge World II. After all, if you don’t play, you get rusty and we couldn’t afford for that to happen — so I take credit for keeping him in shape, giving him some exhausting challenges and keeping him fired up with the love of the game. Bobby has won eleven world championships and has traveled the world over so this is not unfamiliar ground to him. I have never visited South America and frankly am not enthralled with the anticipation of the flight marathon, but my heart pounds with joy at this marvelous accomplishment for six worthy fellas who have earned the honor!
July 9th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
Comments Off on THE USBF SENIOR TRIALS — a delightful setting!
Bobby and I experienced a “first” this week. I think everyone finds traveling in these unsettling times of terrorism an awful nuisance. However, Bobby and I arose above it all, when the USBF selected The Marriott Hotel (Palm Gardens) to host the 2009 trials where the winners will be headed for Sao Paulo, Brazil this fall. However, win or lose, the Wolves are the early winners — living less than five minutes from the hotel.
I am happy to report the site is lovely, 6th floor overlooking Sin City. The individual bedrooms which serve as secure playing rooms are fairly spacious and comfortable. Nadine Wood is Hospitality Chairman and the fruits of her months-long planning are deliciously evidenced at the Hospitality Site, a large room with lots of goodies and drinks and comfortable furniture — which also houses a TV where BBO is shown. Many of the kibitzing wives have graciously helped her keep the site clean and comfortable.
Terry Lavender, popular director is a one woman magic show — holding down the fort single-handed in her usually charming, calm, warm manner. Although we only have eight tables in play, perhaps another pair of hands would have been appropriate to give her some backup. She is really a model director and would be the perfect person to be training our future directing staff. Our playing room became dark and when it was called to her attention — within a minute — there was Terry, unassisted, dragging a tall metal framed tall torchiere to the room. Except before the games began, I did not see too much of Jan Martel, COO, as I am sure she must have been working hard coordinating the BBO presentation of the games on your computers and training some of the new vugraph operators.. Suzi Subeck does her usual delightful job as Bulletin Editor. So far, so good.
As far as the bridge, we have no complaints. Originally called the Wolff Team, Bobby relinquished the captaincy to Dan as he did so much work putting the team together (M/W PLUS Arnie Fisher, Freddy Hamilton, Johnny Solodar and Paul Swanson). They won their preliminary match Monday against Wojewoda (including Farid Assemi, Bob Etter, Keith Garber, Jim Looby and James Tritt). Tuesday the Morse team beat the favorites (the Kyle Larsen team — including Roger Bates, Bart Bramley, Rose Meltzer, Alan Sontag and Lew Stansby.)
All the ‘losers’ go into a secondary bracket, meaning the remaining defeated teams play off for U.S. #2).. The teams that remain undefeated as of now are the Schwartz Team who we (Morse/Wolff) are playing now. They are a four bagger which includes Russ Ekeblad, Matt Granovetter and Bob Jones. The winner of this match is officially 2009 U. S. # 1 Senior Team and the loser goes into from the losers bracket hoping to be the survivor: U. S. #2 Senior team.
(We just returned from the second third of the finals. It is 11:20 p.m. Wednesday night and Bobby and team will be reporting at 10 a.m. tomorrow to play fifteen of the last thirty boards. We (the Morse Team) are ahead by 72. We figure to be a favorite by a healthy margin — but anything can happen in thirty boards. Will keep you posted soon as we have a current update tomorrow).
I’ve never been to South America so I may (?) have to brush up on my samba ay, my rumba, ay, my conga, ay yi yi! However, as long as there are discount jewelry boutiques in the area, I will be a happy camper!
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