May 20th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
7 Comments 
Mark Blumenthal’s blog, "Cheating Caught" brought to mind a story about a female Philadelphia partnership whose consistent mind-boggling scores put the glorious world superstars of their day to shame. They dominated the local women’s events especially. (In fact, one did exceptionally well — playing with her daughter when her regular playmate was unavailable).
Both of my tales had NJ settings. I was playing with my Matron of Honor and first real female partner, Helen Smith of Philadelphia, who recently passed away (not to be confused with the world class Rockette and probably still considered the best woman player ever — Helen Sobel Smith). The scene was an Atlantic City Regional. Our average two-session score was 209 and I was ecstatic as I could hardly count trump — but we missed winning by a mile to that "lucky pair." There had been whispering campaigns for many years but in those days, there was a fear of law suits and other recriminations — so that chatter continued — with no attempt at serious investigations.
The following year, there was a Regional in Asbury Park and Norman and Edgar wanted to practice in the Open Pairs so we decided to drive over for the day. I played with a local friend named Merle who was a pretty decent player; Betty Kaplan played with Jacqui Mitchell and of course, Norman and Edgar. At dinner the hands were discussed and it sounded like the other two pairs would be among the leaders. You will find the next statement hard to believe — but I swear it it true !!!! Their scores came in horrendously and Merle and I (with a shade over average score) were the only ones to make the cut. That presented a problem as it was not fashionable (or considered cricket) to withdraw – so how would Norman kill the evening while Merle and I played?
Edgar (aware of the rumors about this frowned-upon duo) suggested that Norman and he pull up two chairs and kibitz them for the 26 boards. Norman was squeamish but Edgar shamed him into it. The women’s afternoon results were in the 200 area, but not surprisingly at night they were close to two boards below average. Stage fright? I doubt it! Their fun and games were put to an abrupt halt and Edgar and Norman assessed them (at best) as very ordinary above average players whose combined style was much more effective without eavesdroppers.
May 13th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
9 Comments
Since the blog comments and sites are inundated with strong opinions, thoughts, theories, explanations, suggestions, mandates, reservations, criticisms, arguments pro and con regarding the laws, rules, alerts and restrictions on conventions …. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO CAN SUPPLY THE ACTUAL NAMES OF THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE FOLLOWING ACBL COMMITTEES WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE DIVISIONS — if there are such things?
1) CONVENTIONS
2) LAWS
3) ALERTS
With all the free spirits around and dozens of conflicting versions of what is right and wrong, it would be helpful for everyone to know who is ACCOUNTABLE for the present system — as it stands. I don’t want a chart or list of rules and regulations. Just the names please — just the names!
May 7th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
19 Comments
Because of the frequency of posting, blogs come and go and I rarely check Comments over a month old. Most people say what they have to say and move on. However, at lunch with Bobby yesterday I learned that a Comment was posted on 5/3/09 to the above blog and had it not been for Bobby, I may never have seen it.
To facilitate the current commentary, I present the following:
COMMENT FROM ROBB GORDON (5/3/09)
I agree with Judy and Bobby and many others that some of these things SHOULD be alertable. But when the sponsoring organization makes a policy that such things are NOT alertable, then to alert them is technically a violation of proper procedure. Rather than do this, if I am the declaring side, I make sure the opponents are aware of any negative inference before the opening lead.
I don’t think we should get into the business of making up our own rules when we disagree with the existing rules, even if we are clearly right!
RESPONSE FROM BOBBY WOLFF (5/06/09)
Hi Robb,
If I would be asked, “Who, in the current bridge world, is the closest to your own views on the most important conundrums confronting and perplexing us today, especially pertaining to the high level game?” your name would be front and center on my relatively very short list.
Having said that, I hold at least a slightly different view on your last paragraph of your May 3rd blog. Since nothing less has worked, and over a very long period, yes I think that if we were clearly right we should start a crusade of disagreeing with the existing rules and taking our own actions, if for no other reason than to call attention to WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE!
Through the last half of my rather long life the saddest event for me to contemplate is how the lawyers and judges in Nazi Germany, during the 1930’s and early 1940’s, blindly followed the laws dictated by an obvious madman, despite no doubt, being specifically trained in exactly the opposite way.
There is a time to love, a time to die, and perhaps most importantly, a time to stand up to what one believes and go to the death to get it done.
MY OWN TWO CENTS (FROM JKW) (5/07/09)
For forty years during my marriage to Norman Kay, I always saw the sunny side of the bridge street. Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil. Enter Bobby Wolff in 2003. I spent 24/7 editing and seeing The Lone Wolff to its conclusion and publication. I defy anyone to cite another individual in the history of world bridge who has been a greater advocate of protecting the honor and active ethics of the game — insisting on going all out to preserve its integrity and majesty — at any cost!
It was not until I got involved with TLW that I began to catch a glimpse of the real world of bridge in all its gory, capped off by my infamous appeal (TLW, An Appeal to Remember, Chapter 20, pages 217-227). I was appalled by the ineptness of the directors and the lack of knowledge of the ‘exalted’ Appeals Committee, particularly when the following day Bobby sought out the Appeals Chairman, who readily acknowledged to Bobby that he recently had read the intelligent caveat "the precedent" which totally escaped his memory at the time of the hearing –(and no doubt would have changed the outcome of the decision and the ensuing ‘warning.’ )
For your information, in general terms, the "precedent" suggests that when a substantial bridge citizen with a good reputation who does not have a record of calling the cops for trumped up reasons, summons a director and states what has occurred, his or her credibility should be recognized and respected and the hands should be carefully scrutinized. It was impossible that the directing staff performed their duty as both of the opponents’ hands proved without a doubt my assessment of what happened was gospel — not a figment of the imagination. However, they ruled against us (giving an AWMW as well) and we filed an immediate appeal on the spot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After the "precedent" was discussed, the Committee head should have swallowed his ego and could have reconvened the Committee (perhaps a "first" — but certainly the honorable thing to to do), explaining they had reached an incorrect ruling (punishing the innocent and letting the offenders off blamelessly). To add insult to injury, the AC saw fit to issue an AWMW (Award Without Merit Warning) against us — BUT no one had the guts to do anything about trying to reverse an insidious decision which my partner and I fought (because we had been cheated, YES, CHEATED, raped, violated – however you want to describe it) and status quo reigned for sixteen months although we continued to fight it Finally, we decided to engage an attorney who advised the ACBL if the AWMW was not removed, my partner and I were going to file suit. IT WAS NOT UNTIL THAT TIME THAT WERE ADVISED WE COULD NOT TAKE LEGAL ACTION BEFORE GOING BEFORE THE APPEALS AND CHARGES COMMITTEE (where we were represented by Bobby and immediately THE AWMW was vacated and approved by the BOD — with one outcast). How’s that for timing — kept in the dark for well over a year as to our rights? It’s a helluva way to run an Appeals business and should serve as a great learning experience. So as you can see, I am not a big fan of our Directorial Staff (with certain high level exceptions) nor our Appeals Committees.
Now to Robb’s point — about alerts and rulings. I cannot think of anything more cowardly and disgusting than to sit by idly and abide by many of our existing rules despite Robb’s view "I don’t think we should get into the business of making up our own rules when we disagree with the existing rules, even, " (as he says) "if we are clearly right." As far as I am concerned, you know what you can do with some of those ridiculous "existing" rules. There are two solutions: Insist the present Committees examine, re-examine, change, remove, correct, amend and plug all the loopholes — or replace the committee members with those who have a better understanding of the game and whose overall objective is equality for all. No one is infallible — not even our bridge mucketty-mucks.
Bridge is an ever changing game and those in charge should stay abreast of it, allowing for revisions of staid or inequitable guidelines!
April 29th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
31 Comments
My blog "I’VE GOT A SECRET" (intended primarily to call attention to the use, misuse and abuse of the unlimited lower, but more specifically, upper private understanding of the FORCING NO TRUMP OVER A MAJOR OPENING) seemed to have evoked lots of opinions and struck chords all over the place (with private emails as well as "comments"). I suggest those who would like more of a background on the subject read Bobby’s Comment #12 posted today directed to "Richard" about psyches (spelled both ways I see) and the honorable way to handle icky situations.
Where you were reared, by whom and how you were taught has much to do with your approach to the game (re knowledge, style and ethics). I was a disciple of the rigid KS System but recently have learned to flap my own wings playing a less rigid think-for-yourself logical system — all with immediate alerts if deviating from the norm. It is a refreshing style playing 1N P 2H (to play) when Bobby immediately says TO PLAY (rather than suspect a transfer by the word ALERT — and deterring the next bidder from calling 2S (as he would have suspected it was a transfer as played by most).
When Norman and Edgar had a sequence that began 2H P 2S P and the opener responded 2NT, an alert card was immediately flashed. In their system — 2S could (or could not) have been a psyche, but an acceptance of spades was shown (and alerted) by a 2NT call, allowing the 2S caller to return to 3H if appropriate. (Obviously, you were not permitted to raise to 3S or god-forbid 4S). It was part of an honorable system AND ALL FOUR PEOPLE AT THE TABLE HAD THE SAME INFORMATION.
The other side of the coin will knock you for a loop. Here are two repulsive sequences that are known in the upper echelons but I’ll omit the names of the naughty culprits for obvious reasons.
Case 1: Opener bids 1H; responder calls 1NT which ends the auction. While opening leader was considering his options, UNSOLICITED, the DECLARER (HOLDING EITHER TWO OR THREE SMALL SPADES) VOLUNTEERS that his partner neglected to say that he could have four spades. PAUL CHEMLA, French superstar, got touted off a natural spade lead and received a poor result because of such GRATUITOUSLY DISGUSTING, SELF-SERVING, SHAMEFUL ACTION BY DECLARER. I believe it was quite a while before Mr. Chemla played on American soil again
Case 2 (Same pair): Their auction began by a 1H opening and a 1S response, followed by an invitational jump to 3S and acceptance of game. WHEN DUMMY TABLED 20 POINTS AND ONLY RESPONDED 3S, the opponents went bonkers. It was explained 1S may have been a PYSCHE SO PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT IS NOT TO GO BEYOND 3S TO ALLOW FOR A 4H CORRECTION. Another "I’ve Got a Secret!"
Perhaps, if these players were beginners, you might have some sympathy for their naivete and stupidity — but WORLD CLASS PLAYERS? C’MON!!! It is time more people woke up and smelled the stench of the roses!
April 26th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
4 Comments
A rather lugubrious headline on the front page of my local newspaper caught my eye. In bold caps, it stated FUNERAL BUSINESS ALIVE AND WELL and went on to recognize and celebrate all the memorial services that you could attend via the Internet. It’s a poor substitute for the theater or a ball game — but it is a tremendous credit to the innovations we have witnessed in our lifetime.
It called to mind an incident where the bridge world was way ahead of our time. The site was Atlantic City. The year was 1967. The occasion was The Open Trials held, I believe, at the old Traymore Hotel*. *(I must digress a moment to relate a funny Lew Mathe incident. He was participating in the Trials and at one point in time called the director over — complaining that with all the mice running across the floor, it was very distracting while trying to reconstruct his opponents’ hands. Some years later the building was razed with all the mice as well).
Back to the story. The resort was a ‘fun’ place to be — with the beach, ocean, boardwalk and places to eat within walking distance. The event attracted ACBL personnel and many kibitzers as well. New Yorkers Elaine and Alvin Landy (CEO of the ACBL at the time) joined Peggy and Charlie Solomon for a few days down the shore. Unfortunately, while the Landys and Solomons were taking a breather at A.C. Racetrack, Alvin had a fatal heart attack.
Alvin was a gentle and beloved human being and everyone was overwhelmed with genuine sadness. I cannot recall the time sequence but I suspect the funeral would have been scheduled for two days hence. Many (including Norman and Edgar — and other close friends) felt that special consideration should be made by the directing staff, canceling play the day of the funeral and not resuming until the evening session because a large number wanted to travel to New York for the Service. They talked of renting a limousine or chartering a small bus as more and more wanted to pay tribute to a man who had done so much for the game. Norman and I were very close with both the Landys and the Solomons, so it was a particularly big loss for us because we had spent many occasions with them both in New York and Philly.
All of a sudden, the light dawned. I called Elaine for permission, then telephoned Campbell’s Funeral Home in New York to see if we could arrange to have the memorial service piped in by phone. Everyone loved the idea. The ACBL was overwhelmed with the idea and went all out to set up one of the large playing rooms like a small chapel, arranged for a loud speaker and dozens of players and their spouses as well as kibitzers packed the room to pay their last good-byes to Alvin.
Not as dramatic as the Las Vegas papers portrayed the funeral cyberspace audiences of today — but Alexander Graham Bell sure got the job done for the bridge world over four decades ago.
April 23rd, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
14 Comments
This blog will no doubt rattle some cages in The Volunteer State, but since so many animals are already on the loose in our venue, this appears like the apropos time to discuss my ongoing adventures with the ACBL cartel!
I am troubled by the inability of the zoo keepers to responsibly and definitively answer and explain specific questions when asked. Since there is a column in the Monthly ACBL Bulletin captioned "Ruling the Game" accompanied by a photo of Mike Flader ("Associate National Tournament Director [email protected].") — it was surprising to received a response (quoted below) signed by Rick Beye to a letter emailed to the popular columnist, Mike Flader (and this was not the first time this occurred).
I posed a question because of the frequently used/abused treatment of a popular convention, namely FORCING NT. If playing that the INT response to a major suit opening (1H or1S) is UNLIMITED — what is the obligation of the users to share that information with their opponents — and if so, WHEN? It was a rather simple, straight-forward question and this is the unsatisfactory gobbledygook response received:
"Good morning Judy,
The ACBL General Convention Chart (http://www.acbl.org/assets/documents/play/Convention-Chart.pdf) indicates that the forcing, or semi-forcing, NT response to a major suit opening may not guarantee game invitational (or better values). No HCP range is indicated." Signed/Rick Beye
I find this "answer" unresponsive to the question. Is it not true that any call that conveys information explicitly or implicitly owing to partnership understandings rather than general knowledge of bridge must be announced or alerted and explained? I next went to the ACBL GENERAL INFORMATION CHART and after surveying it, gleaned no more information.
The Chart’s subject matter is listed by category. One grouping was entitled RESPONSES AND REBIDS. Item No. 2 stated: "ONE NO TRUMP response to a major opening bid forcing one round; cannot guarantee game or better values." Since there is a blank space on the convention card to mark the range of a 1NT RESPONSE TO A 1C OPENING, WHY NOT REQUIRE RANGES TO BE MARKED FOR ALL 1NT RESPONSES? It seems like a simple solution to me and would expose the ranges (lower and upper) of THE FORCING NT CALL!
I was offended by the lackluster position or inability of these director-type administrators to state in specific detail (with actual numerical ranges) the answers to my question — when it suddenly came to me, I was shooting at the "proverbial" messenger/s. Perhaps the actual culprits are those drafting and authorizing the convention card designations and have overlooked the importance of providing a line/lines to delineate the ranges (upper and lower) of FORCING NO TRUMP RESPONSES and should pay greater attention to the mandatory alerting of other unusual treatments which give unfair advantage to the silent users.
Let’s focus on the variations of use to 1NT RESPONSE TO A MAJOR SUIT OPENING:
1. If you do not play 1NT Forcing to a major opening bid, it is a moot point.
2. If you normally play 1NT Forcing (but not by a passed hand), your opponents are entitled to that information.
3. If you play 1NT either "SEMI-FORCING" or "INTENDED FORCING", it gives the opener the prerogative to pass with a minimum balanced hand — and again, your opponents are entitled to that information in advance.
4. If you play "STANDARD FORCING NT," therein lies the rub! I understand some in non-vulnerable positions keep the bidding open with zero points and others have unlimited upper ranges in all vulnerabilities. WHAT, PRAY TELL, IS THE RANGE OF A STANDARD FORCING NT???? And, why is there no line on the card for it rather than a block to be checked if you are using any form of the convention?
THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF MY BLOG IS THE INSIDIOUS UNLIMITED FORCING NO TRUMP WITH NO ALERT OR ANNOUNCEMENT — which I would like to put on hold for a bit — while we analyze the composition and intent of the CONVENTION CARDS produced and approved which the ACBL HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO UPHOLD AND ENFORCE TO THE NTH DEGREE!
THE STANDARD AMERICAN WHITE CARD is the most popularly used and accepted — incorporating routinely played treatments as well as especially involved, complicated, sophisticated and elaborate methods deemed legal which require full disclosure, detailed explanations and alerts.
THE STANDARD AMERICAN YELLOW CARD is another type — substantially more simplified. For a detailed accounting of its use, check out Ellen Pomer’s "The History of SAYC" which you can find at http://bridgeblogging.com published on March 30, 2009
And now, may I propose a third convention card which seems to be in order. Allow me to educate you ….
Those of you who were around in the Fifties and Sixties (or watch replays) will remember a popular weekly CBS television show produced by Todman and Goodson, starring Garry Moore. It featured famous panelists who were challenged to guess the secrets (jobs, hobbies, careers, professions, etc.) of these randomly appearing guests. It is in deference to this show, that I suggest we name Card Three "I’VE GOT A SECRET" which encompasses any and all undisclosed private treatments, mysteries, conditions and understandings!
The ACBL’s oversight of not addressing ANY OBLIGATION TO PRE-ALERT, ALERT AT THE PROPER TIME AND NOT TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL PLACE ON THE CONVENTION CARD (particularly for unlimited forcing no trump ranges) encourages and condones private agreements and pre-designed thievery. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist, brain surgeon or Rhodes Scholar to realize that without the alert of the unknown upper range of responder, an unsuspecting fourth hand could enter the auction and get caught in an ambush between two powerful hands — ending up in the Critical Care Unit for a day, week, month or indefinitely. I feel personally jeopardized and victimized by, and vulnerable to, the ACBL’s failure to address this egregious pitfall of stealthy pacts of partnerships playing UNLIMITED (NO UPPER RANGE) FORCING NO TRUMPS.
Many who have followed my blogs for the last several months realize they are usually lighthearted Trips Down Memory Lane — mostly nostalgic — and hopefully with a touch of history and a bit of humor. However, I’VE GOT A SECRET is serious stuff and since I have never professed to be an expert (other than by injection being married to two great Hall of Famers) — I turn the mike over to Bobby (http://bobbywolff.bridgeblogging.com). Check out his upcoming blog,"It’s Time for a Change." Bobby has been in the bridge arena for over sixty years and has served in every position and capacity humanly possible. You will find his views extremely enlightening and convincingly constructive.
March 20th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
2 Comments
It was exhilarating to see WBF President Jose Damiani’s picture on the front page of the Houston NABC Daily Bulletin today along side of Lou Ann O’Rourke — accompanied by a statement, “The O’Rourkes … have pledged $50,000 to the United States Bridge Federation to help make the tournament on American soil possible.” It is very encouraging to see a sponsor so generously step up to the plate with the sincere intent and determination to dedicate her efforts (and perhaps inspiring others) to see a world bridge championship return to the U. S. borders, possibly in 2010. The last one held here was in Albuquerque in 1994. What makes it even more appropriate, since sponsorship has evolved in such gigantic proportions, is borne out by the dozens and dozens of foreign top professional experts who earn a rather lucrative livelihood by competing actively in our U. S. events.
What could be more fitting than for the United States to play host to our foreign visitors (many of whom who have seen fit to take up residence here) as well as our own devoted home bred players.
A giant step forward toward the United States resuming its major role in world bridge!
March 18th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
3 Comments
Not Really!
Last evening Bobby and I had dinner with Windy City residents Eunice and Billy Rosen who vacation in Vegas about two months every year. Until recently, I only knew them casually through their friendship with Edgar and Norman but because Bobby’s late wife, Debby, was from Chicago and Billy and Bobby were more or less world-class contemporaries — the men shared a lot in common.
In 1954, Billy was the youngest player to win the Bermuda Bowl at age 25 — a record he retained until broken in 1981 by Bobby Levin. The following year he finished second in the same event and went on to capture many other distinguished titles until his retirement in the Eighties. Billy enjoyed a successful career on the Chicago Board of Options from 1975-1995 — choosing to slow down to enjoy a family life, travel extensively and pursue his love of golf (and still does at the resilient age of 81).
Though Bobby and Billy were only like passing ships in the night for thirty or so years, last evening it was obvious they certainly shared a major bond –commiserating, exchanging hands and trading stories about the likes of Jais and Trezel; Reese and Schapiro; the ‘exalted’ Blue Team and a few of our own American contenders with less than lily-white hands. Sadly, decades don’t always dim or eradicate the painful frustration of knowingly being "had" — but life goes on.
March 12th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
2 Comments
It has often been alleged that bridge players are interested in one thing — winning — above all else. Perhaps, that is true at the highest levels where ego satisfaction and money rewards are the primary incentive (either dollar prizes or paychecks from sponsors) — but who can blame them? Our hobby showcases its contestants in many settings and I am proud to share a heartwarming story of a bridge community motivated by selfishly personal reasons — the love of the game and getting their morning fix.
A modest few have been unaffected by the market debacle and ensuing state of the economy, but most are helpless victims of a complicated and gargantuan nightmare. Eventually the scars may fade but recouping one’s losses may never be monetarily achieved. One of the major conglomerates to be potentially hit by the current financial disaster appears to be the newspaper industry. Even before the plunging stock crisis, the popular Internet accessibility was beginning to take its toll on many publications. One of these icons, the Dallas Morning News, announced several months ago that they were canceling their popular Aces on Bridge Column which Bobby took over (bought from the estate of Ira Corn upon his death in 1982). During my eighteen-month residence in Dallas, I anxiously anticipated the newspaper’s early morning arrival — savoring it from cover to cover.
We were shocked to learn unexpectedly of the AOB column cancellation from the Editor of the Dallas Bridge Association Newsletter, Steve Birnbaum, who apparently started taking matters into his own hands (no pun intended). He emailed us that the fired up bridge community was not sitting by idly. Indeed!
After many complained to the newspaper, a slight concession was made, reinstating the column in some obscure place of the Sunday Edition. It was a step in the right direction — but the Dallas contingent was not assuaged — not by a long shot! After all, Dallas has always been a bridge hotbed not only for producing a plethora of the world’s finest players — but historically, it was the home of the first totally professional bridge team in history, The Dallas Aces. The City of Dallas played a major role in the propagation and support of our game for many decades and the incensed bridge population was hell-bent on reversing the DMN’s decision. As a result of an ongoing barrage of attacks (letters, calls, emails, a provocative petition circulated among the local bridge populace AND the most compelling of all rebuffs — the cancellation of lifelong newspaper subscriptions), we were elated to receive an email from Steve with the accompanying attachment which appeared in the Dallas Morning News on 3/2/09:
ACES ON BRIDGE
Due to reader feedback, Aces on Bridge by Bobby Wolf* returns daily starting today. Thanks for letting us know how important this column is to your daily routine. 3E
(*Their spelling left something to be desired — but obviously their hearts had been captured and their pockets vigorously picked by the uprising.)
Hats off to the Dallas Bridge Association and their determined bridge junkies who battled the disruption of their morning ritual — missing the tradition of sipping coffee while indulging themselves over an intriguing Aces’ bridge hand. To Bobby, such a magnanimous concerted effort by a caring group of people (many of whom he does not know personally) ranks up there at the summit of a long career as an emotional ‘high’ — standing tall beside the countless bridge triumphs and honors with which he has been blessed.
March 9th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
3 Comments
Sifting through a box of memorabilia, I came upon this poem dated August 25, 1961. I believe it was penned after my first bridge date with Norman. As you can see, it was quite a leveling experience — but certainly makes one see things in their proper prospective!
I know that I shall never play
One-tenth as well as Norman Kay
Or have the partnership rapport
As evidenced with Silodor
And what of Crawford and Rapee
Never will I see the day
When I can play with Roth or Stone
A team to call my very own
And if to Italy I fly
It just will be for pizza pie
So — back to Autobridge and books
To reign among my friends — the schnooks!
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