November 21st, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Hailing from Houston, Texas, Little Bobby Nail (who hovered a bit below the five-foot mark) was one of the most beloved giants of our game. He was respected not only for his bridge prowess — but for his magnetic personality and adorable manner as well!
Norman was friendly with many Texan players and it was not surprising to receive a personal invitation from the President of the Houston Bridge Unit to attend a celebration honoring Bobby Nail in February of 1995. Had we not been committed for that weekend, we would have flown down to surprise Bobby — but had to beg off. Again, I was called into active duty to respond — but the following tribute (which appeared in The Lone Star’s Regional February 11th Daily Bulletin) was a no-brainer as I had such great material with which to work!
Hear Ye!! Hear Ye!! — Bobby Nail
The subject of — some more fan mail
Can think of no one – in the hobby
More deserving – than our Bobby
Kind and modest – ever able
Delightful, gracious – at the table
Witty, charming, warm and caring
Funny stories – always sharing
Loved by partners – foes as well
Never heard him – scream or yell
The worst thing said – of Bobby Nail
His feats produced – a bloody trail
Opponents slain – they’re left to die-eth
Just like Samson – and Goliath!!
Fondly,
Norman & Judy Kay
The evening before this blog was written, my husband Bobby and I had dinner with Ron von der Porten, an old friend — renown bridge star of the sixties and seventies who had lived abroad for a couple decades. He commented to me earlier that Ron reminded him of the Portrait of Dorian Gray as he has retained his handsome boyishness for forty years. About a month ago, I looked to my right during a blackjack session and spotted Ron as my tablemate. He is living in Vegas while his house is being readied in the Boston area and over cocktails we enjoyed exchanging old bridge tales with this ageless wonder. Ron regaled us with entertaining stories of the past and this one was so apropos, I held the presses to include it ……
Bobby Nail was playing in some prestigious event with a partner (who shall remain nameless) — and he hadn’t touched a right card throughout the session. Bobby casually called him away from the table and in a frustrated tone with poker face — uttered these words: “I don’t mind that you bet on our opponents — but couldn’t you at least have offered me part of the action?” That was loveable Bobby Nail!
Another cute Bobby Nail incident from the lips of Claire Tornay: “Many years ago, while playing with Kathie Walvick (Cappelletti) in the Cavendish Invitational – I was dealt the singleton 2 of trumps and of course, Bobby was the declarer. Kathie rightfully tried to give me a ruff, but I couldn’t over-ruff Bobby’s ruff with the 3. He commented that I had been ‘nailed’ by my short trump holding.”
November 18th, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Thanks to those of you who responded to the bidding problem I posed yesterday as Part I. Before I reveal Bobby’s unyielding reflection on what the right bid is, I want you to understand I have picked his brain clean and be assured the following are his thoughts, not mine! So — consider this my disclaimer! And, by the way, how does one argue with an eleven-time world champion? The answer: You don’t! (Seriously, there is so much to be gleaned from what you are about to read). If you need to review the auction, refer to Part I of this article posted on November 16th.
1. East was not vulnerable and was emboldened by the comfort zone.
2. It is a ‘given’ that East probably had 11 black cards
3. Therefore, you are forewarned the red suits are breaking badly and your broken heart holding leaves much to be desired.
4. What does North’s hand look like? WHO KNOWS? (That is the point of this entire discussion!)
5. How can you determine what is best for your partnership? (You can’t at this juncture.)
Very simple solution – muster up the strength and pull out that wimpy green card and PASS. Considering the above facts, you are not qualified to make a unilateral decision. Partner in sellout seat can better judge. There is even more to recommend the non-action:
1. PASS is a forcing bid (as you have voluntarily bid a vulnerable game). Forcing pass situations can vary greatly, depending upon the previous auction! In this case, you have nothing more to say as you have no idea what predicated your partner’s 4H call. (He could even have been hard pressed to raise holding only a doubleton heart as no other bid was more appropriate).
2. East is obviously sacrificing or looking for a miracle.
3. It is no secret which side has the high card strength.
4. Partner was forced to make his second bid in an accelerated auction at the four level and could be under pressure – having few tolerable options. Bear in mind in uncontested bidding sequences, partner can accurately describe his holding at a low level. Your pass will give him the opportunity to reevaluate his cards. Only North can make that call so the ball belongs in his court.
5. Let partner exercise his good judgment as to what is best for your partnership. After the recommended Pass, West will either Pass or correct to 5C. In the actual case, West would have passed 4S and partner would have been armed with additional information to make the intelligent decision not available to South. He will be able to assess his values to best advantage (realizing he may have wasted cards on offense — that are better on defense). If he has good hearts and long diamonds, he will always bid on, but if he has strength and relative length in their suits, he will make the slam-dunk decision to double. In the hand below, partner will have no problem pulling out the RED CARD to punish the opponents. In any event, it is HIS DECISION to make — NOT YOURS.
Here is the entire hand:
AKXX 7XX AQJX XX
J10XX KJ109X XXX Q QXXX —- XX KJ10XXXX
X AQ8XX K10XX AXX
In 4S doubled, East-West would be defeated at least three (-500) (even with less than stellar defense). Instead, when I stupidly bid 5H (though I toyed with 5D as I liked my double fit) — Leftie, thinking Christmas had arrived early, jumped upon her chair holding KJ109X of trumps and screamed DOUBLE. Five Diamonds (with delicate play) would succeed, but it would be hard to stop there.
My final question: DID BOBBY DO ANYTHING WRONG BY BIDDING 4H? In a bridge sense — ABSOLUTELY NOT! However, his judgment was otherwise skewed as he chose a hand hog for a partner who stripped him of his initiative to make an educated determination. Bridge is a Partnership Game – and partner must not be excluded from the equation. This type of analysis is what separates true experts from the high-level wannabes!!!!!!
P. S. The early consensus (before I decided to post it here) was: 4NT was the most popular utterance – with 5C in second place — and 5D and 5H being the minority view. BUT — before Post Time — NO ONE CONSIDERED PASSING (which was Bobby’s first, second and third choice)!
November 16th, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Having had the privilege of being married to two Hall of Famers (one before the fact and one afterwards) is a huge plus in the free lesson category – but doesn’t do much for one’s self confidence. I am not normally a hand peddler because the guru with whom I live is very objective and not double dummy. However, a hand arose at a duplicate game this week while partnered by Bobby. I was reprimanded for my action – and want to lay off some of my frustration on my blogging friends at large. It was one of the most valuable lessons ever imparted to me over a very long bridge career. Here goes ….
With NS vulnerable, the bidding proceeds:
North East South West
1D 3C* 3H P
4H 4S ?
(*) Weak
I’d be interested in your call as South – holding: X AQ8XX K10XX AXX
If you are up to the challenge, please Comment on this site – or respond to me privately at [email protected]. I’d be very interested to hear your answer (and if you are so inclined – your reasoning as well).
Till tomorrow – for Part II.
November 14th, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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The 1982 Atlanta Labor Day Regional Committee had planned a special evening in honor of Margaret Wagar, referred to by her contemporaries as “The Pride of the South.” A portion of the invitation read ……
“There will be a cocktail reception and dinner followed by a celebrity roast featuring Lou Bluhm, Dr. John Fisher, Richard Freeman, Emma Jean Hawes, Jerry Machlin, Dr.George Rosenkranz, Carol and Tom Sanders, and others.” It went on … “Margaret has insisted that special invitations be extended to her oldest and dearest friends, especially partners in the many national and regional titles she won.” That is where Norman came in. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend but sent our regrets…
| There is a great gal from Atlanta
More beloved in Georgia than Santa
She’s won Open and Mixed
With whomever she’s picked
Hail to this Southern Enchanter
Her master point record’s impressive
Though her bidding is slightly aggressive
She’s got gold points galore
That she’s won by the score
In fact they are really excessive!
Now Georgia has done herself proud
Native sons have emerged from the crowd
There’s Jimmy, Miss Lillie
And dear Brother Billy ..
Though his name has been under a cloud
This tribute is long overdue
For performances equaled by few
She’s made OUR Hall of Fame
MAGGIE WAGAR’s her name
Right next to that fella — TY WHO? (*)
~~Judy and Norman Kay |
(*)Frequently when Norman played in Atlanta with Margaret, he wondered who the silent, attentive kibitzer was at Margaret’s side — hanging on every bid and play — but never uttering a word. You guessed it — THE GEORGIA PEACH HIMSELF — the great TY COBB. If only Norman had the foresight to get a few balls or pictures autographed, it would have come in quite handy in our sports memorabilia business during the fleeting height of its glory. But, alas, nobody’s perfect — not even Norman!
November 12th, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Borrowing a phrase from our founding fathers seems to cover all bases relating to the handling of Forcing No Trump. The liberty aspect allows you to employ the form of treatment you deem most effective for your partnership and the justice results from the announcement and clarification to your opponents of the ramifications of your specific understanding.
According to the ACBL, ‘it’ must be written on your convention card and is ‘announceable’ (as opposed to ‘alertable’). Let me make it clear — I am not a maven on this subject. Far from it! I am just trying to have clarified the different versions of the bid and insist on full disclosure by those playing it so there are no surprises for the opponents later in the auction. Let’s examine the variety of methods played, especially in ACBL land with regard to a delicate subject — the diverse handling of a 1NT response to a major opening since two over one is forcing by most twosomes.
1) FORCING NT (INTENDED FORCING) with 5-12 HCP. I believe that a great many people play that by a passed hand, you may pass 1 NT as there are other methods of showing support with a good hand (Drury, for instance). As an unpassed hand, most play it forcing (with standard minimum responses to rebid a six card suit; bid a four card suit; and in the absence of either, to bid your lowest three card minor). HOWEVER, there are those who advocate it should not be forcing (since partner cannot have an opening bid — or better) and their judgment dictates that holding a balanced minimum, opener may pass — choosing not to go beyond what is possibly their best contract. Therefore, adjustments must be made by the responder, necessitating the invitational jump to three of a major with only three card support (whereas it normally guarantees four or more) as 1NT is no longer 100% forcing — and you do not want to be playing in the wrong strain — should partner have that dreaded minimum balanced hand and pass before you can show support.
2) FORCING NT (100% FORCING) with 5-12 HCP. This is living in the comfort zone — knowing you have the luxury of temporizing with 1NT (assured partner cannot pass) and the option to jump with three card support at your next opportunity whereas an immediate jump would normally promise four or more. Of course, there are many other bids available to responder if playing 1NT forcing but we are addressing the handling of three or four card trump support with invitational values. I believe this is standard operating procedure and the treatment of choice.
Now — arises the issue of private understandings!
3) FORCING NT (100% FORCING AND UNLIMITED) with 5+ HCP to INFINITY. If this treatment is in your repertoire, it must be on your convention card and announced! SAYING SIMPLY ‘FORCING’ DOES NOT SUFFICE! If there is no upper limit to your no trump range, the entire auction may differ from the standard handling and YOUR OPPONENTS ARE ENTITLED TO KNOW IN ADVANCE about the innuendos that ensue. It helps them to understand the meaning of your bids, may enlighten their defensive thinking and prevents them from entering an auction (unsuspecting that the NT bidder could have a game or even slam) and ending up in the Intensive Care Unit of their local hospital.
NAME YOUR OWN POISON. PLAY WHATEVER YOU WANT. BUT — KEEPING SECRETS ARE NO-NOS!
November 8th, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Ozzie Jacoby was undoubtedly one of the most colorful and fascinating individuals to ever grace the game. He was adept in so many areas. I often recall him whizzing through the Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle — ‘working it’ horizontally (using the Across clues) without necessitating reference to the Down column. Absolutely awesome — but ego-deflating to the gallery.
He had a lightning fast mind and a terrific sense of humor — although not appreciated by everyone. Bobby recalls an incident which occurred when Ozzie had taken him under his wing in the role of mentor. Apparently, Bobby made an ill-fated play and tried to justify it by saying, “I had a reason for it…” Ozzie cut him off, stating,”If you didn’t have a reason for it, you would be in a mental institution.” In retrospect (some fifty years later), Bobby laughs about it — but didn’t find it so humorous as an ambitious young fledgling.
Bobby reminded me of another Ozzie tale when he received a midnight call arousing him from a deep sleep. Apparently, he had been dreaming about the battles of the Pacific during World War II. The voice on the other end jubilantly proclaimed, “We are advancing on the Solomons!” Not being fully awake, Bobby immediately attributed it to the portion of the war involving the Solomon Islands. However, it was merely Ozzie reporting in that he and his wife Mary Zita had just won a big event and now were only a total of 100 master points behind the leading Mixed Pair in the country — Peggy and Charlie Solomon. So much for history!
I often reflect on another late night call — this one from Texas. It was Ozzie inviting Norman to journey to Washington, D.C. the following Sunday evening to form a team with him and his son Jimmy, and to bring his local partner, expert Bobby Jordan. Norman knew Jordan was not available but before he had a chance to suggest someone else, Ozzie blew him off, instructing “If you can’t — just get someone good” and in his usual blustery manner, impatiently slammed down the receiver.
On the appointed Sunday, Ozzie appeared in the lobby of the Shoreham Hotel and asked Norman the name of his recruit. Norman proudly replied, “Ozzie, I want you to meet Bobby Goldman — to which he screamed loud enough to be heard by sightseers at the Washington Monument …. “BOBBY WHO?????????” Bobby had just been christened! That endearing reference became associated with Goldman’s first audience before The Wizard of Oz — and from that moment on he was known as Bobby Who. Though young and new on the scene, Norman had immediately recognized him as a star in the making. Norman was an amazingly good judge of talent as Bobby Goldman went on to become a Dallas Ace, the team’s computer program guru for hand analyses and practice regimens and won a couple of world championships, to boot.
P. S. Ozzie and Company did triumph in Washington as well.
November 2nd, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Residing in Las Vegas, often referred to as Sin City, has caused me to pause and take notice what has been happening around me. The days where money flowed like cherry wine in these here parts — are history (at least for the time being). We just returned from our traditional Sunday morning jaunt to a nearby casino buffet to fortify us for the day’s pro football games. You could have shot a cannon through the casino — and made nary a hit. The playing tables and slot machines were reminiscent of a ghost town and the absence of a waiting line at the buffet was unusual. Until fairly recently, many adventuresome people thought nothing of a short hop or pre-arranged junket to Vegas for a weekend stint, but it is frighteningly obvious that a radical about-face is in progress. The last month or so hinted at a cutback — but this morning it seemed like a fait accompli.
Not only are the vacationers affected, but local eateries (average priced ones as well as ‘fine dining’ houses) are so delighted at your appearance, they practically do handstands when you enter their portals. Last evening, we dined at a lovely casino restaurant and when we were sighted, the maitre d’ whisked me away from Bobby, escorted me to the table by placing his arm under mine (as if I had just alit from a wheelchair and couldn’t make it on my own). Instead of the independence that once prevailed, everyone is overly solicitous (from the owner to the busboy) constantly asking you how you are enjoying everything ‘so far’. It is difficult to enjoy your meal while being subjected to a barrage of questions during their never-ending survey.
The once-congested shopping centers are suffering as well and parking spaces are not at a premium. Beauty parlors and nail salons offer not-to-be-believed specials. Since jewelry and furs are no longer ‘my thing,’ I indulge myself by patronizing a terrific ladies boutique called ‘Chico’s’ where the top brass takes advantage of a talented marketing staff. My mail box is forever flooded with great discount offers on past, present and future merchandise. Their incentives are so enticing, I cannot afford to pass them up for fear of losing too much money otherwise. To show you how badly they are hurting, I got two calls within twenty-four hours to remind me of their Sunday sale! They are not alone. It seems to be commonplace in this neck of the woods.
Fortunately, gas prices have declined from a horrifying almost five dollars to slightly under three — but the costs of airline tickets are still out of sight and the hotels don’t seem to be accommodating the hard-hit travelers by any substantial reductions in room rates. The entire country has been devastated by the crumbling economy — which causes me to wonder how bridge will be affected — both at the tournament level, specifically the upcoming Boston NABC, and the role it will play in sponsorship — at both ends of the spectrum. Many people attending the nationals often choose to motor to avoid the excessive airline tab (as well as security nuisances) — but driving is not as thrifty and practical as before — even with the reduced gas prices. As far as the sponsors, the heavy hitters are probably still in good shape but those in the lower strata may have gotten hurt and the professional job opportunities may not be as plentiful as they were in more fruitful times.
Hopefully, the love of the game will not decrease attendance at our premier events and keep bridge in its proper prospective as the Number One Game — still worthy of our addiction!
October 31st, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Living in a high-rise next to the Sheraton Hotel in Center City Philadelphia in the mid-sixties presented many opportunities to socialize with visiting bridge friends as the adjacent hotel hosted most of our Sectionals and Regionals. On one occasion, I was kibitzing Norman playing with a New York luminary whose name was actually a household bridge word — if there ever was one! Norman’s partner had motored in for the tournament and the Philadelphia contingent was ecstatic by his presence. In fact, the amusing repartee during the auction served as fodder for the following poem:
The West hand bid a No Trump — very early in the day
Two passes put the onus — in the hands of Mr.Kay
He thought and then Two Clubs he bid — (His purpose needs no mention)
With that the lady questioned North –if that was some convention
The humor in this story — is really quite a dandy
As Mr.Kay was playing with — the famous Mr. Landy
In those days, there were no such obligations as ‘Alerts’ — so it was the responsibility of the person wanting an explanation to ask at his or her turn to call. With a straight face (repressing a smile), Alvin matter-of-factly responded to West’s inquiry, describing 2C as ‘Landy’ — asking partner to bid a major. By the nonchalance of her ‘Thank You,’ we don’t think she had a clue!
October 24th, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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In 1979 the legendary B. Jay Becker celebrated his 75th birthday. His close friends, Dorothy and Alan Truscott, hosted a party in his honor for many local bridge luminaries in their lovely New York apartment overlooking the Hudson. Of course, Norman and I journeyed from Philadelphia as the Birthday Boy and Norman were often teammates. The male guest list read like a Who’s Who of the Bridge World and most of their wives (especially yours truly) were simply along for the ride. No one could deny the overwhelming array of talent gathered in one room. Following dinner they had an Individual – and boy, was I nervous!
During the festivities, I had presented B. J. with a poem and appropriately decorated cake plastered with monikers. The essence of the poem related to what to call him (Mr. B., Mr. Becker, Ben or B. J.) which always presented a problem. I would stammer in confusion each time I encountered this great man.
The poem and the cake (which I had dragged on the train from Philly) were big hits – but the flukiest bridge happening stunned all in attendance. Playing in the last round (and relieved to see the end in sight) I was partnered by my good friend Sandy Stern (that’s Mrs. Roger Stern). We got to some innocuous contract (2S I seem to recollect) but she got doubled by one of the gurus. Because of some fortuitous card placement and excellent judgment by the declarer, Sandy wrapped it up and we got a handsome score – placing Kay and Kaplan in the overalls as First and Second. Surprisingly, it was the distaff side – Judy Kay and Betty Kaplan. Alan mentioned the celebration in his New York Times column a few days later.
The other night, while rummaging through memorabilia which I have accumulated over several decades – I came upon Truscott’s faded and tattered newspaper clipping and the following poem which I had lovingly captioned “To Whatshisname.”
When first we met I was a bride — Quite impressed and starry-eyed
For everyone who played the game — Knew your celebrated name
But through the years I must confess —Your moniker has caused me stress
Each time we met you made me stir — Not knowing which name you prefer
To call you BEN appeared so normal – MR. BECKER much too formal
I toyed with JAY and MR. B. — But B. J. sounded best to me
I’ve always played this silent game — Voting on my favorite name
But when I finally made my choice — No longer could you hear my voice
My peace is made – It’s off my chest — My name charade is laid to rest
And so I will – make no mistake — I give to you this BIRTHDAY CAKE!
(signed) Judy Kay
October 17th, 2008 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Following the disappointment of the U. S. finishes in the Beijing World Bridge Championships (especially in the Opens) plus the still-unsolved mystery of the Mental Telepathy issue in my previous blog, I thought we needed an uplifting change of pace — and hopefully this true story is the solution.
Being an inveterate saver is not all bad. Sifting through the ruins of my storage room has enabled me to recall countless bridge memories that have been stashed away for what seems like an eternity. In the weeks to come I will be sharing some of them with you, almost all of which occurred during my thirty-nine year marriage to the late Norman Kay. Most involved the legendary icons of the game – but I beg to make an exception here – at the risk of appearing stupid!
Part of being a full-fledged Philadelphian included summer weekend trips to Atlantic City. The famed Boardwalk was a hangout for most single people and drew swarms of young men and women from adjoining states. On one of these outings my girlfriend Marleen and I had just reached the wooden planks when torrents of rain descended upon us. We headed for the nearest port – which happened to be The Ritz Hotel. It must have been fate – as we spotted a sign: Duplicate Bridge. We had taken many lessons at The Junto Night School in Philly and were delighted to find a dry haven — although we were unfamiliar with the word “Duplicate.” Venturing into the room, we meekly asked the man in charge if we could play. Little did we know what it involved because our only exposure was to ‘kitchen bridge’ with novice players of our own caliber who were fortified with bridge basics. Reflecting upon the experience, it was nothing like a National, Regional or Sectional and they didn’t have on line bridge in those days. It was merely a chance to get our feet wet. The gentleman asked us for one dollar each. As you will see, we had no idea just how far a buck would go in those days.
In which bridge publication the following story appeared, I am not sure. It was written by Bert Wilson, a popular Philadelphia columnist who retired to Clearwater, FL. The column was entitled The Funniest Thing and the subtitle was “Easy Money.” If you promise not to laugh, I will quote his version:
Two young women came into my duplicate club on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk on Saturday night in 1957. They asked about “this duplicate bridge thing” and were told the card fee was $1.
After the first round, one of them came up to me with two more dollars. “What’s this for?” I asked. “Isn’t it a dollar a table?” I assured her it wasn’t and gave her money back.
The young woman took the game seriously and met her husband through duplicate. I was invited to the wedding. Their names: Judy and Norman Kay.
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