June 1st, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
4 Comments 
Once again, in a long, long overdue effort to sort out boxes upon boxes of worthless junk as well as priceless hoarded memories, I began to sift through (or rather plough through) over three dozen containers bearing fading labels identifying the contents. Much of it could be trashed, but being a Grand Master in the Bridge Packrat category, I lugged three mammoth boxes of photographs onto my kitchen table (which doesn’t serve much of a purpose these days anyway). Ninety percent of them are photographs recalling the legends of old and when my daughter teaches me how to attach photos to my computer, I will share them with you. Hopefully, it will be within the week.
Most are of Norman and his cronies and I found some of Bobby & Company in his days before, during and after the Aces as well as the Sharif Bridge Tour which I witnessed in Philly. However, since I am unable to transfer my photo gallery to this site at the present time, I wanted to share what I found on a torn and battered “Fun Card” (similar to a huge postcard designed to be sent through the mails) and hope it will not offend anyone:
The following will bear witness as to how most non-bridge players view our entourage The caption (in large orange print) questions ‘WHAT’S THIS WORLD COMING TO” with a sketch of a woman reminiscent of Aunt Jemimah (whom many of you old fogeys will recall):
Yes’m Ah quit dat job. Dat were de mos’ ridiculos place I’se ebber been in!
Dey played a game called bridge, an’ las’ night dere was lots o’fellas an’ gals dere. Jes’ as ah was fixin’ to serve ‘freshments ah heahs dis man say to a woman “take yo’ hands off mah trick!”
Ah jes neah drapped daid, bless mah bones, ah heahs annudder man say, “you sure got a nice bust!”
Den annuder man say, “Lay down an’ let me see what you got!”
Den dis udder woman say “you jumped me twice when you didn’t have stuff enuff fo’ one good raise.”
‘An den some woman say somep’n ‘bout “coverin’ her honor.”
Well, ah jist ups ‘an gits mah hat ‘cause ah knowed dat ain’t no fitting place fo’ me, an’ just’ as ah was leavin,’ ah hope to die ef dis woman didnd’t say, “Well ah guess we’ll stop now, as dis is mah las’ rubber.
and den – doggone ef she didn’t say, “lay down yo dummy ‘en let me play on it!”
No Ma’am, ah’s a lady an’ ah jes’ couldn’t stay there!
I recall my hysteria reading it the first time – but I guarantee you it tickled my funny bone as much just today.
May 30th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
25 Comments
The oft-quoted passage "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" is actually a misquote from Alexander Pope, which was penned over three hundred years ago. His original caution used the word "learning" — not knowledge — but it makes little difference and leads to the same admonition.
Everyone (or almost everyone) has strong suits, weak suits and even voids. What bugs me is the failure to recognize (or acknowledge even to one’s self) that he or she is not qualified to make positive, authoritative statements on a subject in which they are far from expert. I have witnessed this shortcoming for over half a century and perhaps being exposed to the very best of our game, though demoralizing and ego deflating at times, has made me wary and taught me to accept the fact that one must consider the source. It is a good starting point. As bridge players, we see people rendering opinions both at the table and on the internet when in actuality, there are only a precious few who have the knowledge and background to fully understand the problem. One of my favorite tales emanated from my late husband Norman who overheard someone leaving the duplicate as she boasted "I only made one mistake today." "One that you knew of" – he muttered under his breath. Perhaps among her peers, she is thought of as one of the better players and her words were taken as gospel, but everything (especially in bridge) is relative.
This phenomenon exists in all walks of life. In baseball. there is a difference between an allstar and an everyday player though they are both paid to perform. Same is true in football, basketball, tennis, golf, hockey and other sports. There will be some who are always first at the wire and others who get there by the skin of their teeth. Make no mistake — being in the big leagues means different strokes for different folks. Also — in the movies, there is a disparity between a rising star and a multi-time Academy Award winner. People must prove themselves and, above all, withstand the test of time. Johnny-come-latelies (in whatever endeavor they choose) may eventually become superstars — but they have to earn it by their continuing excellence.
It used to irk me when I heard bridge players alleging to have great expertise. The same applies to administrators. Just because someone is a director or serves on a committee, does not in and of itself, make that individual a revered expert in that given field. Perhaps in time, they may rise to the occasion, but it takes years and years of experience and a long successful track record to reach the promised land. One or two swallows does not a summer make!
Bridge is a great and calculated study in human nature. I am not swayed by the opinions of those who are extremely vocal though inexperienced in the ways of top drawer bridge. I just take everything with a grain of salt and allow the records to stand on their own.
May 26th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
20 Comments
Just out of curiosity (and this is not a trick hand) .. what do you lead against 2H holding the East cards? But before you do so, here is the auction with EW vulnerable. You are East with the following hand and pass (?) as Dealer. The bidding proceeds: 1C by South, Pass by partner, 1H by your RHO and for some cowardly reason you do not venture a 2D call, taking out your green card and Lefty raises to 2H which ends the auction.
EAST
♠ K 2
♥ J
♦ A T 9 6 4 2
♣ K 9 8 5
I have money riding on your answer, so please speak up! When your votes are counted, I will give you the entire hand and enlighten you on the actual proceedings.
May 25th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
10 Comments
Another popular Vegas tournament is on the horizon. In fact, it is almost upon us .. starting Monday, June 17th and concluding on Sunday June 23rd at the popular old bridge stomping ground of The Riviera Hotel. Everyone seems to love Sin City Tournaments. Their Spring and Fall Sectionals are the biggest in the country and the Summer Regionals rank third in attendance (behind only the legendary Gatlinburg and Palm Springs).
These traditional outings draw thousands of players because of the accessibility by plane from McCallum Field (just a brief, cheap cab ride to the site) and with the even less expensive option of driving from so many nearby locations — besides being deluged by localites (both originals and transplants from here and other countries). You will get to meet and play against some of our country’s best players and experts from abroad as well. However, there will also be Gold Point Events (where no one playing has more than 750 masterpoints) and you can fight it out among your peers!
The hotel bridge rates are well negotiated (a far cry from those of other major cities) and offer twenty-four hour casino gambling and eateries, a sports book, free parking and an array of shows with famed entertainers — both at the hotel and nearby ones on Las Vegas Boulevard — where The Riviera is located. The playing schedules offer a multitude of choices (at either 9 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.). There will also be pair events at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. So — you can play non-stop or take a break to enjoy the excitement of what our city has to offer. It is also appealing to non-playing spouses (with or without offsprings) as other non-bridge activities are a hop, skip and a jump away.
Future tournaments include revisiting Bally’s for our Sectional from Monday through Friday (September 23-27) — as well as jumping ahead to the 2014 calendar. Because of next year’s Summer National in Las Vegas, the 2014 Regional has been earmarked for January 20-26 at Bally’s. The Flamingo will host the Spring Sectional (March 31-April 4) and the Fall Sectional will be held at the Tropicana from October 20-24.
There you have it. If you don’t have a reservation for the Regional — less than a month away — pick up the phone (800-634-6753 to book a room through LVregional.com). That site can also be used if you are looking for a partner or teammates and to check out the full schedule.
Should you need any help, the new and ever-capable Co-Chairs are Bruce Rubin who can be reached at brr32196@aol.com and his better half, Jane Rubin at janee1212@aol.com. They’ll be happy to answer your questions.
May 16th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
26 Comments
Everyone has their own individual idiosyncrasies concerning our many faceted game. For years I have been fascinated by listening intensely to controversial situations that not only disturb Bobby but which he feels are detrimental to bridge. These practices have come about as it is such a competitive game that most people act in their own best interest. It comes in all sizes and shapes although guidelines are in place, but the powers that be are not always concerned as to what is best for bridge. His strong view emerges from decades of experience as both a player, administrator and observer. Let me preface these cautions and criticisms by stating unequivocally these are Bobby’s substantiated views from decades of first hand observance. However, do not consider that as a disclaimer as I am totally in accord.
Let me count the ways!
1. Employing conventions and systems that are destructive rather than constructive — geared to confuse the opponents — especially inexperienced ones. Bobby endearingly has always referred to their embryonic locations as “poison gas labs” — deliberately conceived with that evil purpose in mind. Often these methods are brought to light with ‘weak hands’ in an effort to steal the contract. Some people will do anything to enhance their image and reputation — even at the ultimate levels.
2. Taking frivolous appeals to committees, particularly after the fact. Many people are ‘famous’ for bringing appeals (sometimes more than one) following the completion of a session in which they did not qualify — hoping that they can wheedle their way back into the event by the reversal of their opponents’ deserved good fortune. Bobby recalled in one instance where a world famous player came before an AC with a laundry list of possible changes — none of which worked — shamelessly attempting to put pressure on the committee. Bobby personally threw him out of the room. I also remember hearing about a top level female who did the same thing and convinced a weak and unwitting committee to rule in her favor, thus having to make them change the movement (by allowing her to re-enter the event) in a Reisinger Team event several decades ago. It actually destroyed (bastardized) the continuity of the Conditions of Contest format but they yielded, no doubt for fear of legal repercussions. What some people won’t do! Another violation of the beauty of the game and purpose of international competition gained world attention in Shanghai when the USBF cowardly did not stand up to the challenge of legal threats protectively funded by a wealthy sponsor to protect the culprits although the organization was legally within their rights.
3. Failing to take an appeal to committee immediately after the session for fear of interrupting and inconveniencing the dinner pleasures of the members. It is imperative to do so at the appropriate time — not wait until after the match as it ‘probably’ won’t make a difference. In the recent Vanderbilt brouhaha, everyone the world over witnessed how improper and selfish it was, as indeed it made a huge difference in the outcome and the ruling committee knew so. No one can convince the public it was an “impartial” decision with so much at stake. People are human and have their likes and dislikes. Witness O. J. Simpson and his Crimes and Punishment.
4. Using complicated systems and either forgetting them or intentionally or unintentionally failing to alert the opponents.
5. Not alerting opponents in advance of any unusual treatments and not allowing them the time to prepare a proper defense. And, for that matter — even playing such conventions which, for the most part, usually interfere with the enjoyment of the game (which is a no-no specified in the protocol of the ACBL).
6. Clocking hands by peeking or roaming up and down the aisles searching for information on upcoming unplayed boards.
7. Breaks in tempo (whether warranted or not) and the advantage taking by partner with no justification based on his or her own hand. This puts the onus on the director who did not physically bear witness to the alleged violation. Hearsay is not a very reliable witness which puts the director in an unenviable position and sometimes he or she guesses wrong. This behavior occurs more at the duplicate level and players should be educated on the ramifications rather than ownership not wanting to intimidate and lose customers. Strong adherence to the equity of the situation will be a worthwhile education for the player as they advance to tournament and NABC participation, where the no-nonsense rule is enforced.
8. USING UNDERHANDED SIGNALS WHICH IS ‘OUT AND OUT CHEATING’ which should be outlawed and the culprits barred for life — and even the hereafter. ‘Hip players’ know that there are individuals in our Hall of Fame who are guilty of such heinous behavior, but of course shall be unnamed. And by the way, there are some of them out there — yet to be reprimanded (perhaps for fear of a lawsuit if unproven). This includes both U.S. and foreign players.
9. The overbearing pressure put on ACs by the professional ‘big names’ who convolute the minds of those who sit in judgment — for fear of looking stupid by not voting in their favor. And, worse yet, by taking an opposing view while serving on the Committee will likely lose its chance of being recommended for work if the pros already have dates and are asked to point the sponsors in the right direction. Professionals have a strong brotherhood equating to a monetary camaraderie, all because of chance, but our game should adopt a Better Bridge Business Bureau (BBBB) which should be endowed with punitive power (PUP) to right the sinking ship.
10. Appeals committees should be replete with knowledgeably good bridge players who understand both the laws and the high-level subtleties of playing the game. Without that mandatory setting, those committee members (who are not qualified to serve) turn out to be puppets of those whom they know and sometimes grudgingly respect which could still be marginally OK. However, if instead, that mentor is not one of the upright members we all need, it only multiplies the inequities which exist. Bobby recently got all the printed Appeals Casebooks for the last fifteen years, and has been going over them carefully. He was shocked and saddened with the inept nature of some Committee members’ lack of knowledge about the game. He strongly admonishes that If high-level bridge is to prosper or even survive and hopefully progress in the future, there must be educational opportunities provided for Appeals Committee members to flow with how bridge is progressing worldwide because as of now, Europe (and soon China) will be far ahead of the USA in understanding what is vitally necessary for high level bridge to stay vibrant.
Proper interpretation of the laws (Edgar Kaplan’s responsibility which no one has come close to either replacing or enforcing since he died in 1997) has been in a total downward spiral — wherein the equity in the laws should be shining forth, instead of being ignored in favor of arcane narrow meanings. To enforce our laws, we need to have a bridge twist to them and also support the equity of what the law intended to accomplish, but which sometimes is difficult to spell out clearly.
11. Another source of disconcertment to Bobby (although not involving the high level plateau to which his remarks are earmarked) is what he considers the ACBL’s mishandling of the masterpoint disbursement at the club games where people enjoy the shame of wallowing in below average performances and are rewarded by master points. Let them feel good about themselves when they really achieve a decent score and recognition. He compares the approach as a scene from It Pays to Be Ignorant … or more appropriately … The Amateur Hour (for those of you who are old enough to remember it).
12. There are a host of conventions of which Bobby disapproves and considers foolish as they have a more negative impact than positive but I will leave that for a later date. The above is more than enough to concentrate upon and digest at one reading.
May 13th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
9 Comments
This tribute to Edgar Kaplan was inspired by Jeanne Lucas’ comment on my blog entitled “A Bridger By Any Other Name” which was totally unrelated to Edgar. It was a tribute to Ira Rubin who had recently passed away. Just as “Zupchik” was Ira’s favorite word — “Indeed” seemed to be Edgar’s. It was an expression of approval or a subtle means of disagreeing. I never knew which. However, if it was in reference to a bridge hand, it was probably the latter. Edgar, a master of all trades, had a way of measuring his words. Perhaps that was part of his charm.
As you old-timers remember, Edgar (who had never been married) wed Betty Sheinwold, ex-wife of his partner (and co-founder of KS) – Alfie Sheinwold. His union with Betty occurred about the time many bachelors were succumbing to taking their first vows … (Lenny Harmon/Marion Stein)(Ivan Stakgold/Alice Cox)(Dickie Freeman/Louise Robinson) .. and of course Norman and myself – in 1963.
Edgar, Norman and I shared many memories – reaching both sad and happy extremes. When Betty passed away from cancer in 1985, Edgar’s life came to an abrupt halt and for many months he became a recluse. Although we were close, he declined our efforts to visit with him (as we had been doing for some twenty years) – staying overnight on the top floor of his brownstone on West 94th Street. Finally he came out of his stupor, although it was no shock as Betty was in steadily declining health and her death was no surprise. He recovered little by little after burying himself in “The Bridge World” and made gradual attempts at resuming a normal regimen by returning to the tournament circuit with Norman. Edgar enjoyed wedded bliss with Betty for less than twenty-five years while his marriage to Norman lasted over four decades (with a three year hiatus when Norman was recruited to play with Sidney Silodor). It was a bridge union made in heaven.
Of all the pleasures Edgar afforded me personally (and they were countless) — our 1967 NABC insignificant two session Mixed Pair Victory in Canada (by half a point) will always be the highlight in my bridge life. No doubt .. when the scores were tallied, in the eyes of many (including Edgar), it was The Miracle of Montreal. I can just hear him muttering … INDEED!
May 8th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
4 Comments
This one is for movie buffs! It is a departure from our everyday bridge chatter — but definitely has it’s connection to the game. If you are not an old time movie goer, you may as well head for the next blogsite.
Yesterday at our Tuesday bridge outing at the LVBW, we arrived early and I had a chance to chat with my old friend Mary Hardy (widow of the handsome late director Max Hardy). We reminisced about the times we (my partner Jane Segal and I ) played against her in some NABC women’s events about thirty years ago. I recalled, in particular, her partner (and client) — a lovely looking older woman to whom she introduced us. I bumped into Mary later on during the game and she offered an interesting tidbit of information. Her partner’s name was Pati Behrs, the first wife of handsome actor John Derek, famous in his own right, but more in the spotlight for his discovery of screen idol BO DEREK — his fourth wife. Those of you who are (or were) movie fans will remember Bo for her starring role in ‘TEN.”
John’s introduction to the silver screen was quite unusual. His father was a film director and his mother an actress. John had some bit roles in Since You Went Away, I’ll Be Seeing You, A Double Life — until finally his big break came. He was approached by Humphrey Bogart (who renamed him John Derek — a far cry from his birth name of Derek Delevan Harris) and cast him as Pretty Boy Nick Romano in the famed movie “Knock on Any Door.” Although he appeared in a supporting role later in All the King’s Men (1949 Best Picture), he was unhappy with his career as an actor and turned to film directing. A handsome Ladies Man, he was best known for marrying glamorous starlets and for launching the meteoric career of his last wife, Bo Derek. His wives (besides Pati and Bo) were Ursula Andress (No. 2) and Linda Evans, of Dynasty Fame (No. 3). Incidentally, I found it fascinating to learn that Mary’s partner, Pati Behrs, was a Russian born American actress and the grandniece of Leo Tolstoy.
So much for this break in tempo!
May 3rd, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
24 Comments
…. a play on words borrowed or plagiarized from a quote by William Shakespeare. Throughout the decades, as long as I can remember, certain legendary bridge figures (for one reason or another) have affectionately, in most cases, been singled out without the usage of their full names. It is either a nickname or epithet. Even newcomers to the game would know the following references: Eli (Culbertson); Josephine (Culbertson); Alvin (Landy); Stoney (Tobias Stone); Edgar (Kaplan); Hermine (Baron); Alfie (Sheinwold); The Hog (Ron Anderson); Sami (Kehela); Meyer (Schlieffer); Kerri (Schuman); Julius (Rosenblum); Zeke (Jabbour); Ozzie (Jacoby); Grant (Baze); Kyle (Larson) … and the list goes on. In the case of single unit name, it is either merely a nickname or applied because of the uncommon and unique nature of their moniker – particularly on the bridge scene.
One standout – though not as endearingly intended – was brought to mind when I read in April’s ACBL Bridge Bulletin of the passing of Hall of Famer Ira Rubin at the age of 82. He was jokingly depicted as “The Beast” because of his intensity at the table and his failure to drip with warmth. He was a serious, brilliant player, adept in computer science, mathematics and engineering and despite his moniker on the bridge scene, mellowed in later years and was a very decent human being –- even pleasant when you got to know him.
April 28th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
12 Comments
Bridge is a game totally unto itself — unlike any other. In some endeavors such as tennis, golf, boxing, etc., success is judged by an individual’s performance. Bridge, however, focuses not on individuality — but rather upon the compatibility and talent of a partnership — being attuned to and bringing out the best in one another. Our game takes on many sizes and shapes, beginning with the eager rookie who wants to learn the basics who graduates to social competition at one’s home and eventually to duplicates, tournaments and — if their lifestyle is fortunate enough to allow — on to the big circuit of National events. It is not an easy transition but the love of bridge is our driving force and, in my case, has afforded me an indescribable lifestyle that shaped my entire adult life on earth (or anywhere else). I am indeed grateful for that blessing every day. I have been taught to be realistic, self-deprecating, maintain untainted objectivity, recognize my shortcomings and work on them and I will be eternally grateful to my unique and fortunate learning process via Norman and Bobby who taught me to understand what it takes for others to become world class players — a talent with which few are innately blessed. For most, the pleasure of playing is the sociability which adorns one’s life and learning to play up to one’s full potential — whatever that may be.
Recent bridge discussions have given me much food for thought. I have had a rude awakening — learning that others are guided by different standards for what makes a world class player. Up and coming performers who have won an important event or two do not constitute a so-called expert. Expertise is judged by consistency of victories over an extended period of time — not merely what may turn out to be a fluke. Only time will tell. World Class players must have ethical partners with whom they are compatible, not competitive with each other to satisfy their own egos, but rather dedicate their efforts to agreeing on what is the most effective and successful system to be playing — with errors in judgment on occasion — but rarely technical ones. Thus World Class Partnerships should have the same ultimate goal — expertise, deportment and good ethics. There are designated events for Pairs and Teams. However, one must bear in mind that expert players must team up with their peers and consistently perform at the top level to be considered “World Class Players” (WCP) which I think is a questionable concept in the mind of less experienced newcomers.
In another medium, Bobby singled out what he considers three recent world class partnerships: Meckstroth/Rodwell, formerly Weichsel/Sontag and Martel/Stansby, the latter two who have jumped ship and are playing with others. (He modestly did not mention himself and Hamman who played together for 26 years, winning countless U. S. and World Titles). Admittedly, everyone would consider the recent former partnership of Zia and Hamman as WCPs. Yet, as a pair, they did not click and have moved on — Zia playing with Martel and Hamman testing a rising star — Justin Lall. With regard to sponsors, as I have alluded to before … there are SPONSORS and sponsors. The two I have in mind are Nick Nickell and Jimmy Cayne who have over the years proven their worth in spades. Nick and Jimmy are ultra successful businessmen who have risen to the occasion and are hardly representative of what is commonly thought of as a “sponsor” — more than holding their own when it counted.
April 15th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
64 Comments
It appears that the reversal of directors’ rulings (as opposed to upholding them) by appeals committees is becoming more and more commonplace. Who is more competent? Needless to say, it all depends on who is making the ruling and who is serving on the AC. I do not profess to be an expert in either field, but I have had some good teachers regarding the do’s and don’ts in situations like the subject hand. I am not trying to lead the witness, but what options does the sellout seat bidder have?
After the results are in, I will pass on the findings from a fairly recent NABC and you be the judge!
Both sides are vulnerable. The auction has proceeded P P 1S 1NT and this is what ensued: Over the 1NT overcall, the partner of the spade bidder made a fairly halting (but not horrendous) hitch — obviously considering entering the auction — and then passed. The opener was in sellout seat. What would you have done with the following hand?
QJ9XXX KJ KXX JX
Personally, despite my vulnerability I would have chanced 2S originally since I didn’t figure to miss a game opposite a passing partner. This may have ended the auction — but there is no going back. What are the opener’s choices and why? Watch for the answer, ruling and result of the appeal tomorrow.
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