February 28th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
6 Comments 
It is the fourth day of the tournament and we have been playing three sessions a day which is really exhausting for the old folks. We’re taking this afternoon and evening off and trying to relax as it is feels like we’re on a non-stop merry-go-round. Would you believe we have not had a chance to eat dinner like normal people except at The Cut Steakhouse on Sunday evening when we arrived (good food – but exorbitant prices). The starting times are 9:00 a. m., 1:15 p. m. and the evening sessions starts at 7:00 p.m. so you have to either rush through dinner or wait until after the game (not my choice).
I just talked to Jane Rubin who, with her husband Bruce, are Co-Chairmen of this Sectional here at the Flamingo Hotel. They are working non-stop and Jane told me this afternoon it is the first time she has had an opportunity to play. She is also part owner of The Las Vegas Bridge Club where we play Tuesdays and Fridays. A very popular workaholic and a lovely woman!
The bridge administrators (most of whom are new to the Board) did not anticipate the overwhelming attendance here – double what they expected. In fact, at mid-day Thursday, I cannot believe the table count is somewhere around 240 tables short of a record for Sectionals. There seems to be events suitable to everyone as you have a variety of pairs, KOs, regular team games, stratified events, Swiss Teams, etc.
Our last event is a Swiss team starting at 9:30 so I’ve already packed our bags, readying for a morning departure. I suppose they begin so early (and arrange a play-through) — with an eye for many out-of town visitors who can get late afternoon flights and for others who have motored here – to get an early start.
I feel like I’ve been to the Minneapolis 500, but it’s been fun!
February 13th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
2 Comments
We localites are looking forward to welcoming all our visitors to the tournament which is right around the corner (February 25 – March 1) at the Flamingo Hotel. Believe it or not, because of the traffic congestion, Bobby and I make it a practice to avoid trips to the Strip unless it is for a bridge tournament or to pick up some out of town visitors and bring them to the suburbs. You would never know we have an economy problem as Vegas is flooded with visitors from all over the world.
If you are motoring in from a neighboring area, allow yourself extra time as Las Vegas Boulevard is heavily traversed at all times. Once you arrive, unpack and settle in, there is much to peruse and an abundance of dining facilities both at the Flamingo and nearby hotels. Hope to see you soon.
February 11th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
20 Comments
Although I left the East Coast in 2003, I am still in touch by phone or computer mostly with old bridge friends besides more stable and normal acquaintances from all parts of the country not on the bridge circuit. Bobby and I have only attended two Nationals and a few overseas WBF functions in recent years but we have never missed a LV Sectional or Regional and play at a duplicate twice weekly.
I can honestly admit I don’t miss the Nationals. Many directors desperately need better training (not only with rulings but with their personal behavior as well). I believe that just about everything has changed for the worst (not only because of the treacherous U. S. economy) but due in large measure to the drastic descent of the ACBL in representation from some local units and districts which seem to thrive on self serving practices — particularly suggesting legislation that tends to disfavor the future of bridge. This weakness seems to be present from the political head honchos to committees who make rules and laws which, at this time, need major revamping. Add the preceding to nauseating professionalism which seems to be the order of the day. Give me the good old times where the majesty of bridge was the focal interest, decisions made were both impersonal and less biased and the game and its participants were given the respect which they deserve. More offensive to me is the nomination to the ‘MAIN’’ Hall of Fame of sponsors (not particularly skilled in the game) but who have high finishes in major events when they are dragged to the finish line by paid professional experts). .. especially to represent the USA in international events.
I am not alone in my thoughts. I have had many discussions with my bridge buddies and have heard similar stories — particularly about their local clubs. Some of them (even though sanctioned to issue masterpoints) are run like "kitchen bridge" parties — where the clubs are more interested in keeping their regular customers happy and not losing money.
You may be interested in reading "Some Helpful Tips For All Bridge Lovers" conceived by a knowledgeable, well-intended, experienced bridge player versed in the law. It is certainly a step in the right direction and I think we can all learn something from it!
SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR ALL BRIDGE LOVERS
Contract Bridge is a unique game. It is a rare partnership endeavor which in addition to stated rules, also requires strict adherence to a code of conduct which does not violate unsportsmanlike behavior and thus the players are subject to disciplinary penalties determined by unbiased tournament directors (TD) who are instructed to give a Zero Tolerance warning or penalty to serious transgressors.
Behavior which is subject to sanction:
1. Unnecessary rudeness
2. Unjustifiable hostility to the opponents
3. Discernible gloating with the possible intention of making the opponents feel worse after one pair or the other gets a good board.
4. Giving unwanted and unasked for bridge lessons to the opponents
5. Any kind of physical threat or unnecessary disdain directed toward the other side.
6. Excessively slow bridge play, without reason, threatening the whole table falling behind in time, especially when it is determined that no, or very simple real bridge problems are involved.
7. Accusations of cheating intended to intimidate.
8. Ugly talk or profanity directed at the others at the table, including one’s partner.
Bridge behavior which goes over the line of being legal authorized information and thus becomes illegal:
1. Taking advantage of breaks in tempo (BIT) by partner which should be considered unauthorized information (UI).
2. Not disclosing important information to the opponents which could be called Bridge’s Golden Rule: Tell the opponents what you would want to be told about hidden partnership agreements or tendencies which might help them in both the bidding and the play
3. Sending or receiving UI in any way other than during the bidding, making the opening lead and playing the hand to its finish.
4 Going overboard (50%+) to make sure the opponents are privy to what they should know and doing it in an unintimidating manner as well as doing the best one can, to not take advantage of anything that they are not entitled to know such as overhearing the results of a board yet to be played or intentionally or unintentionally seeing someone’s scorecard displaying the results of a board yet to be played.
5. Always trying to enter the correct score and making it a policy of turning in whatever score corrections need to be made regardless of which side, if any, it favors.
6. Understanding that the nature of our partnership game absolutely requires no UI to be passed to partner, but if so, the TD needs to be called to make a ruling.
Bridge was and is always a game for ladies and gentlemen and is expected to be played by actively ethical players interested in keeping all behavior and actions above board and subject to scrutiny. TDs are expected to know the rule book (or be able to read and understand what is being said) and although called to a table, nothing should be felt nor implied of any automatic illegality, but if found and ruled upon should not be dwelled upon afterwards as anything out of the ordinary.
Adherence to all of the above will make it more enjoyable to the field and have everyone playing on a level playing site.
January 23rd, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
17 Comments
The original biblical term included wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony.
The administrators and players of The Dallas Aces attempted to make the team toe the line with a stringent list of unacceptable practices. For a detailed recap of the Aces formation, history, participants, etc. you can find it all delineated in the April 7, 2006 issue of the NABC Bulletin –coincidentally held in Dallas).
Most bridge players (IMHO) overrate their ability, but we each live by our own standards. When the Dallas Aces were in their early years, they made an effort to list what they considered The Seven Deadly Bridge Sins — what we peons would consider no-nos! After this decision was reached, following each event and practice session, they would sit down for several hours at a time and go over card by card and hand by hand, impartially assessing blame if applicable (and double dummying did not enter the picture).
As they depicted them:
1. No-win declarer plays.
2. No-win defensive plays.
3. Bidding without values.
4. System violations.
5. Unilateral actions.
6. Mechanical mistakes.
7. Impulsive actions.
(Nos. 1 and 2 were judged not by the result, but whether the play made couldn’t have been right. Perhaps much of their success was attributable to strict adherence to these principles!)
The next time you sit down to play, keep them in mind and after the game — evaluate your performance.
January 20th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
9 Comments
Bobby was reminiscing today about a bridge incident which occurred long before we officially met. He recounted a conversation that occurred several decades ago where the entries were being sold. An up-and-coming player (who is now world famous – and perhaps one of the best in the world) put out his money for an entry. The director handed it to him. He looked down and politely said, “ I think this is wrong.”
Shocked, the director who had given the player an unseeded entry, turned to him and resented being challenged – authoritatively asking: WHY?
“WHY?????” he retorted. Before she could reply, he added: “I should receive a seeded entry – EVEN IF I WAS PLAYING OPPOSITE AN EMPTY CHAIR!” Bobby never told me what eventually happened (empty chair or a living, breathing mortal). When I learned just whom the dejected player actually was – I couldn’t stop laughing. I won’t reveal the director’s name (a good player in her own right but apparently not up with the times).
I will, however share with you the identity of the brash young contestant. Ever hear of Bob Hamman???
January 5th, 2013 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
1 Comment
I was saddened (though not shocked) to learn about Jimmy’s failing health and eventual death in Marbella on January 3 at the age of 82. I met him a few times at the New York home of his good friend, Edgar Kaplan, with whom he shared a common bond – the love of bridge and their joint dedication to the preservation of keeping it a ‘clean’ and honorable sport. Years later, after marrying Bobby, I saw him more frequently at the various world bridge championships. I will always cherish his special two day visit to Dallas about six or seven years ago to meet with Bobby (who was about to complete his book “The Lone Wolff.”) Jimmy confirmed the famous controversial Burgay Tapes verifying their authenticity via a good friend at the CIA. To most devoted bridge devotees (especially in the expert class) he was revered as The Godfather of the WBF (World Bridge Federation). Jimmy was a no-nonsense person who fought with undying love and determination to protect the game to which most of us are addicted.
Other than his involvement with bridge, I knew little of his other passion: Golf.
I read on the internet of his ‘vision and commitment which saw the Ryder Cup played in Continental Europe for the first time at his beloved Valderrama in 1997.’ In addition to that event, Valderrama hosted a total of 16 important European golf championships between 1988 and 2008 as well as playing two World Golf Championship Events there in 1999 and the Andalucia Masters in 2010 and 2011.
The worlds of Bridge and Golf have lost a devoted supporter!
December 29th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
5 Comments
I was very saddened to learn of Danny Rotman’s recent death. We shared many laughs together.
It immediately called to mind our joint desire starting in the late sixties at a National or international venue to locate the nearest deli. Whoever found it first shared it with the other. I remember while overseas (not sure exactly where or when) Danny was the first to spot one and Norman and I were forever indebted as neither of us (especially Norman – who was a very finicky eater) looked forward to foreign cuisine. Norman’s partner, Edgar Kaplan, picked up on that and used it to good advantage. He went to the deli for a roll of salami. Every time Norman made a particularly good play or bid, Edgar would reach into his pocket, remove a plastic bag with sliced meat and toss a slab of salami across the table to Norman as a reward. From that time on, Norman never went hungry. We all joked about it for years. Funny how certain memories never die.
December 16th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
8 Comments
NORTH
♠ J 9 8 3 2
♥ 8 7
♦ A 5
♣ T 6 5 3
SOUTH
♠ A K Q T 5 4
♥ A 6 4
♦ J 8 4
♣ Q
Here’s one for the books! East opened 4H, South (me) bid 4S, West bid 5D and North closed the auction with 5S. The opener (West) led the DK, covered by the Ace which got ruffed with her singleton trump and East returned the HK, covered by the Ace and she ruffed it with her singleton spade.
So much for drawing trumps!
December 16th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
6 Comments
Re: Insufficient response to an ARTIFICAL PRECISION CLUB OPENING AFTER INTERFERENCE
On Tuesday, December 11th, I wrote to rulings@acbl.com to answer what two knowledgeable directors whom I consulted immediately after the incident advised me was the “proper” director call on the following situation. I wanted to confirm their identically spontaneous views since I received no response from the ACBL on what apparently is a steadfast rule so I am opening it up to the public.
1 Precision Club opening followed by a Weak Jump Overcall of 2D and an insufficient bid of 1H (which apparently means 9-11 HCP and five spades).
The likeable director who handled the ruling did the best he could in a civil, non-confrontational manner and after consulting his rule book, admitted he was not sure but said to continue the auction (and left the table allowing a correction to 2H) and then asked to be called back. He later adjusted the score in an effort to establish equity to the non-offenders (but I was firmly told that his ruling should have had nothing to do with establishing equity).
Is there anyone out there in Director Land who is positive what happens following the insufficient bid?
After the call of 2H was allowed, the opener (who was armed with illegally communicated information) corrected to 6NT which made – while the majority of the field played and made 6S (all of which I am told is totally unrelated to the insufficient call at the outset).
These are the exact facts. Is anyone POSITIVE of what happens after the 1H card is removed from the bidding box?
Thank you!
December 8th, 2012 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
8 Comments
Soon after my return from SF, on December 5th I emailed CEO Robert Hartman expressing great disappointment concerning the ACBL’S handling (or lack thereof) of having a room called The Peter Pender Memorial Vugraph Room as promised through the efforts of our last CEO, Jay Baum.
Within a few hours, I received an immediate response that he would look into it and the next day the following email arrived — reassuring me we will not have a repeat performance at the next National in St. Louis.
“After speaking to a few people here, you are correct that the Pender Viewgraph was not handled well in San Francisco. Rather than go into the reasons why, I would rather focus on how we can be sure this will be handled properly in the future. I can commit to what Jay promised in his original email, which I believe will properly honor Mr. Pender. This includes:
–Large monitors in a high traffic area for players to enjoy the vugraph. Brass plates will soon be affixed to these monitors honoring Peter. There may or may not be audio given the public nature of the space.
–Peter Pender Memorial Vugraph Theatre. The time/location will be publicized appropriately in the Daily Bulletin. There will be signage at the entrance honoring Peter. Please be aware that the size of the room will vary depending on the available space at the playing site. For example, in San Francisco, the room would have been rather small. Audio will accompany the vugraph, provided via BBO commentary.
Thank you for following up with me on this item. I appreciate that you took the time to be sure that we properly honor Peter’s memory.”
I was quite impressed with his alacrity and concern that the problem be rectified. When I next reminded him of the good old days of the vugraph with entertaining people on the mike, he responded:
“If you are interested in helping us secure a good volunteer commentator that will liven up the show, there is no problem having a microphone in the room. This is an area where we’ve had difficulty before as playing commitments seemed to get in the way. At the very least, we will have commentary as BBO currently provides an audio feed to accompany the Vugraph.”
I certainly agree that times have changed and with so many more events made available for our top players to participate in, they may have previous commitments. I agree it will not be easy to recreate the days of Ron Anderson, Edgar Kaplan, Mike Ledeen, Bobby Wolff and many other quick witted and humorous people on the mike, but I would hope the new breed will surface and volunteer.
At least it is a start and a concerted effort on the part of our new CEO. Thank you, Mr. Hartman for stepping up to the plate and trying to make amends to Peter.
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