Unit 206 Chit Chat

Home , Aileen Osofsky, Board (bridge), Ron Smith (bridge), Scissors coup

BRIDGE TIP FOR DECEMBER LIBRARY CORNER

When holding three four-card suits and a single- When to Bid, When to Pass ton, open the bidding 1D. When your singleton is Ron Klinger in diamonds, open 1C. The author divides the book in to three sec- You need 12+ HCP to open with this distribution. tions. Part I covers bidding when there is no interference by the opponents. Part 2 discuss- es overcalls when the opponents open the bidding. Part 3 deals with competitive auctions. In You hold: S. AKxx H. KJxx D. J10xx C. x the introduction, Klinger gives players permis- sion to pass. “Footballers make winning passes Open 1D. and so can you. The aim of this book is to guide you in those situations where the best Eddie Kantar action is inaction.” Among other things he dis- cusses some changes to the old “rule of 20,” www.kantarbridge.com responder’s bids and rebids, and what to do if responder has shortness in partner’s suit. Quizzes at the end of the chapters allow the BRIDGE ETIQUETTE reader to apply what Klinger espouses. Never fear—answers are provided so if the reader Some people have difficulty differentiating between the eight and the can’t figure out what to do, the author helps ace when declarer calls for the card. In order to avoid mistakes and him/her learn while reinforcing the material in help everyone be certain of the call, some will call for the little eight or the chapters. the big ace. Especially in a noisy setting this will assist the dummy and the defenders. Regardless, it is the declarers’ responsibility to be sure the correct card is played. UNIT 206 CHIT CHAT

Volume 6 Issue 12 Publication of ACBL Unit 206 December 2015

Email: [email protected]

KITCHEN CHATS WITH DAN

Hi.

Here we are in December. Hard to believe how fast this year has gone. Sure we have had some difficult issues, but all in all this has been a great year for me as your President. I am so grateful for the help of all of you. Many great things have been accomplished by you.

I am going to limit this letter because I want to focus on two extremely important upcoming events.

First, January 29th through the 31st, Unit 206 is sponsoring a Non-Life Master Tournament. As far as I know this is our first such event. Keith Honnold and Muggs Smith are our tournament chairpersons and are doing an amazing job. In an attempt to involve Cleveland more, we are holding the event at the Holiday Inn at the intersection of Interstate 75 and Shallowford Road near Hamilton Place.

In an effort to attract more players, we are having team events during each session in addition to pair games. The Holiday Inn will not permit us to bring food so I will not be asking you to contribute snacks and desserts, but I do want to ask you for your help. We are trying to make this event as attractive as possible for new players. The cost per session will be held to an extremely reasonable $10. We will be subsidizing lunch in order to offer it at $5.00 each day. Ron and Linda Smith and Bill Adams will be offering mini-lessons at various times. Now for your help:

If you are a Non-Life Master, we really, really need for you to plan on playing. Tournaments are really fun and this is a great way to find out. It would be great if we could make this an annual event, but in order to do so, we must have good participation. Nothing would help more than your playing. There is some concern that I have authorized some expenditures which will make this tournament a money loser. If you could see your way to make a contribution towards the tournament no matter how small it would be a great help. If you have more than 500 hundred master points, you will be ineligible to play, but you could plan on spending some time at the event helping Keith, Muggs and the director make the event go smoothly. It would really be appreciated. Finally, please talk up this tournament. We are going to make this tournament fun for all Non-Life Masters even if they have never played duplicate bridge before. Encourage everyone to come to the event.

Next, on Saturday February twentieth, 2016 we are sponsoring another session of Learn Bridge in a Day. This will be the big one. We are doing heavy advertising through The Mountain Mirror, The Signal Mountain Mirror and The Times Free-Press. We will be contacting Churches and retirement homes. All in an effort to get sixty people to sign up. This may seem like a lot, but Atlanta, Knoxville, Ashville and Nashville have all seen greater participation. We consider our two small sessions to have been a success and the concept is really working elsewhere. Everyone I have talked in other cities have told me that the main key to success is for current club members to promote the concept to their friends. Please join me in asking your friends to consider coming and having a fun day learning our great game.

Have a wonderful holiday season and come and play bridge.

Dan

Fletcher-Ragon Wedding

Nancy Fletcher was pleased to announce the October wedding of her daughter Margaret to Air Force Chaplain Russ Ragon. The happy couple lives in Florida, close enough for mom Nancy to visit all she wants.

Congratulations to both families. LOTS OF FUN LITTLE COST WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE?

It’s time to mark your calendar for all the wonderful holiday events coming up at the CBC. Our first festivity is a fabulous Appetizer and Dessert Party hosted by Suzanne Nichols on Tuesday, December 15. The club will provide beverages and players are asked to bring an hors d’oeuvre or dessert to share. The event begins at 11:30 and the open pair’s game starts at noon. It’s only a mere $6.00 to partake in this fun. Put on your pretty red or green sweater (the one your children make fun of), add your reindeer antlers and just a touch of holly and you will be ready for the next event. Our Christmas Party and Annual Meeting is set for Saturday, December 1 9. Nancy Fletcher has planned a great party. Meat and beverages are provided by the club, and players are asked to bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert. The social hour and lunch will begin at 12:00. Our Annual Meeting will follow including the election of new board members. The open pair’s game is set to start at 1:00. This is always a fun time so make sure you don’t miss out. Again, your cost is only $6.00 And, last, but certainly never least, is our famous (and infamous) New Year’s Eve Gala. Chef D’Vine has a wonderful breakfast planned. To start off the evening, please bring an hors d’oeuvres to share with the group. Social hour starts at 6:00, the open pair’s game at 6:30, and a delicious, gourmet breakfast will follow the game. Again, don’t miss out on this memorable time. Can you believe that you get all this for only $6.00! Check the bulletin boards for sign-up sheets for all these events. Putting down your name and indicat- ing what you might bring helps the host prepare for these parties.

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE

BOOKS BY ONE OF OUR OWN MARILYN SHELTON

Did you know that Marilyn Shelton has been in Chattanooga for a year? Did you know that she has pub- lished four books and has been working on a bridge book, plus two more? There’s a lot to know about Mar- ilyn, but let’s tackle the books she’s finished since she is trying to earn a buck to subsidize her bridge.

These are available on Amazon.com books; search for Marilyn Shelton. If you have an electronic reader, you can download the book for significantly less to free in some cases. You might be able to borrow a copy, but then Marilyn won’t get her buck.

Digital V – This was Harold’s (Marilyn’s husband) original idea. This fast-paced story draws you into the thrill and despair of a team of five: a brilliant surfer who excels at miniaturization; a doll-pretty blonde trash mouth, a software wizard; a button down team leader, should I say more; billionaire nephew of the Shah, holder of nine patents; and the fresh-faced girl-next-door, system architect. They form a start-up and go head to head against the most powerful software corporation in the world. The race is on!

God’s Awful Truth - When eight-year old Pricilla sits in the back of a Huntsville, Alabama city bus in 1955, she learns God’s awful truth: The back is reserved for the colored folks and the front is where the white folks belong. Go to 1958, the summer before the seventh grade. Pricilla and four friends find a skull in a well. In search of answers, they deal with murder, rape, child abuse, and euthanasia. They take a stand about segregation, each in a different way.

Ribbons If you want to get into Marilyn’s head this is the book for you! Really, why would you? Most people hate poetry.

Pepper’s Story - Confessions of her cat. According to a reviewer, Marilyn chopped the fingers off her cat, which is beyond cruel! But she insists that there is another side. Pepper confesses her scratching addiction, just like all those people who show up day after day to play cards.

Roadmap to Advanced 2/1 - This document consolidates advice of two Grand Masters and will eventually record the system Marilyn and Suzanne use when complete: 2-way new minor forcing, a 2NT rebid system that covers any hand pattern or point count, no trump conventions and extended Flannery. The appendix will contain a few obscure but useful tools such as ACOL 4NT, a challenging Jacoby 2NT and while compli- cated, an elegant Puppet Stayman that addresses all possibilities.

IN PROGRESS The China Exchange - Marilyn is working on a thriller about the launch of a Chinese satellite with stealth ballistic missiles, and the US’s attempt to defuse a world takeover.

The Butcher (working title, ideas are welcome for other titles) - If you hate dentists, you will love her book about a serial killer dentist who practices his methods on transients. CHATTANOOGA SPECIAL GAMES IN DECEMBER

Hi everyone, Hope you are having a great holiday season. There are quite a few special games coming up for this busy December.

Special Games:

STaC Week - ALL SILVER points!!!! December 14- 20, Games $6 unless Christ- mas parties.

Tuesday AFTERNOON, December 15th $5 special "giving back to our players price", STaC. Wine and Cheese (please bring appetizer or desert) 12:00 Game time (snacks before and during)

Saturday Afternoon, December 19th Christmas Party and Annual Meet- ing, $5 "giving back to our players price", STaC. Social hour and dinner begin at noon. Election of officers at 12:30 pm. Game time 1:00 pm. Sign up to bring an hors d’oeuvre, vegetable, salad or dessert. We REALLY need you to sign up to get the correct head count for food.

Sunday Afternoon, December 20th, STaC, 1:30 pm Game time, $6.

Monday MORNING, December 21st ACBL-Wide International Fund Game #3 8:30 am breakfast, 9:00 am Game time $6

Christmas Day, no game at the Club.

Thursday Evening, December 31st, New Year's Eve Party, $5, Appetizers at 6:00 pm. Game time 6:30 pm. Breakfast following the game at appx 10:30 pm. Bring a snack to share. Breakfast, including champaign, $2. Please sign up for breakfast so we buy the appropriate amount of food.

See you soon! Myra

NOVEMBER HIGH GAMES NOVEMBER SPECIAL Open GAMES Myra Reneau/John Friedl 67.50% GNT

NLM Dan Chandler/Buddy Landis Keith Honnold/Robert Berghel 78.50% Elliot Gillispie/Jack Gillispie 88 pts

99er ACBL Wide Charity Dennis Murphy/Diane Young 69.05% John Friedl/Larry Reneau 69.68% Club Manager’s Report and Requests

Hi everyone, It has been a great 2015! I hope everyone has enjoyed the year and is looking forward to 2016. We have lots of things planned at the Bridge Club. First to mention, is the continuing Grand National Team Qualifying (abbreviated GNT Q) games at the Bridge Center. We have had a few since September but look forward to at least one more each month in the next 4 months ahead. If you are not sure what these are they are local level Team Games. If you plan to play in the next level, then you MUST qualify at a local club. It does not have to be our club but I am assuming it is the most convenient for everyone. Everyone seems to love the team games as we have very large attendance. For the team games, please come with a team and sign up in advance as this helps the Directors tremendous- ly. These games require careful directing.

Throughout the year, as usual, we will have Senior Game, North American Pairs (NAP) Qualifying games, The Longest Day (which is on a Tuesday this year), Instant Match Point, Charity games, Club Appreciation games, October Gold point games, parties, and the list goes on…. I hope you have plans to play in lots of these games. I do issue a challenge to some of the groups: Tues/Wed "learners" try the Friday afternoon or Monday night NLM game. Monday nighters - if you aren't already playing in the Open games, please join us. You will continue to advance your game. Also, if there is a person you can mentor that is a great program also and has helped MANY throughout the years. (Boy do I miss Grandma Betty and Cotty!)

One final thought - making boards for each and every game is a real benefit for players as there is excellent hand analysis to be found each day on the Internet. Larry has helped me beyond belief this year as this is an arduous and never ending task. I want to personally Thank You Larry! If you would like to help I would welcome that. You need to be fairly computer savvy, detail oriented and have some physical dexterity. Let me know if it sounds like a spot for your skills. I know you are out there………….. :) Berry College. Photo by Myra Reneau Love and bugs, (ask me what that means sometimes)

ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION DECEMBER 19TH AT 12:00 PM At the annual meeting we will be electing 3 people to join the Unit 206 Bridge Board. Four people have completed their term and we thank Winnell Goodner, Don Eigenberg, Buddy Landis and Ann Keown for their service. Per an amendment to the Unit by-laws the board is being reduced by one seat this election, so only three seats are available. The current slate of nominees is Buddy Landis, Don Eigenberg, and Winnell Goodner. Other nominees may be made at the annual meeting as long as the individual is willing to accept. All Unit 206 players are eligible to vote. Marti Romenus’ Bridge Boot Camp at Capon Springs Resort & Farm, WV (August 30-September 5, 2015)

(Attended by Sharon Lewis, Holly Randolph, Sue Riddle and Ann Keown)

The reaction from fellow bridge players has been, “What in the world is a bridge boot camp?” and “Where in the world is Capon Springs?” Sharon Lewis said, “I love to travel but really - bridge boot camp at a destination that looks like the set from Dirty Dancing?” There was no AC, one TV, and limited internet and cell phone service. What we found at our bridge boot camp was five days of bridge lessons, playing bridge and wonderful home cooked food. Upon our arrival in Capon Springs, we were greeted by one of the many family members who have owned the resort for the past 80 yrs. To our surprise, we had an entire cottage to ourselves! It’s like a step back in time-flag ceremony each morning, bingo at night, children free to play anywhere, golf, tennis, badminton, and pickle ball. All water at the resort is from the spring that pumps 100 gal per min.

Marti Romenus, along with her husband, owned their own club in York, PA. She has been a national Director, and voted one of the four best teachers by her peers. She also assisted in developing EasyBridge! (a multi-week bridge training program that focuses on student participation in games after just a few lessons). After Edith McMullin retired, Marti became the EasyBridge! Program Director and in this role, she primarily “teaches the teachers.” Additionally, she is a main contrib- utor to VuBridge.com preparing around 19 monthly hands/articles.

She hosts around 15 “boot camps” a year in NY, RI, VT, NH, and Capon Springs and this year, included some Bridge Camps for Beginners. A New Hampshire club asked her to conduct a 4 day “boot camp” at their club around 3 years ago. They “beat the bushes” to get the 36 minimum number of attendees that first year. Subsequently, over 70 attendees signed up-an overwhelming success for this new club!

Her “camps” primarily focus on defense techniques. Two lessons are taught each day with each person playing a hand for each topic. One of the most interesting concepts was “Is the dummy a dump dummy or a trump dummy?” We learned how to determine which scenario it was and to count the points in each hand to become better defensive players. Marti's defense centered lessons included “Lies Granny Told Me (Return Partner’s Lead and Third Man Plays High), Finesses-for Peasants & Children, Visualize to Defeat the Hand, Entries-Guarding Your Resources, and Timing-the Order of Things.” In addition to defense, Marti taught lessons on Balancing, Limit Raises, Preempts, Rule of 20 & 15, Discarding, Bridge Etiquette, and Cheating at Bridge. Marti’s philosophy is “If you are not laughing, you’re not learning” – so it certainly was a learning experience and fun as well. As Sue said, “It’s challenging to explain these topics in detail. You’ll need to attend one of Marti’s Boot Camps to hear more.”

Sharon described her experience by saying, “It was great fun with a comedic instructor who emphasized defense. I didn’t know what I didn’t know until these lessons. Mar- ti taught at a good pace for all levels and now it’s fun to count all points at the table! This week at camp went way too fast. It was a great experience.” Marti’s humor added a lot of interest to the class. Sue said, “What I enjoyed most about Marti was her humorous approach to teaching defense. Marti emphasizes that bridge players must think instead of memorizing. She talked about using all of the information shared during the bidding and lead. What happened and didn't happen during the bidding. I especially love her quote, ‘Look at the Dummy, dummy.’ I would recommend Marti’s Boot Camp to novice and intermediate players. "

Holly Randolph said “The techniques that Marti used and the literature offered made the learning quite fun. She was enter- taining as she taught how to increase knowledge and skill. Personally, I consider myself a newbie, having only recently taken up bridge after many years ago playing “party bridge”. This time I wanted to learn duplicate bridge, to meet new friends and to use my brain in a new way. Being immersed in the weeklong bridge lessons, then playing after each lesson with other campers was a great way to put to play what was taught. This was an opportunity to mingle and visit with the bridge players and learn a little bit about their bridge experiences and bridge clubs. There was a lot of information to take in, but the notebook that followed her lessons will serve as a great resource to review and a great help for my continued learning of this great game of Duplicate Bridge. “

This is my second Bridge Boot Camp - I attended a Bridge Camp last fall in Provi- dence, RI – a beautiful place particularly since it was nearby to Newport, RI. Alt- hough, many of the topics were duplicated at this Bridge Camp, I found that you continue to learn new Bridge skills no matter how many times you cover particularly defensive topics. Being able to dedicate 4 continuous days to bridge lessons without dis- tractions was certainly beneficial. Marti has a unique teaching method that enables her to encourage newer players yet main- taining control of the class. She certainly makes you expand your bridge thinking! The number of repeat attendees, even some who attend 2 sessions each year, is a tremendous statement of her teaching ability. Of the 64 people attending “our” camp, over 25 signed up to return next year. Marti loves “newbies-her babies” and ensures they can play in game situations without being intimidated. Also, it was fun going with 3 great ladies!! (Ann Keown)

Although it was a long trip, the four of us “talked” our way through 3 states, even staying in Charlottesville and visiting Monticello. The conclusion reached by all was how utterly brilliant Thomas Jefferson was-not only in the polit- ical arena but as a gardener and farmer.

We paid no deposits, payments for extras were “on your honor” and included in your final bill. The limited internet and phone access made for a very “peaceful” week. Except, of course, for all the new Defense techniques taught by Marti that were and still are “swimming” in our heads!!

*The costs of the Bridge Boot Camps included all instruc- tion and materials as well as the lodging and all meals. For further information, you can contact Marti at mromen- [email protected].

Tips for the Novice Player

By John Friedl

More about the ALERT!

In my last column for the Newsletter I wrote about when you should alert your partner’s bid. In this column I’ll present some guidelines about how you should make that alert. The first rule is that you should NEVER explain a bid unless and until you are asked by your opponent to do so. Here is an example of what NOT to do: You and your partner are playing a convention known as “Drury” and after partner and your right hand opponent (RHO) pass, in third seat you open 1 Spade. Left hand opponent (LHO) passes and your partner bids 2 Clubs, which in your partnership agreement means your partner has a limit raise (10-12 support points) and exactly 3 spades. You should remove the BLUE ALERT CARD from your bidding box and tap it on the table while saying the word “ALERT.” That’s all – no more, unless asked. What you should NOT do is say something like “That’s Drury” or “That’s a limit raise in spades,” or anything that provides any information about the bid other than the word “Alert.” Of course, if an opponent inquires about the alerted bid, you must provide a full explanation of your agreement. That brings us to the next guideline: when explaining a bid, DO NOT give the name of the convention, but instead give an explanation for what you and your partner agree the bid means. Remember, not everyone plays every convention the same way. For example, some partnerships play that a Flannery 2 Diamond opening bid must be exactly 5 hearts and 4 spades, while others play that it can be 5 or more hearts and 4 spades. If you are asked the meaning of your partner’s opening 2D bid, do NOT say “Flannery.” Instead, say what your agreement is: something like “5 hearts, 4 spades and 11-15 HCP” if that’s your understanding, or perhaps “5 or more hearts, 4 spades and 11-15 HCP” if partner could make that bid with 6 or 7 hearts and 4 spades. When you are asked to explain a bid, do so in a simple declarative sentence. DO NOT say things like “I think it means . . . “ or “I’m not sure, but usually partner has . . .” Just say what your understanding of partner’s bid is. If you’re wrong, that’s a different matter that can be corrected later. But when you say “I think” or “I’m not sure,” you are com- municating your uncertainty not only to your opponents, but to your partner. That’s not information that your partner is entitled to have. It is always best to alert partner’s bid immediately. Sometimes, however, you have to think about it and your right hand opponent has already made her call (a pass or a bid). Now it occurs to you that partner’s bid requires an alert. You should make the alert as soon as you realize this, and if RHO believes her call would have been different had she re- ceived full information about your partner’s bid, the director should be called and RHO may be entitled to change her call (for example, she may be entitled to change her pass to a double if partner’s bid was artificial and conventional and RHO would have doubled for a lead of that suit had she known it was a conventional bid). What if your partner makes a bid and you simply don’t know what it means? If you can’t explain it, you should not alert it. Imagine how much information you are giving YOUR PARTNER when you alert a bid, your opponent asks you what it means, and you respond “I don’t remember.” Just say nothing, and if you missed it, your partner can correct the misinformation after the auction is over. Finally, what if an opponent asks about a bid that you have not alerted? If you know the answer, give the appropriate explanation. If you don’t know for sure, simply say “we have no agreement” or “we have not discussed this.”

OUR BRIDGE LIBRARY

The Chattanooga Bridge Center library was established in 2005 with a donation by Dr. Robert Ling, who gave nearly 100 books as well as the Bridge World journals from 1992 through 2005. The Board of Directors paid for shelving and materials for processing the books. Each year since, the Board has included funds in the budget for the purchase of new books.

Board purchases along with donations from members, including two substantial donations from Sarah Stobbe and Ken Storrs, increased our holdings to over 530 books. During the time the library has been in operation, only 4 books have been declared lost, and one paperback was discarded because it fell apart and could not be repaired.

This year a third bookcase was added, and with the help of Dan Chandler and Don Eigenberg the shelving was moved to the back wall of the center for better access by members. There is now room to grow the library even more. Included in the collection are copies of the newsletters and photograph albums that have been created since the library was established.

At the outset, the board decided not to impose fines or establish limits on the length of time members could keep books. Reminders are sent out periodically if books are kept out more than a few weeks. Members are requested to respect the fact that others may also want to read particular books for which we have limited quantities. A notebook listing our holdings in alphabetical order by author is available at the check-out stand so members can check to see if we own a particular book should it not be on the shelf.

To assist the librarian In keeping up with our holdings, members should always sign the checkout cards with both their first and last names, list the day they check the book out, and provide their tele- phone number. If we all work together we can continue to have what is possibly one of the nicest collections of books available to the members free of charge at any bridge unit anywhere.

A woman was applying for a job as a maid. When asked why she left her last place of employment, she replied: "They paid good wages but it was the most ridiculous place I ever worked. They played a game called BRIDGE, and on my last night there was a lot of folks there. "As I was about to bring in the refreshments I heard a man say 'lay down and let's see what you got.' The other man replied, 'I got strength but not length.' "Another man said to a lady, 'Take your hand off my tricks!' "I pretty near dropped dead! "Just then the lady answered, 'You forced me -- you jumped me twice when you didn't have the strength for one raise.' "Another woman was talking about 'protecting her honour.' "Well, I just got my coat and hat. As I was leaving, one of them said: 'Well, I guess we'll go home, this is the last rubber!'"

INTRODUCING ROBERT AND CHERYL BROWN

ROBERT: Early childhood on a farm in middle Tennessee in the 40's did not provide much exposure to card games except sometimes watching my parents and relatives play Rook on a Saturday night. There was no TV! My dad moved my mom, sister, and me to Oak Ridge, Tennessee early in WWII to work in the atomic bomb program- about which we had no clue! The end of the War sent us back to the farm until the boll weevils ate the cotton in 1949. By this time, I was a 5th grader moving from a two- room school back to Oak Ridge and it's federally funded, multi classroom school system. Talk about a lost ball in tall weeds! Surviving the school intimidations (I was the only kid in overalls), high school graduation in 1957 was a most welcome event! Spending that summer with a teacher and two fellow graduates in California was a true learning experience but did little to prepare me to enter Tennessee Tech that Fall as a prospective engineer. After two years it became apparent to student and faculty that Engineering was not a good career path for me. Learning that Vander- bilt Law School would accept a first year law applicant without a completed degree, I recalibrated my future oc- cupation possibilities and entered law school. This resulted in a degree in 1963 and a clerkship job with a federal judge before reporting for active duty with the Army. Upon leaving the Army in 1966, I was hired by a law firm in Atlanta and I stayed there until becoming corpo- rate counsel for a real estate development company. Real estate was my niche and resulted in my move to Chattanooga in 1977. Along the way, I had two children and a step-son. My son is a pediatric oncologist in Atlanta and my daughter was a bond trader in New York before she retired. I have six grandchildren. There have been a number of lucky breaks in my life, but meeting and marrying Cheryl is the luckiest anyone could ask. She is a partner in the truest sense in life and my favorite at the Bridge Center!

CHERYL: Raised on a dairy farm in Minnesota along with five siblings was a childhood I enjoyed. We all loved the cows and the pastures of rural Minnesota. Active in 4-H for many years I won many blue ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair for 'best in show' with my beloved dairy calves! During the long Minnesota win- ters, we played lots of card games. My parents were simple, hard-working Norwegians and though they both died at young ages, we all had to work hard together. I attended a one-room schoolhouse and had five in my class! Always wanting to become a teacher, following high school I attended Winona State Teacher's College in Winona, Minnesota. My love of reading and children led me to advance degrees in Reading Development and Ele- mentary School Administration. The road to State Higher Education employment for my husband moved us from Minnesota to Florida, then Nebraska and finally to Chattanooga! In addition to raising three daughters, I taught upper elementary and middle school Math and Science classes. Three years after moving to Chattanooga, my forty-eight year old husband died of brain cancer. I continued to teach in Hamilton County Schools. Ten years later, I met and married a second time and after one year of marriage, Jim was diagnosed with cancer and I once again became the caregiver. This led to my retirement from teaching. Some bright spots during these periods of illness and caregiving were the marriages of three daughters and the addition of eight grandchildren! I enjoy walking, wellness, the outdoors, fires on the patio, my grandchildren, and breakfast smoothies!

US: the rest of the story On November 8, 2012, Robert and I met at the downtown YMCA in an exercise class. His second question to me was ”Do you play bridge'? My answer was 'No'. Yet, I agreed to meet him at the Bridge Center the following Thursday night. We thought we could come and observe the game for the evening!! Who comes for their first time on a Thursday night???

Some kind or 'suspecting' player encouraged us to 'just play' that night. I, Cheryl, had never seen a bidding box before though Robert had played several times. That was a memorable evening! I'm not sure John Friedl and Kyle Weems remember their question to me and I have tried to forget it! (Q: what does his bid mean? A: what bid? I have no idea!) But.... Everybody was kind and we came back again! Following our decision to take Saturday morning classes from Bill and the sound advice from lots of friendly folks, we continue to play Bridge! Robert and I were married on November 29, 2013. We enjoy travel together, walking, biking, and the challenge of Bridge! We feel blessed to have the golden years together! We have met so many nice folks at the Bridge Center and though our scores do not reflect constant progress, we mostly enjoy the game!! Thanks to you all for your patience with the Browns! CLEVELAND NEWS

INFORMATION ON UPCOMING DATES

There will be NO game at Fairyland on Christmas Eve, December 24. No decision has been made yet concerning the New Year’s Eve game, Decem- ber 31.

Zero Tolerance: Learning from other sports Part 1 By Simon Cocheme

Aileen Osofsky, chair of the ACBL Goodwill committee and a leading proponent of the ACBL‘s Zero Tolerance initiative, is keen to find out what bridge could learn from other sports, so she invited other sporting bodies to send bridge teams to a special event where they could be observed in action.

The play had already started by the time I got there. The first room seemed a bit rowdy. As I entered, a player got up and ran round the table with his arms outstretched. Then he dropped on to his knees, slid forward a few feet and lifted the front of his shirt over his head. Tournament Director Teresa Moore*, dressed in black and wearing shorts, came over to remonstrate with him.

“It’s the soccer players,” sighed Aileen. “This pair does it every time they make a contract. We’re trying to per- suade them to keep it just for slams. Their other pair are fine,” she went on, “They’ve yet to play a hand. They think passing all the time is a good idea – they say it’s the David Beckham way.”

We stayed to watch the next board. I looked at their opponents. From the white outfits, and the lemon barley water on the tables beside them, I guessed they were tennis players. My suspicions were confirmed when one of them started grunting loudly every time she placed a bidding card on the table. Her partner gave a clenched fist pump and a stifled cry of “Yes!” as his 3NT bid was passed out. The play was somewhat disjointed because the pair of them insisted on touching hands across the table after every trick, whether won or lost. “We would have to have screens in all the clubs to take care of that,” commented Aileen, as declarer won the game with an ace.

I was almost barged over as the new pair came to the table. The ice hockey players had arrived. We went into the second room, which was almost funereal in contrast. The table nearest the door had just finished the bidding as we got there.

Dlr: West Vul: E-W ♠ Q 7 4 2 ♥ 10 7 ♦ A J 5 ♣ K 9 8 3 ♠ A ♠ 9 8 6 3 ♥ K 6 5 ♥ 4 ♦ Q 9 8 3 ♦ K 10 7 4 ♣ A J 7 6 4 ♣ Q 10 5 2 ♠ K J 10 5 ♥ A Q J 9 8 3 2 ♦ 6 2 ♣ — West North East South 1♣ Pass 1♠ 4♥ All Pass

South took a glove off his left hand and put it into the hip pocket of his garish check trousers as the ♠A was led and dummy went down. West switched to the ♦3. A second man, whom I had taken to be a kibitzer, leaned over declarer’s shoulder and pointed at the dummy.

“What are they doing?” I whispered to Aileen. “That’s his caddy,” she answered. “He’s pointing out the best line.”

They finished their consultation. Declarer nodded and called for the ♦A. He then played the ♣K from dummy and threw the ♦6 from hand, exchanging one loser for another. West won the trick but was unable to cross to his partner’s hand and get a spade ruff. Declarer ruffed the diamond return and soon wrapped up 10 tricks.

“A Scissors Coup,” said Aileen. “Wasn’t that neat!”

South smiled at her. “We golfers try to avoid the rough,” he said. “It was just a matter of selecting the right club.”

*Some names have been changed to protect the…

NOVEMBER HIGH GAMES

Cleveland Fairyland Muggs Smith/Frances Pullen 67.00% Teresa Moore/John Graef 68.18% SPOTLIGHT ON Robert E. Rymer

Robert Rymer, a Tennessee native who brought his Southern charm to raise countless dollars for a variety of causes across the country, died Nov. 13 in the Key West home he loved, with his partner of 37 years, John Teets, by his side. He had been in treatment for bone marrow cancer since April, but complications finally took his life at age 67.

Born in Cleveland, Tenn., he was the son of Robert Sr. and Mary Eliz- abeth Hoyle Rymer, both deceased, and the third child after his sister, Malinda Rymer Grosz, of Ocala, Florida and his brother, J. Hoyle Rymer, who died earlier this year. Other survivors include his sister-in -law Sharon Spence Rymer of Key West and DeLeon Springs, Fla., and five nephews and a niece, as well as their children and many close cousins.

Robert was a graduate of the Tennessee Military Institute, where he earned All Mid-South honors in football and wrestling, and Rollins College. An Army veteran, he was also a Silver Life Master in Ameri- Left to right: Robert Rymer, Sharon Rymer, 2 can Contract Bridge League ratings. nephews, Hoyle Rymer and John Teets

After college, he went into banking in Cleveland, where he began charitable work with the American Heart Association and Junior Achievement.

Seeking greener pastures, he moved to Chicago in 1975, where he opened an import-export business. That business eventually became his signature gift store Robert's on North Halsted Street, opened in its early days of the busy retail and enter- tainment district's redevelopment. Later, he opened on Walton Street and after a successful Gold Coast run, closed that business when the building was demolished for the site of Bloomingdale's. Then he joined his friend Stevie Ball to operate a custom carpeting showroom in the Merchandise Mart that counted Hyatt Hotels and United Airlines among its customers.

In 1990, he and Stevie co-chaired the first major benefit for Chicago House, then a struggling AIDS-service agency, bringing Mayor Richard M. Daley to his first black-tie event for such an organization. Given his business acumen, Robert made sure he found the right underwriters for the benefit so every dollar raised went directly to clients. In subsequent years, his service on the agency's board helped move Chicago House into the black, providing care for hundreds of men, women, children and families affected by HIV.

He charmed his way into his adopted city's social scene, and at one point a Chicago Magazine cover story named Robert and John among the city's most interesting couples: "Smart AND nice."

The two met in 1977 and clicked instantly. At the time, John was working for The Chicago Sun-Times and came out by introducing Robert as his significant other. Co-workers were wonderfully accepting, but the law was another matter. The two finally were able to marry in 2014 at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington with their friends Ben Keyser and Ken Cagle, also of Cleveland, taking vows at their side.

They retired to Holly Hill, the former Bowater estate near Cleveland, in 1994 and quickly started raising money for charities ranging from the Cleveland Public Library to the Museum Center at 5ive Points. Seeing the need for rural HIV services and awareness, he helped found Nan- cy's House, and he and John used Holly Hill as the venue for a series of events that kept the agency alive with private support until it gained United Way certification. An eager and graceful host, he also made Holly Hill the scene of countless dinners, receptions and parties for family and friends. Restoring the estate's gardens became a full-time Left to right: Ben Keyser and Ken Cagle, John Teets delight. and Robert Rymer

Avid travelers, the couple circled the world, from safaris to tortoise-watching in the Galapagos and long road trips throughout Europe. They began visiting Key West in the '90s, and finally renovated a cottage in Old Town, where they settled a decade ago.

On the island, Robert's charitable impulses turned mostly to Equality Florida, working to secure equal rights for all throughout the state, and the South Florida Sym- phony Orchestra, which dedicated its season-opening concert to his memory the day after he died.

There will be no services, and informal gatherings to celebrate his life will be an- nounced at later dates. Those wishing to remember him are asked to give to the Cleveland Library's Leah F. Hoyle Fund, founded in his grandmother's memory, at 795 Church Street NE, Cleveland 37312; or, in Key West, to the Xena Fund or Sister Season.

Southeast Tennessee NLM Sectional (Non-Life Masters 0-500 MP) January 29-31, 2016 Holiday Inn Chattanooga — Hamilton Place 2232 Center St. Chattanooga, TN 37421 (423) 485-1185 Tournament Co-Chairs Bridge room rate is $89.95 plus tax Partnership Co-Chairs

Keith Honnold 423-762-0798 Use discount code "CBC" Iris Abelson 423-488-3851

[email protected] [email protected] Muggs Smith 423-284-1032 Guaranteed partner for each session! Kay Martin 423-284-8391 [email protected] [email protected]

Friday, January 29th* Games at 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM 99er Pairs (100/50/20) every session NLM Pairs (500/300/200) every session Saturday, January 30th* Games at 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM 99er Pairs (100/50/20) every session NLM Pairs (500/300/200) every session Stratified Swiss Teams every session Sunday, January 31st* Games at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM Stratified Charity Swiss Games for ACBL’s Junior Fund Games for both sessions

*All Sessions above are single session events Free Directions: educational sessions each evening at 6:30 PM. I-75 Northbound: Take exit 5 towards Shallowford Rd. Turn le from the exit, cross the interstate, and look for Speakers are Bill Adams, Linda and Ron Smith Center St on the le. Turn on Center St. and continue until you see Holiday Inn located by CarMax. Why You Should Attend: Tournament Information: To get silver masterpoints $10 entry fee per person per session To get tournament experience $3 additional fee per person per session for non or unpaid ACBL members To improve your game 0-10 MP play free Fri/Sat afternoon To meet other new bridge players Lunch will be available on-site for $5.00 each To have a lot of fun!

You do not need to be an ACBL member to play