Monday, Nov 5 1:00 Charity Open Pairs 7:00 Charity Open Pairs 7:00 Bracketed Open KO’s, Round 1 (cont’d Tues. 9:00 am, 1:00 & 7:00) Tuesday, Nov 6 9:00 am Morning Side Game Series (1 of 5) 10:00 am & 3:00 Stratified Senior Pairs (two-session event) Hosts 10:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) Bob Parlin 1:00 & 7:00 Primetime KO’s I, Rounds 1 & 2 (cont’d 1:00 & 7:00 Wed.) 239-774-1139 1:00 & 7:00 Stratified Open Pairs (two-session event) Jayne Thomas 1:00 Side Game Series I (1 of 6) 3:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) 813-727-5796 7:00 Side Game Series I (2 of 6) [email protected] 7:00 Stratified Swiss Teams (single-session) Wednesday, Nov 7 Partnerships 9:00 am Morning KO’s, Round 1 (cont’d 9:00 am Thu., Fri., Sat.) Betty Grandoff 9:00 am Morning Side Game Series (2 of 5) 727-669-5283 10:00 am & 3:00 Stratified Senior Pairs (two-session event) [email protected] 10:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) 1:00 & 7:00 Primetime KO’s II, Rounds 1 & 2 (cont’d 1:00 & 7:00 Thu.) Unit 128's Great Hospitality 1:00 & 7:00 Stratified Open Pairs (two-session event) 1:00 Side Game, Series I (3 of 6) 3:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) STRATA 7:00 Side Game Series I (4 of 6) Open & Senior Events 7:00 Stratified Swiss Teams (single-session) A=2000+ B=500-2000 C=0-500 Thursday, Nov 8 I/N Events 9:00 am Morning Side Game Series (3 of 5) A=100-200 B=50-100 C=0-50 10:00 am & 3:00 Stratified Senior Pairs (two-session event) 10:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) DIRECTIONS 1:00 & 7:00 Primetime KO’s III, Rounds 1 & 2 (cont’d 1:00 & 7:00 Fri.) (Hotel is on the Oceanfront) 1:00 & 7:00 Stratified Open Pairs (two-session event) 1:00 Side Game Series I (5 of 6) 3:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) From I-95 Northbound or 7:00 Side Game Series I (6 of 6) Southbound: Take Exit 87 7:00 Stratified Swiss Teams (single-session) East to A1A. Head north Friday, Nov 9 approximately 1.2 miles. 9:00 am Morning Side Game Series (4 of 5) Hotel is on the right. 10:00 am & 3:00 Stratified Senior Pairs (two-session event) 10:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) 1:00 & 7:00 Primetime KO’s IV, Rounds 1 & 2 (cont’d 1:00 & 7:00 Sat.) From US-1 Northbound or 1:00 & 7:00 Stratified Open Pairs (two-session event) Southbound: Take 1:00 Side Game Series II (1 of 4) Seabreeze/Mason East to 3:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) A1A. Head south approxi - 7:00 Side Game Series II (2 of 4) 7:00 Stratified Swiss Teams (single-session) mately 50 yards to hotel on Saturday, Nov 10 left. 9:00 am Morning Side Game Series (5 of 5) 10:00 am & 3:00 Stratified Senior Pairs (two-session event) From I-4 Eastbound: Take 10:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) 1:00 & 7:00 Primetime KO’s V, Rounds 1 & 2 (cont’d 10:00 am & 1:30 Sun.) US-92 Northbound exit east 1:00 & 7:00 Stratified Open Pairs (two-session event) through the business district 1:00 Side Game Series II (3 of 4) to A1A. Head north approxi - 3:00 Intermediate/Novice Pairs (single-session) mately 1.2 miles to hotel on 7:00 Side Game Series II (4 of 4) right. 7:00 Stratified Swiss Teams (single-session) Sunday, Nov 11 Swiss Teams are playthrough 10:00 am Stratified Open Swiss Teams 10:00 am Stratified Senior Swiss Teams 1:30 Single Session Stratified Swiss Teams If attendance warrants ALL TIMES ARE PM UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE MONDAY December 31 Win-an-Entry Kickoff Pairs 1:00 EXTRA! Orlando Bracketed Open KOs 7:30 Charity Pairs 7:30 TUESDAY January 1 Brktd KOs (continued) 9:00 1:00 7:00 EXTRA! N ew Year’s Morning Fast Pairs Series 9:30 Stratified Senior Pairs 10:00 3:00 Special Events! Stratified Open Pairs 1:00 7:00 50/100/300 I/N Pairs 1:00 7:00 Tuesday-Wednesday Brktd KOs 1:00 7:00 Orlando New Year’s Regional Regional Side Game Series I 1:00 7:00 Stratified Open Swiss 7:00 WEDNESDAY January 2 ACBL TAP Course Morning KOs 9:00 December 31 - Morning Fast Pairs Series 9:30 Become an ACBL Certified Bridge Teacher Stratified Senior Pairs 10:00 3:00 Stratified Open Pairs 1:00 7:00 (10 Hours Total) January 6, 2008 50/100/300 I/N Pairs 1:00 7:00 Three Sessions Tuesday-Wednesday Brktd KOs (cont) 1:00 7:00 Wednesday-Thursday Brktd KOs 1:00 7:00 Teacher: Pat Harrington Registration Contact: Side Game Series I 1:00 7:00 Celia Phillips Stratified Open Swiss 7:00 Friday, January 4, 2008 THURSDAY January 3 [email protected] Morning KOs (continued) 9:00 9:00 a.m. to noon 321-956-9208 Morning Fast Pairs Series 9:30 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stratified Senior Pairs 10:00 3:00 Stratified Open Pairs 1:00 7:00 Price: Easybridge! Pairs 1:00 50/100/300 I/N Pairs 1:00 7:00 Saturday, January 5, 2008 $50 for Unit 240 members Wednesday-Thursday Brktd KOs (cont) 1:00 7:00 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $100 for non-members Matchpoint Results Posted Daily Thursday-Friday Brktd KOs 1:00 7:00 Side Game Series I 1:00 on the Internet Side Game Series II 7:00 Stratified Open Swiss 7:00 Swiss Team Games Seeded for First Match FRIDAY January 4 Buy One Get One Free ACBL Teacher Accreditation Program Morning KOs (continued) 9:00 Morning Fast Pairs Series 9:30 Everyone wins Monday afternoon! Newcomers & Intermediate Program Stratified Senior Pairs 10:00 3:00 Stratified Open Pairs 1:00 7:00 Play in the afternoon game, get a free entry for a with Expert Lecturers 50/100/300 I/N Pairs 1:00 7:00 Thursday-Friday Brktd KOs (cont) 1:00 7:00 single session the next day. Free Parking Friday-Saturday Brktd KOs 1:00 7:00 New Year's Eve Side Game Series II 1:00 7:00 Stratified Open Swiss 7:00 Fireworks, champagne & hors d'oeuvres Spectacular Fireworks at Mini Vacation Give Away New Year’s Eve Soirée SATURDAY January 5 Morning KOs (continued) 9:00 Morning Fast Pairs Series 9:30 Win a 3-day/2-night stay at any luxury Stratified Senior Pairs 10:00 3:00 Lake Buena Vista Palace Stratified Open Pairs 1:00 7:00 LXR Resort. Call before November 30th for 50/100/300 I/N Pairs 1:00 7:00 Expert Speakers: bridge rate of $119 (single/double) Friday-Saturday Brktd KOs (cont) 1:00 7:00 Lectures at Noon 1900 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 Compact Knockouts 1:00 7:00 – Enjoy Mike Cappelletti, Sr., Jeff Hand Side Game Series II 1:00 7:00 Toll Free: 866-397-6516 and others. SUNDAY January 6 Swiss Team Games Stratified Open Swiss 10:00 Play-through Tournament Chair Stratified Senior Swiss 10:00 Play-through Jane Formet [email protected] 407-649-2022 Stratified I/N Swiss 10:00 Play-through Seeded for the 1st match of each session. Partnerships Bring Your Laptop: George & Julie [email protected] 321-267-6713 Clark Stratified I/N Easybridge! Information A=2000+ A=100-300 A=10-20 Matchpoint results posted online every John Christman [email protected] 407-896-8567 B=750-2000 B=50-100 B=5-10 night. C=0-750 C=0-50 C=0-5 Hotel: Spa, golf, tennis and pool. The most up-to-date version of this flyer is on the Unit 240 Website: Table Fees: $12 for paid ACBL Members, $14 for all others. Parking: www.acblunit240.com September 2007 FREE St. Petersburg Bridge Club Is pleased to present a day with One of North America’s Premier Bridge Presenters Jerry Helms

(“Ask Jerry” from the Bridge Bulletin) To register for the seminar, Who will present two different seminars call 727-544-5040 Or email [email protected] Play of the Hand (9:15-12:15) and indicate your name and phone num - Defense (1:30-4:30) ber and the number attending Tuesday November 13, 2007 St. Petersburg Bridge Club is located at 8800 49th St. N. Suite 110 Each seminar will include Jerryʼs presen - Pinellas Park Florida 33782 tation and a bonus “Ask Jerry” period for From I-275, take Exit 28 and drive west your questions. on Gandy/Park approximately 1.5 miles Cost of each seminar is $40 to 49th St. N. Attend both seminars and enjoy lunch for Turn north (right) on 49th St. N. $75 Go to www.stpetebridge.org for info8r8m0a0tioisn3/o4nmiflueturpe49stehmoinatrhse lweiftth. Jeff Meckstroth (January 8), Larry Cohen (January 25) and Audrey Grant (March 1). REMEMBER November 1-30 November 26 GNT Qualifying ACBL-wide Charity Game #2 November 12-18 December 1-31 Unit 240 & Unit 102 STaC GNT Qualifying November 25 December 10-16 Unit 128 Swiss Unit 128 STaC

FOUR TIMES AS NICE

Playing in the Swiss team dur - Helen Shanbrom won all four ing the District 9 STaC week, at matches and did not losFeoouner Temple Sinai, Boca Raton, in a sIMhPutoinuts24in bfoaurrdsro. unds! 32 team event Jay Cohodes, Rick Gross, Marty Robins and

www.District9ACBL.org 7 I NSIDE T HIS I SSUE . . . President’s Message by Jeff Overby 8 INDUCTED District 9 Update by Shirley Seals 10 INTO THE ACBL BRIDGE Jeff Overby, District 9 President Directors & Advisors 11 [email protected] Speaking of District 9 12 HALL OF FAME As you are reading this you should be headed out the door to attend the last Mike Becker was elected to the District Board Members 13 ACBL Hall of Fame full Regional of the year, held in Daytona Beach at the Daytona Plaza Resort and Older or Wiser by Larry Cohen 14 Spa, November 5-11. in 2006 and induct - The Contract is 4 f…What is Your Plan? ed at the annual If you have not made your reservations to attend the first Regional of 2008, by Jon Shuster 16 you should know that the room block expires this month. The Orlando Regional ceremonial dinner A Bid or Not a Bid?…That is the Question will be hosted at a new hotel, The Lake Buena Vista Palace. It is located only a held last year in by Harry Falk 18 Chicago at the short distance from where the tournament was held in 2007. Please also note Unit 102 23 the new starting date: December 31,2007. The new hotel was unable to accom - NABC. . . . Page 20 Unit 128 29 Cover photo courtesy of the ACBL Bulletin modate the tournament one week later, so the Orlando Unit 240 decided to Tournament Calendar 32 forge ahead with a New Year's eve soiree. The tournament will be held Dec 31- The Sunshine Bridge News is mailed six District 9 Rank Changes (August) 40 times a year to households of paid-up Jan.6. This tournament is one of the largest offered in District 9 and players can members of District 9 of the ACBL. The enjoy bringing in the new year in Orlando. Unit 219 43 mailing list is prepared about a month Your District Board has been looking at the schedule of events offered. Please District 9 Rank Changes (September) 48 before the publication arrives in your mail - box. Mailing is by bulk mail. tell us if you like or dislike the starting times and the events. Many are enjoy - Unit 240 51 ACBL members of other districts and ing the Swiss teams at night during the week and the new knockouts which Unit 243 56 non-members residing anywhere in the U.S. may subscribe. start each day.If you are enjoying the schedule and/or times, it is important that Subscriptions to the SBN are available at you let your Unit and District Board members know. All of their addresses are a cost of $15 for six consecutive issues. A contained in each issue of the Sunshine Bridge News. check made out to Sunshine Bridge News Tournaments should be sent to Shirley Seals, P.O. Box Your District tournament scheduling committee has been very busy process - 1534, Ponte Vedra, FL 32004 with address ing all the sectional tournament requests. Their job is a thankless one, ably DAYTONA REGIONAL 2 information. Subscription issues will be mailed by first chaired by Shirley Seals. This committee balances all the requests for tourna - ORLANDO REGIONAL 4 class mail, a few days after the full District 9 ments, with the ability of staff to cover each one, and at the same time mini - mailing list goes to the Bulk Mail Office for SARASOTA-MANATEE REGIONAL 6 mize the negative impact that sectionals have on club games and on each distribution. Address changes for subscrip - tions may be sent by email to Shirley at other...In Florida, one can play in a sectional event almost every weekend. Sarasota Sectional 27 [email protected]. I hope that we can soon offer a survey to our readers to find out exactly what Lake Park Sectional 36 you like and don't like about the District, its publication, and our tournaments. ©2007 by Sunshine Bridge News (aka St. Augustine Sectional 37 ACBL District 9). All rights reserved. Prizes will be awarded to a number of players that complete the survey. Look Contents of this magazine may not be for it in the next issue. In the meantime, feel free to continue to share your con - Clearwater Sectional 38 reproduced in any manner without writ - ten consent from the publisher. Mention structive suggestions with me and other members of the District Board and Marie Thompson/Lake Park Sectional 39 of any product does not constitute your own Unit Board members. endorsement by the SBN. The publisher Vero Beach Sectional 54 assumes no responsibility for return of verby unsolicited manuscripts, photos, art, or J. Jefferson O Pompano Beach Sectional 59 cartoons, and reserves the right to reject any editorial or advertising materials. Posnack JCC Sectional 63 8 ACBL - District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 9 OFFICERS Shirley Seals, District 9 Director• [email protected] JEFF OVERBY ** BILL RAULD ** SHIRLEY SEALS ** District 9 President District 9 Vice President Charity Chair, Secretary, GOOD NEWS FROM ACBL and former Washington Post columnist, P.O. Box 429 1317 N.W. 124TH Avenue Treasurer and District 9 Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 Insurance Policy Renewed was a featured speaker for ACBL. Key West, Florida 33041 Director Phone: 305-219-2800 P.O. Box 1534 The Insurance policy that covers Policy Changes Fax: 305-296-0207 [email protected] Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004 Directors and Officers of ACBL Districts There has been a Policy Change in [email protected] Tournament Director Status. (The entire Home Ph.: 904-285-7767 and Units has been renewed for another Mobile Ph.: 904-563-0470 year at a cost of approximately $120,000 change in policy can be read on the District Fax: 904-285-7783 to ACBL. This is a saving of $15,000 each 9 Website as part of Jay Baum’s CEO [email protected] year to our District and a savings of $850 report dated May 2007.) to each Unit. This policy covers In brief, this may change the way **VOTING MEMBER Units/District Directors and Officers, as Sectional and Regional tournaments are well as committee/volunteer members for charged for the service of Tournament ADVISORS actions taken in that capacity. The policy Directors. Overtime may be due directors STEVE WARNER ELLIE HANLON PATTY JOHNSON does not cover physical injury or damage; for hours worked beyond 40 hours per Recorder Disciplinary Chair Director in Charge however, it does cover slander and libel. week. This will not affect charges in 2007, 1730 West Oak Knoll Circle 73 Cinnamon Place 4506 Leucadendra Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324 Tequesta, Florida 33469 Sebring, Florida 33872 Notice to all Units but increased charges for Directors at our Home Ph.: 954-472-7972 Home Ph.: 561-744-4670 Home Ph.: 863-385-2795 Be sure your IRS form 990 is filed in a Sectional and Regional tournaments will [email protected] Mobile Ph.: 561-339-7605 Fax: 863-385-8731 timely manner. It is important to stay in most likely occur in 2008. [email protected] [email protected] strict compliance with all laws pertaining Also, beginning in 2008, STaCs will be to not-for-profit (501©4) organizations. run by three DICs (yet to be named) locat - PUBLICATION STAFF While no taxes will be due, non-compli - ed from coast to coast. I have voiced my RUTH HOWARD THERI ANDINO MURIEL ALTUS ance will be dealt with in a very strict man - strong objection to this new poli - Unit 102 Liaison Unit 219 Liaison Communications Chair ner and can lead to organizations losing cy…stating that the “DICs in 4060B Carlton Inlet Drive 3279 John Hancock Drive 2301 Lila Lane their non-profit status. Florida/District 9 provide an excellent level Bradenton, Florida 34208 Tallahassee Florida 32312 Tampa, Florida 33629 of service that cannot be matched by a DIC Phone: 941-746-4999 Mobile Ph: 850-519-1654 Phone: 813-251-0315 ACBL May Relocate Mobile Ph: 941-539-1912 [email protected] [email protected] The building housing the ACBL head - who does not know the clubs and their [email protected] quarters on Airways Boulevard has been needs within our District” . I have been told JUDY SCHORNER sold and ACBL has become a tenant on a that this new STaC procedure will save MARSHALL HALL Unit 240 Liaison JOSEPH L. CLARK temporary basis. Preliminary work is in ACBL $200,000 annually…but I feel that Unit 128 Liaison 150 S Camelia Court Creative Director/Production Mgr. Vero Beach, Florida 32963 progress for possible relocation options. our STaC table count will suffer…thus 764 NE Harbour Drive 115 South Duncan Avenue Boca Raton, Florida 33431 772-234-7323 Clearwater, FL 33755-6408 Marketing costing ACBL money, rather than creating Phone: 561-367-9080 [email protected] Phone/Fax: 727-298-0938 Things have been rather slow this year in a savings. [email protected] [email protected] the Marketing Department and the search I have talked to many of you who will be DOLLY DELLON continues for a Director of Marketing. attending the NABC in San Francisco in Unit 243 Liaison November. District 9/Florida is always well 5602 White Cedar Lane ACBL promoted bridge and membership at Tamarac, Florida 33319 the Annual AARP “Life at 50+” convention represented at our National Phone: 954-484-5006 in Boston. This year ACBL member Bob [email protected] Levey, an award winning talk show host

10 ACBL - District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 11 MURIEL ALTUS CHRIS KINDT BETTY SANDIFER Unit 128 Unit 240 Unit 128 Muriel Altus, Communications Chair • [email protected] Communications Chair 1118 Lake Willisara Circle 108 Sea Duck Drive 2301 Lila Lane Daytona Beach, FL 32119-8773 Owen, and you can type from Orlando, Florida 32806-5581 Home Ph.: 386-304-9678 Sometimes I Tampa, Florida 33629 Home Ph.: 407-649-2022 September 17, 2007 to September 17, Home Ph.: 813-251-0315 Mobile Ph: 386-795-7423 marvel at how [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] much easier my 2007. Now all of a sudden, you'll get life is, having discovered a cell phone. the very article! Anyway, I enjoyed BETTE COHN JANET LAUDENSLAGER JUDY SCHORNER Meeting somebody, asking for help reading it, and I hope you do, too. Unit 102 Unit 128 Unit 240 2712 Orchid Oaks Drive 1029 Delacrois Circle 150 S Camelia Court finding someplace when out driving, Another interesting site I sometimes Sarasota, Florida 34239-6425 Vero Beach, Florida 32963 Nokomis, Florida 34275 even asking a spouse for advice about visit is one called rec.games.bridge and Home Ph.: 941-923-7660 Home Ph.: 772-234-7323 buying something at the super market I've found one or two of YOU out there Mobile Ph.: 941-400-7013 Home Ph.: 941-486-0240 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] all are times when cell phones can turn posting, on occasion. This is a bit trick - a half hour production into a two ier to find for some of us. You can go to HARRIET EATON JEFF OVERBY SHIRLEY SEALS – Unit 128 minute endeavor. groups.google.com/ and muddle Unit 128 Unit 128 Charity Chair, Secretary, I think, though, that the new gadg - 7575 SW 134th Street District 9 President Treasurer and District 9 Director around until you find it. Miami, Florida 33156 & Legal Counsel P.O. Box 1534 et I would miss the most, should it be I actually had never gone there until Home Ph.: 305-223-0940 P.O. Box 429 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004 Key West, Florida 33041 Home Ph.: 904-285-7767 taken away, is my computer. Here's an my brand new computer (running Fax: 305-233-0940 [email protected] Fax: 305-296-0207 Mobile Ph.: 904-563-0470 example of how much easier the 'net Windows Vista) showed up with a [email protected] [email protected] makes my life. Did you see the article Google sidebar that often shows me var - BETTY GRANDOFF BOB PARLIN JAYNE THOMAS – Unit 128 Unit 128 about bridge playing in the New Yorker ious discussions in rec.games.bridge Unit 128 GNT, NAP & NLMP Coordinator magazine on September 17th? I didn't 2588 Laurelwood Drive 16B 8023 Panther Trail, #902 17751A Lake Carlton Drive and I've found some enjoyable discus - Clearwater, Florida 33763 Naples FL 34113-1604 Lutz, Florida 33558 see the magazine, nor did anybody sions. Home Ph.: 727-669-5283 Home Ph.: 813-961-1172 hand me a copy of the article. No [email protected] Home Ph.: 239-774-1139 Mobile Ph: 813-727-5796 Now, back to cell phones. Since so Office Ph.: 239-262-5334 Fax: 813-960-2474 fewer than three friends, however, for - many of us have a cell phone, and [email protected] [email protected] warded me the article in my e-mail. If MARSHALL HALL LINDA PERLMAN since many of us travel to tourna - MARIANNE TIMMONS Unit 128 Unit 128 you haven't seen it, you can go to your Unit 128 ments with a Sunshine Bridge News in 764 NE Harbour Drive 800 Tenth Street local library and ask for that issue of 140 Kendale Drive our car, I'd like to suggest/request that Boca Raton, Florida 33431 Lake Park, Florida 33403 Safety Harbor, Florida 34695 the New Yorker, or you can find it on- tournament organizers put a phone Home Ph.: 561-367-9080 Home Ph.: 561-842-2882 [email protected] Home Ph.: 727-725-3006 line. In fact, if you are not a computer [email protected] number in their ad that will allow play - [email protected] addict or officianado or even a random ers to call on the day of the tourna - CAROL HAMILTON PHYLLIS KAPLAN RANAGAN VIRGINIA WATERFIELD user at home, the library is a great ment, prior to starting time. This can place to begin learning about comput - Unit 102 Unit 128 Unit 219 help if we're lost, or if we need to say, 2976 Heather Bow 2039 Wonderwin Street 4046 Broken Arrow Court ers, by experimenting in their high we're on our way, there's an accident Sarasota, Florida 34235 Port Charlotte, Florida 33948 Destin, Florida 32541 speed connection to the world wide Home Ph.: 941-371-0949 Home Ph.: 941-629-4241 Home Ph.: 850-650-3074 causing delays. Mobile Ph.: 941-685-3754 web. Pager: 941-637-2888 [email protected] Thanks for letting me visit with you [email protected] [email protected] Here's how to find the article, if you're here. curious. Go to www.newyorker.com and PHILIP HEASLEY BILL RAULD LARRY WESTHOLM Unit 243 Unit 243 Unit 219 find the little "search" rectangle. Type P. O. Box 26085 District 9 Vice President 4190 Westfield Road in "bridge". You'll get 100s of articles, Tamarac FL 33320 1317 N.W. 124TH Avenue Pensacola, Florida 32503 Home Ph.: 954-598-4475 Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 Home Ph.: 850-433-4969 but you also get an "advanced search" [email protected] Phone: 305-219-2800 [email protected] area. The author you want is David [email protected]

12 ACBL - District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 13 Older or Wiser? by Larry Cohen AM I GETTING OLDER, OR WISER? ask myself, “What will happen if I The younger they wouldn't be suffi - I get a chuckle when people com - open 1 g with this borderline hand?” are, the more they cient. They hardly plain about getting old. The answers are mostly negative. For bid. This philoso - ever get dealt a Larry Cohen "The alternative," I tell one, partner might lead a club (from, phy isn't restricted hand on which they can preempt. them, "is much worse." say, Kxx, or Axx). That wouldn't be so only to the young--I So, what qualifies me to recom - We are all getting older, good. Even worse, it might be our see many tourna - mend this middle ground? Having of course, but with that hand. What do you think partner will ment players that played all 3 styles (sound, medium, is supposed to come respond? You know how partners bid every time it is their turn. They and aggressive) I can tell you that wisdom. are. Surely, you can look forward to preempt with 5-card suits, and they I've seen it all. I am 100% convinced In bridge, we also get wiser with the pleasure of his 1 e response. Now don't care about suit quality. that "medium" is the long-run winner. age. Youthfulness is usually equated what? The death rebid. You can't Why? If I had to give up "medium," the next- with wildness in the bidding. I used rebid notrump with a singleton, can't Having played such a style (in my best would be "aggressive." I don't to be a reckless preempter. Now, I am rebid your 5-card suit, and can't Marty-Bergen days), I feel well quali - like the pain of enduring the strike - more disciplined. When it comes to reverse into 2 f. You can't pass, so fied to comment. Opening 2 f with, outs, but there are almost as many opening the bidding, I am also mod - you have to make one of those lovely say: homeruns and fun to make up for it. erating my ways. No, I'm not going rebids. Yuk! So, why not show a little e52 In a weak field, especially, aggressive into one of those ultra-sound shells maturity and just pass? I gave it a try. fJ87642 is not a bad way to go. (a la the "Roth-Stone school"). I still (It hurt a little, but I got over it.) hA32 SOUND -- RED LIGHT believe that striking the first blow is What happened next? I actually got g75 As far as "sound,"--count the way to go--I hope I never become to have a good auction. LHO opened is what I'm talking about. Such me out. I have seen first hand a stodgy opening bidder. Still, there is the bidding 1 e, and my partner over - actions certainly can work. You how this is clearly a losing room to learn. Recently, I dealt with called 2 f. RHO passed, and I got to might preempt the opponents (espe - preemptive strategy. Yes, on this hand: make a splinter bid of 3 e. The hand cially if partner can raise) and force the few deals where it comes e5 was off my chest. I had painted a nice them into a ridiculous position. up (you actually get to pre - fQJ42 picture of my shape and strength, Opening 2 f could easily hit a home - empt), you are usually a winner hAK10 and I managed this all without open - run. But, there is the flip side. It can (partner gauges the auction, opening gJ10765 ing the bidding. Had the opponents often strike out. It is a real swingy, lead, and/or defense quite well). In the past, I wouldn't have asked bid and raised spades, I could have "top-bottom" action. However, the sound preempters are "am I vulnerable?" I wouldn't have entered the auction with a takeout I prefer to go more down the mid - losing out big time by not setting cared if it was matchpoints or IMPs. I double, again providing a good dle. I wouldn't open 2 f with that enough problems for their oppo - would have just opened the bidding description. hand, but would do so, with: nents. I love to play against such 1g, and gone on with my life. I have Anyway, I'm still opening light, but e52 (non)preempters. They never get in 11 HCP plus 1 for this, 1 for that-- when awkward hands arise, I have fQJ9842 my way--life is good when the oppo - good enough. Alternatively, the Rule become emotionally capable of pass - hA32 nents are in love with passing. of 20 would dictate opening this hand ing. I hope it doesn't ruin my reputa - g75. (11 HCP + 5+4 in the longest suits). tion. This is still not a good-enough However, a new and AGE AND PREEMPTION suit/hand for the really stodgy crowd, but I think they need to loosen up a If you enjoy Larry's articles, you might like to more mature guideline Another facet of maturity (age?) is join his email list (it is free) at his website has entered my brain. I the development of a sane preemp - little. They would probably need at (http://www.Larryco.com). You'll receive a look ahead to the future. I tive philosophy. least the f10, and maybe even that monthly newsletter to entertain and enlighten you.

14 ACBL - District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 15 The Contract is 4 f…What is Your Plan? by Jon Shuster Hand 1: IMPS, NS Vul, North deals Hand 2: MPs, neither Vul, East deals (b) If the g finesse loses to the K, ing) West bid es so watch the opponents’ count showing no ruff by left hand North North cards carefully. Hopefully, the opposi - opponent will hap - e-AK10 e-Q1085 tion will woodenly return a h, and you pen. Now play the gA and finally pull f-J10 f-K4 will be able to figure out from the trump fK, fA, (they break 4-1 with h-98532 h-A95 opponents’ count what entry to use East originally holding f-Jxxx), and g-AQ9 g-QJ102 last, so East won’t ruff it. If that all exit with a g. You have 8 tricks (1 e, South South happens, you will ruff all five hs, score 2f, 2 h, 1 g, and 2 ruffs) and wait for e-6532 e-74 three minor winners, and the J10 of your f-Q10 over East’s Jx. If you play f-AKQ43 f-AQ10753 fs in dummy. Quite a dummy rever - trump too early, and West holds e- h-None h-K8 sal! AKJx, you go down as you have 3 g-7532 g-A86 Hand 2: If fs behave, you have 10 black suit losers and can’t shorten easy tricks (6 f, 2 h, 2 g). Nonetheless, yourself enough in trump to trap the West North East South West North East South it would be wrong to draw trump, fJ. - 1NT (14-17) P 2h(1) --P1f Dble Rdble PP since in view of West’s takeout double, Dble P(2) P 3f(3) 1 2NT P 3 it is quite possible that East has 4 , Actual West P 4 PP e f f f P 4f PP P P and you may need the f entry to exe - e-AKxx f-x h-Q10xx g-Kxxx cute a trump coup. The hand is friendly, as the eJ falling West led the h2, East plays the J, To prepare for a possible trump gives you the hand even if you pulled (1) Transfer ( e suit is too poor for and you win the K. What is your plan? Smolen or Stayman) Solutions coup or endplay when they break 4-1, two trump early. But that was a lucky lead a low toward dummy at trick 2, fall. If you finesse the third , having (2) Shows doubleton f. For Hand 1 , did you ruff and start e e (3) Could have transferred again, but pulling trump? If you did, you will be and if West (takeout doubler) plays pulled two trump early, you do go chose not to as a void is usually nice set. low, play the Q not the 10. If a e loses down on the actual hand, but make if to be led up to. Ruff the opening lead, and lead a g to East (even the 10 to the K), you will West started with e-AKJx! Why see a return, securing West’s guar - guess? West led the hK, asking for count, to the Q (better than the 9 when West g East followed with the 4. Plan your plays low). anteed gK, giving you three Black suit play. (a) If this holds, you probably have 4 losers and a possible trump loser. If Lesson on these hands black suit winners, and need 6 trump the Q indeed holds, you are playing for Think twice before pulling trump too tricks. After winning the gQ, cash the overtricks. early. Delaying the pull is not always eA and gA, ruff a f, and lead a e to the In actual practice, West wins the eK about ruffing in dummy! K. If this holds, (West has at least 2 and leads the h10, which you win in es), the hand is made. You now con - dummy, ruff a h (first shortening), and cede a black suit loser, and get to ruff play a second e to dummy. West will your 4th card in the suit in dummy. So take the Ace and probably just plays you score 4 black suit winners, one another e (best). You will win the eQ, x ruff in dummy, and five trump. and ruff a e (second trump shorten - 16 ACBL - District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 17 DIRECTOR’S CORNER

A BID OR NOT A BID? . . . the 1 g card, but does not place made, call the Director at once. it anywhere near the table, and For my part, I think that the THAT IS THE QUESTION then changes it to 1NT and bidding box is the best thing by Harry Falk places that bid on the table, In the early 1990's, I attended a to Florida, I decided to make the 1NT bid stands. However, “Under ACBL regulations, North American Championship s my club the first one locally to the removal of the 1 g card a call is considered made with my favorite partner. We use bid boxes for 100% of the from the bid box is unautho - when a bidding card is entered the Red Ribbon Pairs, games. Although the naysayers rized information. The partner removed from the bidding and we started out quite suc - cried that people would never of the 1NT bidder is not enti - cessfully--in fact, after the 1st accept "those infernal things", tled to the information that box and held touching or day of the event, we had quali - many bridge players nowadays partner was thinking about nearly touching the table fied for day #2 as the leaders of wouldn't even know how to bid bidding 1 g and may take no or maintained in such a the event (that was back in the verbally anymore. I can't think inferences from this informa - position as to indicate the days when I knew how to play of a club anywhere in Florida tion. call has been made.” bridge). At the end of the ses - that doesn't use them. A simple rule to follow when sion, the Director-in-Charge of Of course, some of the rules deciding what to bid is the the event informed us that we and laws associated with the one that I suggest when I'm that has happened to duplicate could arrive early the next day game had to be modified when called to the table in such situ - bridge in the 20+ years that I've for a lesson in the use of bid - bidding boxes came into wide - ations. I always ask that bid - been playing. My colleague, ding boxes, since we would be spread use. The first issue was ders think with their minds, not Karl Miller, may not always using them for the finals of the to determine when a bid had with their fingers. Fingering a agree (he's responsible for event. actually been made. bidding box is usually done transporting 300+ tables of bid - This was my first introduction When is a call considered to quite innocently, but this simple ding boxes from regional to to bid boxes, and, after using have been made using bidding act can cause many problems regional). But otherwise, the them for the first session, I boxes? Under ACBL regula - at the table. Please make your introduction of bidding boxes decided that this was the best tions, a call is considered made decisions before touching any has made a great game even innovation since sliced bread. I when a bidding card is removed bidding cards. more enjoyable for the majority loved how they eliminated the from the bidding box and held There's an easy solution to of our players. need for constant reviews of touching or nearly touching the the problem of pulling the And, just in case you're curi - the auction and confusion over table or maintained in such a wrong bidding card. Simply ous, partner and I dropped from what had actually transpired at position as to indicate the call look down at the table after 1st to 24th on the 2nd day of the table. I came home from has been made. So, the act of you've placed a bid on the the Red Ribbon Pairs--darn---it that event determined to intro - removing a bidding card from table. Then, if the card isn't the must have been those silly bid - duce them to my local club and the box does not constitute a one which you think you've ding boxes that caused it. unit--even though they were bid until it has been placed in practically unknown outside of one of the positions listed Harry Falk's web site is harrybridge.com and it contains information about the local dupli - National events. When I moved above. So, if a player removes cates in his area as well as tournaments at which he officiates.

18 ACBL - District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 19 a textbook for success in all his (lunch on the go), an eyeglass kit endeavors. At the table, Mike has (screwdriver, nose pad, lens cleaner), INDUCTED won the , the all manner of golf accoutrements MIKE BECKER – DISTRICT 9's Vanderbilt five times, the (balls, tees, gloves, range finder, bat - four times, this year’s Grand National teries, ball retriever, extra hat, rain NEWEST MEMBER OF THE BRIDGE Teams, and a couple of national pair gear, sunscreen), and for the occa - HALL OF FAME games. The only missing title here is sional woman player in the group--a By Marshall Hall the where he finished sec - tampon.’” Mike Becker was elected to the ond four times, once because his Arnie Malasky–“I played in a ACBL Hall of Fame in 2006 and teammate revoked on the last board. Florida Regional with Mike a couple inducted at the annual ceremonial Away from the table, he was of years ago not having played dinner held last year in Chicago at the President of the Greater New York together since we were kids in the NABC. He joined 80+ other experts-- Bridge Association, Treasurer of the including his famous father Cavendish Club of New York, “Mike has won the B.J. Becker--in this exclusive “bridge Chairman of the ACBL Hall of Fame Bermuda Bowl, the club.” His road to the bridge Hall of Committee, President of the US Vanderbilt five times, the Fame is almost a mirror image of his Bridge Federation (which runs the Photo courtesy of the ACBL Bulletin Spingold four times, this very successful life in business. Tennis • Golf • Bridge • Dinner team trials and sends US teams year’s Grand National While trading options on the In Boca Raton, he is known as “The abroad). He has chaired the Teams, and a couple of American Stock Exchange from 1979 International Team Trials Committee Great Organizer.” He runs the national pair games.” to 1994, he and Ron Rubin (his part - Wednesday Boca Bridge game, a two (which organizes the US Bridge ner in both bridge and business) or three table, $5 an IMP, all expert Championships) for the past 11 60’s. Not only did Mike still have our trained, backed and supervised over team game. It floats between Mike’s years. He is the Problem Editor of the convention card but he was able to 100 games players as options home and those of David Berkowitz, Bridge World’s Master Solver’s Club. recall some of the hands from the traders. Over 50 of those are ACBL Gaylor Kasle and Bernie Miller. He For a fuller perspective on “where scores.” members while 15 of them are ACBL also runs the “South Florida Bridge he is today”, I asked several of those Steve Becker–“We were playing at national champions. Mike and Ron Player’s Golf Tour.” Weekly, he shut - closest to him for quotes and anec - a sectional in NYC (as kids) and sat spotted the relationship between tles up to 16 bridge player-golfers dotes as follows: down to play two older men. At the playing games and trading options – around seven of Boca’s finest country Ron Rubin–“Mike’s golf bag is end of the round South was explain - discipline, focus, “card sense”, the club golf courses. Not only does he almost as famous as he is…It is so ing to his partner that his line of play ability to know how to perform well arrange the foursomes, but he also heavy it takes 2 bag boys to schlep it on the second board had about a under pressure, or when ahead or keeps track of money won and lost …Delivered by Dr. John Griscom at 60% chance of success. As we left behind, or after being lucky or and who hosted whom. He annually Mike's sixtieth birthday party– ‘The the table Mike patted South on the unlucky, etc., and built a trading conducts balloting for the “ Most ‘Bag’ contains enough to respond to shoulder and said 'Actually, it was model around it. In a 15-year period Improved Golfer Award ,” (these days almost any and all emergencies--pain 62.5%.' Later I asked Mike if he knew their traders earned over 100 million it could be retitled the Least killers (Aleve, aspirin, Ibuprofen), who that was and he said no, just dollars. “Deproved” Golfer Award ), and antihistamines (pill or spray), eye - some old guy. I said, no, Mike, that In 1996, Mike retired and he and issues an annual report that includes drops (both allergy and clear), a heat was Sam Stayman.” his wife Judy, and children Andrew several pages of statistics on various wrap (cold ice is in the cart cooler), Dave Berkowitz–“Mike likes to and Lauren, moved to Boca Raton. spreadsheets. bandages (both Ace and Band-Aid), a psych. In the World Championships His business card now reads: Michael Becker’s resumé reads like small first aid kit, a deck of cards (for which he won, Mike and Ron bid to Michael Becker–Professional Retiree. bridge during rain delays), silverware 7NT, doubled, after Ron psyched and 20 ACBL - District 9 www.District9ACBL.org 21