43RD ANNUAL PRESIDENTIAL TOURNAMENT: JANUARY 6-9, 2005 BridgeLeague.or www first bridgeoftheNew ...... ♠ sobriety everyround,too) qualification isnecessary) your scoreseveryround— onesessionevent,sono 43r 43r Jan./Feb. 2005 after FridayNight’ Escape from theHolidays? No worries.... .W Plan toattendtheFREE Need aHoliday ashington d AnnualPresidentialT d AnnualPresidentialT Don't forgetabout your BridgeResolutions ...... ♥ Life Masters g ♥ to playyour to Honor Sunday, January9witha and Noviceevents. Year! Itwill There are bridge you'llhaveplayedinallof2005! be thebest a newlocation. Party Center Ceremony Healthy treats the beltway&muchmore Got NewY s Game Famous WBLHospitalitybyNadine haslotsofparking&roomtoplay New 2 ♥ + . on Saturdaybetween sessions. Panel Show sessions aday, & ChampagnePunchGame W Barometer Pair Friday nightafterthe at the No worries...... ♣ B for youbetweensessionsallweekend. ear's Resolutions The a Satur The completeschedule appearsonpage3. r B s ♣ i Margaret SchweinhautSenior New LMParty full scheduleofIntermediate Ready toBreak'em U & the h d day &Sundaywillbeheldat ♥ ... Cake i g L Thursday, January6through n Trophy RaceAward ♠ e L (check for you g ♦ ournament ournament L E t , easyaccessfrom ♥ o e T a n (check your ♣ ? I g ♠ N u e ? ! .. WBL OMBUDSMAN CONTENTS Any player with helpful director SUGGESTION BOX issues including criticism or praise of Do you have a suggestion that the directing staff may contact the might help to increase membership or Ombudsman, Ann Lindley and be otherwise improve the Washington assured that the source of the informa- Bridge League? Give any and all tion will remain confidential. ARTICLE PAGE ideas to Don Berman, 301-776-3581, Information should be provided in writ- [email protected], 13707 ing and may be handed to her at any President’s Letter ...... by Dick Wegman 2 Engleman Dr., Laurel, MD 20708, or game, or mailed to her at 5740 43rd Annual Presidential Tournament — January 6-9, 2005 ...... 3 www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. Windsong Ct., New Market, MD 21774. 59th Annual City of Washington Tournament — March 3-6, 2005 . . . . . 4 ♣♦♥♠ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ♣♦♥♠ Bits and Pieces... deadline: January 13, 2005 to submit new articles to the editor for the March/April 2005 issue Welcome to the WBL; Bridge & Bowling; Lost & Found; 2005 Unit Knockouts; Sad News; ...... 5 Washington Bridge League BULLETIN (usps #861-240) Club News: Washington Bridge Center: Art Weiss, New Chief VOL. 63, #1 — SUBSCRIPTION $2 PER YEAR FOR MEMBERS OF UNIT #147 (INCLUDED IN ACBL ANNUAL DUES). NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $21 FOR THREE YEARS. PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY THE WASHINGTON Director, Overheard at the Club; Suit Yourself Bridge Club: BRIDGE LEAGUE AT 14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVE, BURTONSVILLE, MD 20866. SECOND-CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT BURTONSVILLE, MD. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE BULLETIN, Not a “Little Game” Anymore! ...... 6 ACBL, 2990 AIRWAYS BLVD., MEMPHIS, TN 38116-3847. ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE EDITOR AT 901 CLIFTONBROOK LN., SILVER SPRING, MD 20905-3711. Congratulation to WBL Member Successes at the Orlando

Editor — Donna Rogall (301-421-9615), [email protected] Fall Nationals; ...... 19 I/N Columnist — Vince Wilmot (301-990-0303), [email protected] Congratulations and Good Luck to the District 6 Representatives Columnists — , Richard Colker, Jim Allen, Barbara Shaw, Leslie Shafer The opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ACBL, the WBL, to the NAP Finals in Pittsburgh ...... 20 or even the editors of this publication. The WBL is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers. WBL Solvers’ Club ...... by Steve Robinson 8 Dick Wegman, President — (301-365-2228), [email protected] Fred King, Vice President — (703-536-1914), [email protected] Thursday Night Unit Game... Steve Robinson, Treasurer — (703-379-4371), [email protected] Richard Ferrin, Secretary — (202-265-0718), [email protected] 2004 Trophy Race Standings ...... by Webmaster, Don Berman 14 0-20 Game & Lesson Thursday Nights, Carpools ...... 14 UNIT DIRECTORS Barbara Ames — (301-977-3465), [email protected] Schedule, Map, Partners Guaranteed, Spare Brains or Muscle? . . .15 Don Berman — (301-776-3581), [email protected] Winston Edwards — (301-776-8511),[email protected] Committe Action XLVII ...... by Rich Colker 17 Dr. Steve Forsythe — (301-592-9177), [email protected] Barbara Summers — (301-598-5838), [email protected] Partnerships and Carpools ...... 20 Ron Zucker — (202-965-3357), [email protected] The Worker Bzzz: Bill Cole, Volunteer Extraordinaire . . . .by Jim Allen 22 SOME KEY VOLUNTEERS A Short History of the Washington Bridge League Trophy Races ...... 24 Nadine Wood — Tournament Chair (301-565-9555) Ann Lindley — Tournament Co-Chair (240-994-8416) NLMasterPointers ...... by returning guest columnist, Leslie Shafer 28 Frances Burke — Membership Secretary (301-384-6103) Ted Ying — Unit Game Chief Director (301-490-3154) Area Bridge Classes — Leslie Shafer’s Classes, January 2005 ...... 29 Michael Carroad — Unit Game Manager (301-322-4289) Charleen Brand — Unit Game Partnerships (301-946-8483) Stepping Up to New Heights ...... 29 Charity Sack — Tournament Partnerships (703-963-7027) Solvers’ Club’s New Problems ...... back cover Kitty Gottfried — Unit Game and Sectional Hospitality (301-587-3981)

WBL WEBSITE: DISTRICT 6 SITE: ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org www.districtsix.org - 1 - PRESIDENT’S LETTER Washington Bridge League Sectional by WBL President, Dick Wegman 43rd Annual Presidential Tournament

5 Thursday, January 6 The finals, other tables, of course, there would be no 0 played this year in November, were a huge 1NT opening, and my hand would wind up 0 ♣ Stratified Open Pairs 2

♥ (unlim/3000/1500/1000/500) ...... 10:30am

success. More than 160 pairs competed in as declarer. 4 played from the West side , Washington Bridge Center, 1620 Elton

the finals, easily the best showing that makes easily because North is unable to 9 District 6 has had for this event in several lead a diamond. Because we had wrong- - Road, Silver Spring MD, (301) 445-0276 years. The winners were: Dave Ruderman sided the hand, our -50 score on 2 6 ♦ StrataFlighted Open Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, and Fred Steinberg in Flight A, Bill Hacker was close to a bottom. Y B/C/D Separate 1500/1000/500) & Stratified and Dan Kasture in Flight B, and Youssof R 199er Pairs (both sites); 0-20 Pairs (Christ the King Church only) A Beth El Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria ...... 7:00pm Seraj and Abdul Etemadi in Flight C. All At the end of the round, my wife, U Christ the King Church, 2301 Colston Drive, Silver Spring ...... 7:30pm winners (along with the second and third Alice, who also uses a 10-13 notrump N place finishers) will represent our region range with her partner, John Glynn, and A Capital Beltway to Connecticut Ave. South. Left on East-West Hwy. Right on Grubb Rd. 1st left

J on Colston. The church is one block on the left. in the Nationals next March in Pittsburgh, who also sat in the same direction, came :

and their trips to the Nationals will be up to me and said “we got a terrific result T ♥ ♥ Friday held at Christ the King Church Only subsidized. Congratulations to all for from using weak NT this evening.” N Party Friday, January 7 doing so well in a very challenging event. “Great,” I said, “on what board?” To my E to Honor New And thanks to Bill Cole and Barb Doran surprise, she said “on Board 2!” At M ♥ StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs

A Life Masters for working so hard to produce such a Alice’s table, the bidding had started just (1500/1000/500) ...... 10:00am, 1:30pm great turnout. as it had at our table: 1NT-P-2♦-P-2♥. N after Friday’s ♠ R Barometer & Champagne Pairs: StrataFlighted A/X But then South decided to compete with Barometer & U (unlim/3000) & B/C/D (1500/1000/500) . . . . . 7:30pm

It’s well known that tournament bridge 3¨. After a double by West, North redou- O Champagne ♣ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20)(single players employ a wide variety of systems, bled, and South chose to sit for it. When T Pairs Game treatments, and bidding gadgets. When the smoke cleared, Alice and John had sessions) ...... 10:00am, 1:30pm, 7:30pm L the system or point range is different scored +1600, for a clear top. Bridge sure A ♦ ♥ I NEW LOCATION ♦ Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center ♥ from that used by a majority of players in is a funny game. T

the field, it can skew the results in one N SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY: 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD: From Beltway exit direction or the other. What’s unusual, Our first sectional tournament of the E Georgia Avenue north (toward Wheaton). Turn right at first traffic light which is Forest Glen. Go D though, is when a system skews the New Year will be held January 6-9, 2005. I .7 mile. Senior Center is the building on your right. results in opposite directions on the very On Saturday and Sunday, we will be play- S

E Saturday, January 8 same board. ing at a new site, the Margaret Schweinhaut New Saturday Start Times Senior Center on Forest Glen Road in Silver R Panel Show & Trophy Race Award Ceremony between sessions On Board 2 from the NAP qualifying Spring. This should be a very convenient P ♣ StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500)(single sessions) . .11:00am, 3:30pm round, as West I picked up ♠Q ♥AKQxx site for most of our players, with plenty of L ♦ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100) (single sessions) ...... 11:00am & 3:30pm ♦K10xxx ♣xx. My partner (Dave Abelow) parking and very comfortable playing A ♥ Newcomer Pairs (50/20/5) (single sessions) ...... 11:00am & 3:30pm U opened 1NT. He and I play a 10-13 point space. On Saturday, we will again feature a N New Sunday Start Times Sunday, January 9 range (not vul) for our 1NT opening, panel discussion between sessions with a N ♠ A/X Swiss Teams, VPs (unlim /3000, 7 round playthru w/short break) ...... 11:00am & TBA which most of the field does not play. I panel of experts who will go over the hands A ♣ B/C/D Swiss Teams, VPs (2000/1000/500, 7 round playthru w/short break) . . . .11:00am & TBA transferred into , then bid dia- and answer any questions you may have. ♦

D 300/100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:00pm monds, and we ended up at 4♥, played And of course we will have lots of hospital- R ♣ Full Schedule of Intermediate and Novice Events ♥ from the East side. Unfortunately, South ity, provided by Nadine Wood and Kitty 3 I/N events: 0-5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300; Stratification at Director’s Discretion. ♦ ♦ held AJxxx, and after my 3 bid he Gottfried. 4 Famous Washington Hospitality includes snacks, drinks and lunch free of found the killing lead of the diamond ace. charge on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between sessions. Chair: Nadine North, who was in , ruffed It should be a great tournament. I hope Wood, 301-565-9555, [email protected], Co-Chair: Ann Lindley, 240-994-8416. Volunteer the second trick, returned a club to his you’ll be able to attend. Coordinator: Barbara Summers, 301-598-5838, [email protected]. Hospitality: Kitty partner’s ♣A, and scored another dia- Gottfried, 301-587-3981, [email protected] Partnerships: Charity Sack, 703-963-7027, mond to set the contract. At most —Dick Wegman [email protected] or try the easy On-line Partnership Desk: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org - 2 - - 3 - BITS AND PIECES Washington Bridge League Sectional 59th Annual City of Washington Tournament

5 59th Annual City of Washington Tournament 0

0 Thursday, March 3 2 ♣ WELCOME TO THE NO PARTICULAR SKILL AT EITHER , Stratified Open Pairs (unlim/3000/1500/1000/500) . . . . .10:30am WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE GAME IS REQUIRED! We will match up 6 Washington Bridge Center, - 1620 Elton Road, Silver Spring MD, (301) 445-0276 teams based on both bridge skill and bowl- 3 The WBL welcomes the following new ♦ ing skill. After the bowling, we'll have a StrataFlighted Open Pairs (A/X unlim/3000, B/C/D Separate ACBL members: H Ms Lynne G Beresford, Mr 1500/1000/500) & Stratified 199er Pairs (both sites); 0-20 Pairs team game, which will be a GNT qualifier. C Ronald B Bush, Mrs Jennifer L Elliott, Dr (Christ the King Church only) So get out those tasteful bowling shoes! R Dorothy S Fontana, Dr Robert J Fontana, Mrs (Or be like the rest of us and rent them from A Beth El Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria . .7:00pm Caroline R Goodman, Mr Michael H Hart, Ms Christ the King Church, 2301 Colston Drive, Silver Spring . .7:30pm the alley.) Dig the bowling ball out of the

M Patricia L King, Ms Ronnie H Loeser, Mr Philip Capital Beltway to Connecticut Ave. South. Left on East-West Hwy. Right back of the closet. (Or be like the rest of us : – Lyons, Jose Porres, Mr Ajaz Rahman, Alicia and go looking for the lightest ball you can T on Grubb Rd. 1st left on Colston. The church is one block on the left. Ravenel, Ms Shawn C Stringer, Mr Frank C

N lug around that fits your fingers) But come Friday, March 4 Turley, Mr Zack M Turley, Mr Reginald S E Friday held at Christ the King Church Only out for this annual event. ♥ Beard Jr, Mr Murat O Berk, Mrs Carol A M StrataFlighted A/X Pairs (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500) . . . . .10:00am, 1:30pm Check your e-mail for more details.

A ♠ Barometer & Champagne Pairs: StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D (1500/1000/500) 7:30pm Besner, Mrs Betty R Churchill, Elizabeth

N ♣ Colton, Mr John Dowicki, Mr Mark B Feldman, Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100/50/20)(single sessions) ...... 10:00am, 1:30pm, 7:30pm LOST & FOUND R Garry S Grossman, Ms Mary L Iglehart, Mr U ♦ Remainder of Tournament held at Newport Mill Middle School Only ♥ Adam P Jessell, Leslie P Jessell, Mr Zachary Kitty Gottfried has several jackets, O ♣ ♦α Kabelac, Adrienne C Kohn, Ms Lucille C umbrellas, etc., that were left at Unit games T 11311 Newport Mill Road, Kensington MD Ludwig, Mrs Elizabeth A Majane, Mr Robert H over the year. Any items not identified or

N Capital Beltway to Georgia Ave North (Exit Moss, Mrs Anita B Ratain, Wenda D Reiskin, claimed by the end of January will be dis- O 31 – State Hwy 97) go 1.7 miles & bear left Mrs Coralie Richards, Mrs Bernadette D Salyer, posed of. You can contact Kitty at (301) 587- T Bev Schuyler, and Judith Trachtenberg. 3981, [email protected], or at most

G onto Veirs Mill Rd. (State Hwy 586). Go

N north 1.1 miles and turn left on Newport In addition, we welcome the following Thursday night unit games. I transfers from other units: Ms Karen Angulo, H It’s a Mill Rd. School will be on the left. S rday Atty William C Dixon, Mr David L Genne, Mrs 2005 UNIT KNOCKOUTS a Satu Workshop A G March Luau... lity & ! Maureen McGowan, Andreas Rostin, Ms Billie S J . 27 et spita IGN UP BY AN rea au Ho Sandler, Mr Alfred Segal, Rosalind P Dixon, W dy Lu for Spring! Enjoy Saturday, March 5 Millie Hartz, Ramanathan K Illango, Mrs The 2005 Unit Knockouts, which are

F scheduled by the teams involved to be ♣ StrataFlighted A/X (unlim/3000) & B/C/D Pairs (1500/1000/500)(single sessions) . .11:00am, 3:30pm Alberta K Levi, Mr Arthur Podolsky, Mr O William J Schmonsees, Mrs Linda C Smith, and played at either a home or club, will be the ♦ Intermediate/Novice Pairs (300/200/100) (single sessions) ...... 11:00am & 3:30pm Y Dianne Z Welling. same popular double elimination format that

T ♥

I Newcomer Pairs (50/20/5) (single sessions) ...... 11:00am & 3:30pm ran for the first time last year. Teams can be Please join us at our weekly Unit made up of four to six players. Sign your C Sunday, March 6 Game on Thursday evenings and frequent team up by January 27, 2005 with Steve L ♠ A/X Swiss Teams, VPs (unlim /3000, 7 round playthru w/short break) ...... 11:00am & TBA the local bridge in the area. Robinson ([email protected] or 703-379- A ♣ B/C/D Swiss Teams, VPs (2000/1000/500, 7 round playthru w/short break) . . . .11:00am & TBA Information can be found on our website, 4371). For help in forming teams, contact a U ♦ www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org.

N 300/100/50 Swiss Teams, VPs (single sessions) ...... 11:00am, 3:00pm Partnership Coordinator or try the On-Line

N Partnership Desk. (See page 20.) ♣ Full Schedule of Intermediate and Novice Events ♥ A BRIDGE & BOWLING I/N events: 0-5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300; Stratification at Director’s Discretion. SAD NEWS

H FEBRUARY 5, 2005

T Famous Washington Hospitality includes snacks, drinks and lunch free of Shizu Myers, wife of Larry Myers and

9 charge on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between sessions. Chair: Nadine Bridge and Bowling will take place on mother of Adam, Steven, and David, col-

5 Wood, 301-565-9555, [email protected], Co-Chair: Ann Lindley, 240-994-8416. Volunteer Saturday, February 5! For those interested in lapsed on Sunday, October 21st. She was Coordinator: Barbara Summers, 301-598-5838, [email protected]. Hospitality: Kitty playing, please contact Ron Zucker either kept on life support for several days, but Gottfried, 301-587-3981, [email protected] Partnerships: Charity Sack, 703-963-7027, by phone at (202) 986-2166 or by e-mail at died the morning of the 28th. [email protected] or try the easy On-line Partnership Desk: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org [email protected]. Shizu had played bridge in this area for - 4 - - 5 - more than 40 years and was a regular player SUIT YOURSELF BRIDGE CLUB and the northern site of Flights B and C will at the Laurel Bridge Club. 2004-2005 be held at Christ the King Church in Silver Not a “Little Game” Anymore! DISTRICT FINALS ARE HERE Spring, MD. We will be playing at a nearby CLUB NEWS— site on Sunday. Both days of Flights B and C By Sandy Forsythe The District finals get underway for at the southern site will be at the Peninsula WASHINGTON BRIDGE CENTER Flights B and C and the Open Flight in Recently, someone asked me, “How’s your DBC in Newport News. February, and Flight A in May. All interest- little Saturday night game going?” “It’s not lit- If you have any questions, feel free to Art Weiss ed participants must have qualified at the tle anymore!” I replied. “Last month we had contact Rae Dethlefsen. New Chief Director club stage. eleven and a half tables…our new record!” If you are in need of partners/teammates, By Jim Allen, Owner My “little Saturday night game” is a DIRECTIONS: we will have an On-line Partnership Desk at The Washington Bridge Center monthly 0-750 game held at my house. My www.districtsix.org, or contact Rae Dethlefsen, Christ the King Church: 2301 Colston Dr., announced that Art Weiss has assumed husband Steve is the director. We started the District 6 GNT Coordinator, at 703-709-5205 Silver Spring, MD. From the I-495, go south the duties of Chief monthly Suit Yourself or by email at [email protected]. on Connecticut Ave. Turn left onto East/West Director. Jackie Bridge Club in ADVERTISE? All teams must pre-register by the date Highway, turn right onto Grubb Road and Thompson is retiring January of 2001, shown below for their flight. Pre-register your then make the first left onto Colston Dr. from this position. mainly so we could Advertisements are welcome team by the due date shown below by send- Christ the King Church is one block down on Jackie will continue play duplicate without in the WBL Bulletin. We distrib- ing Rae Dethlefsen (11232 Chestnut Grove the left. as a director and having to pay a Sq #335; Reston, VA 20190) a list of your now travel with ute approximately nineteen hun- babysitter. When we Peninsula DBC: 640-A 79th St., Newport team members (ACBL player numbers help- fewer worries. dred copies of each issue, every started, we sometimes News, VA (757-380-6032). From the west: ful), designation of the Flight in which you Art has been had as few as two or take I-64 E to US-17S (Exit 258A – J Clyde directing at the WBC other month. As of this issue, are competing, and a check for $88.00 three tables, and five Morris Blvd); after about 5.5 miles US-17 on Tuesday mornings advertising rates are: (made out to District 6). tables was a big game. becomes Jefferson. Go about .2 miles on and recently Monday The Open and Flight A are only being I never dreamed that Jefferson and turn left on 79th St. From the evenings. He is com- held in the northern part of the District. The $75 for a full page ad we’d be routinely host- east: take I-64W to US-258S (Exit 263A – fortable with all levels first weekend of Flights B and C are being Mercury Blvd toward James River Br.) for of bridge. He is the ing nine or ten tables. held at separate northern and southern sites about 3+ miles. Turn left on Jefferson Ave. Owner and Director at Our biggest worry now $50 for a half page ad but on the same weekend. for .2 miles. Then turn left on 79th St; the the International is that we’ll run out of Monetary Fund Game tables and chairs! Open bridge club is located in the shopping center. on Tuesday nights $30 for a quarter page ad What’s the secret Pre-Registration February 17 Washington Bridge Center: 1620 Elton where he has built a of our success? A 1st Weekend February 19-20 Rd., Silver Spring, MD (301-445-0276). fine game over the last $20 for an eighth page ad relaxed, friendly 2nd Weekend April 9-10 From the I-95/495 Beltway, take exit 28A ten years. atmosphere, lots of Flight A: 0-5000 MPs towards White Oak (MD-650 N/New Art revealed a award- Pre-Registration May 19 Hampshire Ave). Turn right on Elton Rd. keen sense of humor The sixth consecutive appear- ed, and chocolate! 1st Weekend May 21-22 Turn left into parking lot. Washington Bridge when he announced ance of an ad runs free. We’re known for hav- 2nd Weekend June 4-5 Center is on the second floor. upon receiving an ing the best snacks Flight B: 0-2000 MPs award that he would Laurel Bridge Club: 8654-A Laureldale and the friendliest Pre-Registration February 10 not tell anyone how much Glenn Lublin paid Dr., Laurel, MD (301-490-1383). From MD- game in town: we guarantee partners AND 1st Weekend February 12-13 him to play with Glenn. 295 (BW Parkway): Exit at MD-198 (Ft. chocolate! Playing in our home makes every- 2nd Weekend February 19-20 one feel comfortable, and the optional pot Meade Rd) toward Laurel. Laureldale Dr. is Overheard at the Club luck dinner before the game gives the play- Flight C: Non-LMs 0-500 MPs 5th traffic light. Turn right on Laureldale Dr. “A man's got to do what a man's got to do. ers a chance to socialize. We award extra Pre-Registration February 10 From I-95: Exit at MD-198 (Exit 33A) A woman must do what he can't." masterpoints because every game is a Junior 1st Weekend February 12-13 toward Laurel. Stay on 198 about 5 miles 2nd Weekend February 19-20 (crossing US-1 and MD-197). Laureldale Dr. "I want a really good partner that will Fund charity game. We give away an average is 3rd traffic light past MD-197. Turn left on understand my bidding." of 29 points each game! More than 100 peo- The starting time for the first weekend ple have earned points at Suit Yourself. Saturday session of all events is 12:30 pm; Laureldale Dr. Follow the road back until it To the director: "I know the rules better In 2005, our masterpoint limit will go up to on the second weekend, the starting time on opens into the parking lot of a professional than you do." 1000…but we’ll still have a 0-20 strata to give Saturday is 12:00 pm; the Sunday sessions plaza. The Laurel Bridge Club is in the mid- In a loud voice – "Shut up. You have newer players a chance to win points. Email us will begin at 11:00 am; and each second ses- dle of the plaza on the left with the name on been rude all day and I could hear you at at [email protected] or call Steve or Sandy, sion is TBA. the marquee. every table." 301/592-9177, for directions and our schedule. The first Saturday of the Open, Flight A continued on page 19 - 6 - - 7 - WBL SOLVERS’ CLUB both vulnerable expecting to go for 500, –790, -990, –800 or -1100. sometimes the 500 turns into 1100, or still Woolsey: “4♣—-We have at least ten Moderated by Steve Robinson worse, turns into 800 and you could beat clubs and they have at least eight , so [email protected] their game. If you think you can take ten this is the right level to compete according to tricks, sometimes ten turns into eleven. the . If they bid 4♠, part- Two experts agree with me and bid 3♠. If ner can take over the decision making.” partner opened 1♠ and your black suits But is partner going to know that you Congratulations to Mark Chen and Elliot him a check for $28.95 that includes $3.95 were reversed, it wouldn’t be that much of an have an outside Ace and a King? Itkin who tied for first with a score of 470. for priority mail. overbid to make a limit raise. The next bid makes sense to me. Brings They win a free to the Unit Game and ♠ 1) IMPs Both Vulnerable Parker: “3 —-I have defense and don’t hearts in the picture just in case partner has will be invited to be on a future panel. Tied want to arbitrarily save over 5♣ or want four of them and ten tricks are easier to take for third were David Rodney, Todd Zimnoch ♠106♥K965♦A3♣109854 partner to. If I bid 4♣, that does not show than eleven tricks. If they bid 4♠ and part- and Marvin Elster with a score of 460. Sixth SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST any defense. If partner has a good hand we ner wants to bid, he should bid 4NT rather was Lloyd Rawley and with a score of 450. ♣ ♠ ——- 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ can make 5 so I can bid 3 and let him then five-of-a-red suit. Tied for seventh were Nikola Tcholakov, ♣ ????? decide the correct action. 3 is too weak a Hopkins: “Double—-I am going to make Joana Silva, Jay Latham, Fred Steinberg, bid since I will not know what to do over 3♠ a Responsive Double in an attempt to play in Rick McDaniel, Sheryl McEwan, Larry Action Score Votes Solvers to me.” Hearts. If we don’t find a Heart fit, I hope to ♠ Kahn and Larry Harding with a score of 440. 3 100 3 12 Schwartz: “3♠—-Can’t see bidding 3♣ raise Clubs at my next turn in the auction.” ♣ Tied for fifteenth were Mike Deverin, Pat 4 80449 with five-card support, and 4♣ with an ace Don’t with non-preemptive ♣ Klaus, Sonney Taragin, Tom Musso and 3 80264 and a king. Partner should be aware that I hands. Millard Nachtwey with a score of 430. Tied Double 70 1 14 could have distribution for my bid.” for twentieth were Tom Regan, Richard Pass 30 0 10 Two experts make a simple raise. I like 2) IMPs Both Vulnerable ♣ Wimberley, Yi Zhong, Kevin Barnes, Suzane 5 30017 3♣ much better than 4♣. You could then ♠32♥AK7654♦AK3♣54 Abrams, Irish Grandfield, Ken Kaufman, 3NT 30 0 1 bid 4♣ if one of the opponents competed to SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST Jason Rosenfeld, Bill Bingham, Kent 2NT 30 0 1 3♠. 3♣ shows some defense. ——- —— 1♠ Pass Goulding, Kathy Paramore, Rossi 3♥ 20 0 3 King: “3♣—-My spade holding is a big 2♥ 3♦ 4♦ 5♦ Lindstrom, Kenn Pendleton and Edith Black 3♦ 20 0 1 minus. I will bid on to 4♣, but I expect both ????? with a score of 420. The average score of the What is this hand worth? Opposite 5♣ and 4♠ to be down one.” 173 solvers was 370. The average score of ♠xx♥xxx♦Kx♣AKQxxx, you could go for Cappelletti: “3♣—-Since I have no sin- Action Score Votes Solvers the experts was 421. 800 in 5♣ doubled. So jumping to 5♣ is an gletons, I am not in a hurry to bid 5♣ and Pass 100 4 10 All readers are encouraged to send overbid. I don’t think you should jump to probably go minus. I’ll listen and decide Double 90 1 88 answers and/or new problems to Steve 4♣, which shows a preemptive hand when what to do later. I do have some defense.” 6♦ 70 3 22 Robinson, 2891 S. Abingdon St. #A2 you hold two high honors outside your suit. Four experts preempt. 6♥ 70 2 30 Arlington, VA, 22206. In addition to the win- You could easily have a game if partner has Chansky: “4♣—-Bid what you think you 5♥ 60 0 19 ner receiving a free play at the WBL Unit a hand with four hearts such as can make. If I had a singleton I’d bid 5♣.” 7♠ 20 0 1 Game, Steve will play with anyone who gets a ♠xx♥AQxx♦xx♣AKJxx. You would like to Adams: “4♣—-I would double, except I 6NT 20 0 1 perfect score or who exactly matches all five be able to make a mixed raise. A mixed raise would then have to decide what to do over 5NT 20 0 1 of his answers. If you send a self-addressed ♠ ♠ is a jump in opener’s suit, but jumping to 4 4 . This way I can give partner a voice. Partner has shown a good heart raise and stamped envelope to the above address along ♣ ♠ is forcing to 5 . You could overbid with 3 , Should not play me for a terrible hand vul- a diamond control. It doesn’t take a brain sur- with your answers, Steve will send you a copy ♣ ♣ underbid with 3 or misbid with 4 . I like nerable.” geon to figure out that partner’s diamond con- of the new problems to ensure that you can ♠ 3 , which shows a limit raise or better in But he might play you for some more dis- trol is shortness, probably a void. So what is meet his next deadline. You can pick up a clubs. Over 3♠, you can live with partner’s tribution. AKx opposite shortness? Wasted values and ♣ copy of the problems at the WBL Unit Game decision. If partner bids 5♣, he will have at Roman: “4 —-Then double if they defense. Parker suggests that partner could in Maryland, and can send answers or least ten tricks. ♠xx♥Ax♦KQxx♣AKJxx is bid 4♠. The problem with responsive have ♠AKxxxx♥Qxxx♦x♣Ax. With that requests for problems to [email protected]. enough to make 5♣ and he’ll probably bid it double is that while it gets hearts into the hand he would have bid Keycard over 3♦. If WBL Solvers Club uses Washington Standard if you bid 3♠. If West bids 4♠ and partner game, a) partner will get the wrong idea partner has ♠AKxxxx♥Qxxx♦-♣KQx, he as published July 1996. doubles, your Ace and King will take tricks. about the nature of my hand and I commit could bid 5♦ Exclusion Roman Keycard The book Washington Standard second If West bids 4♠ and partner passes, you can myself to bidding 5♣ over 4♠ and b) if Blackwood (ERKB). ERKB, is a jump above edition is out. If you are a serious bridge pass, and hope to beat them. You know that we do have a double club/heart fit, we’ll RKC and it asks partner how many keycards player, this book is a must. You can pur- 5♣ can’t be that good. At IMPs, with both never outbid them.” he has outside of that suit. ERKB is a danger- chase a copy from Steve for $25.00 at the vulnerable, you have to be able to take ten So if partner holds ous bid but works well when used correctly. If Unit Game and at tournaments or can send tricks for 5♣ to be a good save. If you save, ♠xx♥xxx♦Qx♣AKQJxx, you either go for partner has ♠AKxxxx♥Qxxx♦-♣Axx, he - 8 - - 9 - could bid 5NT, the ask- this hand? At least one of my diamond hon- Holding strong diamonds behind East, much difference.” ing you to bid seven if you have the AK of ors is probably wasted and maybe partner this hand has defense. Double of 2NT shows Three experts set trumps by bidding hearts or he could bid ERKC. Partner, has something like ♠KQJxx♥QJxx♦- defense against at least one of the opponent’s 3♦. This is the Unusual over Unusual therefore, has a hand that needs help in ♣KQJx, so I should pass and pull to show suits. If you double 2NT and West bids 3♣ convention where bidding the higher of the black suits. He has a hand where Key- slam interest, but that seems too extreme a and partner, with four or more clubs doubles the opponent’s suits (♣&♦) shows a limit card, ERKC or the Grand Slam Force won’t position to take. I will show my Diamond it, they should be in hot water. If somehow, raise or better in the higher of our possible help such as ♠AQxxx♥Qxxx♦-♣QJxx or control and let partner bid seven if he has they land in diamonds, there could be a four- two suits (♥&♠). In this case, since we ♠AQxxx♥Qxxx♦-♣KJxx. He has holes in the black suits under control.” figure number on our side. If partner has have bid spades, 3♦ shows at least limit the black suits. With the wasted AK of dia- Woolsey: “6♦—-It’s pretty hard to imagine ♠Axxxx♥xxx♦x♣AKxx, we could be get- raise values with at least three-card sup- monds, you want to slow the auction down and a hand partner can hold where we don’t have ting 500 against 3♣ and might not be able to port. 3♣ would show hearts, limit or better doubling is the best way to accomplish that. a decent play for a small slam, so I’m willing make 4♠, losing two hearts and two spades. and since hearts haven’t been bid, would Four experts make a . This is to commit to that. Partner will know that I am If LHO bids 3♣ and partner passes, you can show at least five. 3♠ shows spade sup- supposed to let partner make the next deci- trying for a grand yet I am presumably off both cuebid to show a good 4♠ bid. port with less than limit raise values. 3♥ sion. But partner doesn’t know that you don’t black aces since I bypassed them both, so I Three experts agree with me and go for shows a weak-two in hearts. Since 3♦ have any black Aces or black Kings. He also must have something like this. If he has both the throat. could be a three-card limit raise, partner doesn’t know that the opponents cannot black aces and a sufficient source of tricks, he King: “Double—-Showing I have good is less likely to go overboard. make 5♦. Would he double 5♦ holding defense against at least one of their suits and Chansky: “3♦—-More important to show ♠ ♥ ♦ should be able to bid the grand.” QJ10xx Qxxx -KQJx? If he had both black aces and a sufficient letting partner double clubs if he has that partner what you have than to hope for a big Hopkins: “Pass—-I am uncertain as to source of tricks, he would have bid keycard. suit. There is too good a chance for a big plus by doubling.” whether we should play or defend, so I Two experts jump to slam. Sometimes pick up to let them off the hook with a 3♦ Hopkins: “3♦—-I think the advice is to remain neutral and let my partner contribute. when you jump to slam, the opponents bid now.” bid to the limit of your hands before thinking We have a fair play for a grand opposite as Adams: “Double—-Suits are breaking of doubling the opponents. We could have a ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ believe you and save. little as AKxxx xxxx - Axxx and would Cappelletti: “6♥—-Doubling 5♦ is even badly. If partner has Clubs, opponents are in play for slam if partner has a hand such be better off defending if partner has some- trouble, and 4♠ not 100%. If partner does as:♠AKxxx♥AJxx♦x♣xxx.” ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ less appealing with partner on lead. And thing like AKQJx QJxx - QJ9x.” there is no way to check for a grand.” not double clubs, I can cuebid.” Schwartz: “3♦—-OK, Ill bite. 4♣ would Adams: “Pass—-Forcing due to partners Chansky: “6♥—-Partner has void in dia- Roman: “Double—-First order of busi- show four-card support and can’t see hiding ♦ 4 bid. My AK of diamonds are good for monds and must have some hearts. No way ness is to see if partner can double the club the spade support.” club pitches in slam if partner does not dou- to tell if he has the right cards, but 6♥ bid that’s coming. If not, I will bid 4♠ (or When you have a stack in one of the ble. Opponents might well have double fit. should have a good chance.” double 5♣).” opponent’s suits, and only minimal support Since I do not know if doubling or bidding is You have bid your hand when you bid Three experts splinter. The lack of a for partner give partner a chance to double right, I pass. If my diamonds were secondary 2♥, which is game forcing. Don’t bid the fourth can be disastrous especially the other suit. (KQJ) I would double.” when trumps don’t figure to split well. 4♣ IS ♥ same values again. AKx opposite shortness Actually 2 created a force. are wasted values, which is where I came in. a slam try and you have a hand where you 4) IMPs Both Vulnerable Roman: “Pass—-Forcing since I showed might not even make game. The Splinter sets ♠-♥Q103♦J95♣AJ97654 game forcing values. I’m driving this hand to 3) IMPs None Vulnerable spades as trumps and does not allow for get- ♥ 6 , and partner may be able to bid a grand ♠QJ2♥KQ93♦AJ762♣2 ting to hearts when partner has four or five of SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST with AK of spades, four hearts and the Ace them. ——- 4♠ Pass Pass SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST of clubs.” Parker: “4♣—-I lack a fourth spade but ???? ——- —— 1♠ 2NT Schwartz: “Pass—-Should have a black have a great hand and I can show my hand ????* Action Score Votes Solvers card for 6♦.” in one bid, so why not? Odds are that part- *3♦= 10+HCPs with 3+ spades Pass 100 7 128 Three experts try for the grand. Slight ner has some hearts but it is too hard to find 5♣ 80 3 34 overbid when you might not be able to make Action Score Votes Solvers them.” Double 30 0 9 5♥. If you can make 7♥, partner would Double 100 4 27 Cappelletti: “4♣—-This hand best 4NT 30 0 1 have asked for keycards over 3♦. 3♦ 80389 described by splinter.” Parker: “6♦—-This should show solid 4♣ 70318 Woolsey: “4♣—-As usual, a splinter I have found that this is a bidders game. hearts and first round Diamond control. All 4♠ 40024 figures to be the best bid to help part- More often than not, bidding works out bet- he needs is ♠AKxxxx♥Qxxx♦x♣Ax to 4NT 30 0 4 ner evaluate. He needs as little as ter than passing. Remember, good bridge is make a grand. He should bid it with that 4♦ 30 0 2 ♠AK10xx♥AJx♦x♣xxxx for slam to have making the next to the last mistake. Even if hand. If he does not have hearts then he 3♠ 30 0 2 decent play. Since he has room to cuebid bidding 5♣ is wrong, East could make the must have solid spades, but my partners 3♥ 30 0 4 if he is only worth a try, the splinter is fair- last mistake by bidding 5♠. He could have have hearts for that bid.” 5♠ 20 0 1 ly safe — obviously I’m done after this. ♠Kxx♥xxxx♦Axx♣xxx and bid 5♠ just to King: “6♦—-Where are the points in 3♣ 20 0 1 The lack of a fourth spade shouldn’t make find out that West opened 4♠ holding - 10 - - 11 - ♠AJ98xxx♥xx♦KQxx♣-. If you bid 5♣, on Hopkins: “Pass—-Partner might have the do you want to be? In 1♠ or 2♣. Opposite Chansky: “3♣—-A white lie, but most bad days when partner has the worst possi- perfect cards, but there is no guarantee and ♠AQJx♥xx♦Axxxx♣Ax you can make flexible. Partner can bid 3♥ if he’s looking ble hand such as ♠KJ9x♥xxxx♦xxxx♣x, any I might need in the red suits are 7♠ but only six notrump. Playing in for 3NT.” you go for 1700 and they can’t even make likely to lose.” spades can be right if partner is weak or if Three experts cuebid. Cuebids are forc- 4♠. However, give partner Adams: “Pass—-Only good thing that he is strong. ing to game. But can’t partner have a bad ♠xxx♥AKxxx♦Ax♣Q10x and you could could come from bidding is getting oppo- Two experts agree with me and stay low. hand, ♠Jxxx♥xx♦KQxxx♣xx for example. make 7♣. If you give West nine points in nents one higher, but that is not worth the Underbid. Opposite that junk don’t you want to play in spades, there are twenty-three HCPs to be risk. Hard to imagine 5♣ making, and easy Cappelletti: “1♠—-Stay flexible, if pos- 1♠? divided between North and East. It would be to imagine beating 4♠.” sible, with hands that have no clear bid. If King: “2♥—-It is tempting to pass for very unlucky to find North with no help in Roman: “Pass—-Sorry partner, left my partner bids again, I might make a penalties, but if West has QJ10xxx of Hearts the three non-spade suits. If East had all of cape and tights in the trunk.” in notrump. Like he might have as little as and a black Ace we will only get 300 when the missing HCPs, he might have made a Schwartz: “Pass—-Close, but 5♣ loses in ♠Axxx♥xx♦Axxx♣xxx.” game is virtually a certainty and a club slam slam try. There is one more reason to bid two ways, partner can bid six or we can go to Woolsey: “2♣—-A slight underbid, but if might be cold.” 5♣. You bid one more with a void. I think a number. This assumes partner only dou- partner passes we probably don’t have a Why is game a certainty? We don’t have most players would bid 4♣ if it went 3♠ - bles 4♠ with convertible values.” game and 2♣ may well be the best contract. an eight-card spade fit and we might not pass – pass so this is like bidding one more. This is a bidders game. Even if 5♣ is The hand doesn’t figure to play well in a 4-3 have a diamond stopper. Opposite Two experts agree with me and take a wrong, there are still two opponents out spade fit with the hearts being ruff wrong, ♠QJxx♥xxx♦Jxx♣Axx 3NT and 5♣ have dive. If this is a good day, 5♣ will make. there to save you. and for notrump to score partner will proba- no play. 4♠ is the only game contract which Hopefully partner won’t hang you if he has a bly need some extras.” has play. good hand. 5) Matchpoints None Vulnerable One expert passes for penalties. Wrong if Adams: “2♥—-Seems crazy, but what King: “5♣—-Anything could be right. partner is 4144 with weak diamonds. Right else can I do? At least this shows my values ♠K54♥AK54♦5♣KQJ54 Pass could lead to a double game swing. if partner is 4342 with strong diamonds. without overstating clubs or spades.” I think partner would expect more SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST Good partners have the latter. 2♥ does not overstate your clubs or defense from a double and it could also 1♣ 1♥ Dbl Pass Hopkins: “Pass—-I hope partner doesn’t spades but does overstate your values. I get us to the wrong strain. 5♣ seems like ???? have Club length. I am hoping for +300 if would expect at least 18 HCPs. ♥ a middle of the road choice, but could Action Score Votes Solvers we don’t have a game and +500 if we do.” Roman: “2 —-When I next bid spades, easily be wrong. If the opponents were The remaining experts show strong I play it will show three (with four, I would 1♠ 100 2 15 not allowed to bid above the two-level our hands. Overbid. Two experts jump in a five- bid some number of spades now).” 2♣ 90 1 5 lives would be a lot easier.” card suit. How would you like to play in 3♣ Over my weak example hand, partner 2♥ 70334 Woolsey: “5♣—-I play that if partner if partner holds ♠QJxx♥xx♦QJxxxx♣x? bids 3♦ and you bid 3♠ and then what? 3♣ 70219 had doubled 4♠ that would be penalties. Parker: “3♣—-Tough hand. I don’t One expert overbids a tad. Will be in Pass 60 1 19 He didn’t do, so therefore we probably want to pass, bid spades or 1NT. Not 3NT opposite a balanced eight-count such 2NT 60 1 41 aren’t beating them. How many tricks we strong enough for 2NT, but too strong for as ♠AQxx♥xx♦Qxxx♣xxx. 2♠ 40 0 7 can make in clubs is anybody’s guess, but 2♣, so 3♣ it is. Something to be said at Schwartz: “2NT—-Nothing else comes 1NT 40 0 21 it wouldn’t be inconceivable for this hand matchpoints to bid 1♠ since we might close as this hand certainly is worth 18 bal- 3NT 30 0 6 to be a double game swing if the hands fit scramble a lot of tricks if they do not anced.” 4♣ 20 0 1 well, so bidding appears to be the per- lead trump.” Plus scores is the name of the game. 4♠ 20 0 1 centage action.” 4♥ 20 0 2 Six experts pass like a chicken. Nothing 3♠ 20 0 1 SOLVERS’ SCORES ventured, nothing gained and in this case nothing lost. There is no call, which precisely fits Parker: “Pass—-Pass like a chicken. this hand. Sixteen points falls between a John Adams 4♣ Pass Dbl Pass 2♥ 450 Why go down when they might? Partner’s 1NT rebid, which shows 11-14 and a 2NT 3♣ 6♥ 4♣ Pass 1♠ 430 double of 4♠ does not show penalties like it rebid, which shows 18-19. Jumping in Hy Chansky 4♣ 6♥ 3♦ Pass 3♣ 390 used to, just a good hand. With a spade clubs shows a six-card suit, bidding spades Robbie Hopkins Dbl Pass 3♦ Pass Pass 400 stack he must pass. Change me to white and promises four and a cuebid is forcing to Fred King 3♣ 6♦ Dbl 5♣ 2♥ 390 I bid 5♣.” game. So which white lie do you tell? My Steve Parker 3♠ 6♦ 4♣ Pass 3♣ 420 Cappelletti: “Pass—-Partner is much thought is to bid 1♠. Playing in spades at Steve Robinson 3♠ Dbl Dbl 5♣ 1♠ 460 more likely to have cards which beat 4♠ a low level should get you a plus score. Jeff Roman 4♣ Pass Dbl Pass 2♥ 450 than cards which will make 5♣.” Might not be the best possible plus score Alan Schwartz 3♠ Pass 3♦ Pass 2NT 430 Chansky: “Pass—-Too risky to do any- but plus scores gets you matchpoints. 4♣ 6♦ 4♣ 5♣ 2♣ 390 thing else. Partner may have some spades.” Opposite ♠Jxxx♥xx♦KQxxx♣xx where - 12 - - 13 - ♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHT ♣ UNIT GAME ♦ WBL ♥ UNIT GAME ♠ THURSDAY NIGHT

2004 TROPHY RACE STANDINGS UNIT GAME PARTNERS GUARANTEED www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org 0-20 DO YOU HAVE ANY Updated by our Webmaster, Don Berman LESSON To find a partner one day or more before the game, contact MUSCLE OR BRAINS Charleen Brand (301-946-8483). Or log on to the Online The Lovenberg Race is open to all WBL members; the Izzy Cohen Race is open TO SPARE? to all WBL members who started the calendar year with fewer than 1500 master- & GAME Partnership Desk at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. points; the Tubbs Race is open to all WBL members who started the calendar year as a Non-Life Master; the Woolridge Izzy Cohen The Washington Bridge GUARANTEED SCHEDULE Race is open to all WBL members who 1 65.07 Hailong Ao League could use a little of started the calendar year with fewer than 2 60.60 Lloyd Rawley PARTNERS! All Games held at Christ the King Church either! In order to keep events 20 masterpoints; the Machlin Race has 3 60.43 Charity Sack exciting and entry fees low, the been canceled due to lack of sufficient 4 57.26 Joel Miller 01/13/2005...... StrataFlighted Club Championship WBL relies on the goodness of 7:30PM - interest in senior events. 5 54.82 Neal Rosenthal 01/20/2005...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship our members to volunteer for Winners in each category will 6 53.65 Janet Dence 10:30PM 01/27/2005...... NVBA Sectional small jobs at the Unit Game receive four sessions of free plays. 7 51.86 Jane Sturgis 02/03/2005...... GNT Qualifier (StrataFlighted Swiss Teams) and Sectional Tournaments. 8 50.88 Ellen Rosenthal Second place gets two and third 02/10/2005...... StrataFlighted Upgraded Club Championship Some jobs require brains while place gets one. 9 50.31 Richard Ferrin J A OIN NYTIME 02/17/2005...... STAC Stratified Pairs others require muscle. We’ll be This list is up to date through 10 45.45 Jason Meyer 11 44.93 Robert Ellis The cost is $5. This 02/24/2005...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship happy to employ either. November 18, 2004 not including From setting up and RR points. All points are subject to 12 43.25 Alice Wegman includes a 30 minute 03/03/2005...... WBL Sectional breaking down tables, to pub- audit by the WBL Director. 13 41.47 John Lowe III lesson by Dr. Steven 03/10/2005...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship 14 39.23 Herbert Behre III licity and events develop- Lovenberg Forsythe followed by 03/17/2005...... StrataFlighted Charity Game 15 39.02 Bill Gainer 03/24/2005...... StrataFlighted Unit Championship ment, a little effort from you 1 199.45 Leo LaSota fun, enjoyable bridge will make our bridge commu- 2 172.74 Steve Robinson 03/31/2005...... StrataFlighted Membership Game 3 154.85 David Ruderman Tubbs for players with 0-20 04/07/2005...... NVBA Sectional nity even better. Busy sched- ule? No worries. Most volun- 4 134.20 John Adams 1 54.82 Neal Rosenthal masterpoints. 04/14/2005...... StrataFlighted Upgraded Club Championship 2 50.88 Ellen Rosenthal teer assignments take only 15 5 121.75 Alfred Steinberg Lessons will cover 04/21/2005...... Stratified District Six-wide Charity Game 3 39.23 Herbert Behre III minutes to 1 hour a month. 6 117.69 Robert Bell slam bidding, weak 04/28/2005...... WBL Sectional 7 106.19 Mark Shaw 4 38.99 Rama Kapur twos, 3 level+ pre- Here’s how to help: 8 86.48 Earl Glickstein 5 32.81 Mirsad Mujezinovic ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ 1. Reply by email, phone 9 78.17 Richard Wegman 6 29.01 Shlomit Rind empts, , 7 26.97 William Gill For a Last-Minute Partner or in person if you are willing 10 77.00 Leon Letwin takeout doubles, neg- to help in any way. 11 73.44 Ellen Cherniavsky 8 26.89 Steven Schatzow ative doubles, open- Call the NEW Washington Bridge League Cell Phone 9 25.39 William Kingery Jr 2. Please indicate if you can 12 70.99 Fred King ing leads, and - 13 65.07 Hailong Ao 10 25.39 Daniel Koch (301) 395-2760 offer any special skills (such as 14 63.44 Rossi Lindstrom ing. Each lesson will marketing or a strong back). 15 61.69 Warren Kaufman Woolridge be tailored to the 3. Someone will contact you 16 61.64 Donald Berman 1 29.01 Shlomit Rind needs and interests of MAP TO CHRIST THE KING CHURCH shortly with a choice of assign- ments you can pick from. 17 61.63 Barbara Shaw 2 26.89 Steven Schatzow the players. 18 60.60 Lloyd Rawley 3 25.13 Eric Beard BONUS – You will be invit- 19 60.43 Charity Sack 4 18.45 Roma Chandra This is a great pro- ed to the summer Volunteer 20 59.16 Arnie Frankel 5 15.72 Richard Levin gram for beginners as Gathering and BBQ Party. 21 57.26 Joel Miller 6 12.72 Steven Nesseler well as experienced Thank you in advance for 22 54.82 Neal Rosenthal 7 11.94 Prem Garg social bridge players! any assistance you can provide. 23 53.65 Janet Dence 8 9.74 Richard Riseberg Barbara Summers, Volun- 24 52.23 Yi Zhong 9 9.40 Yasmina Patel Partners will be pro- teer Coordinator, 301-598- 25 51.86 Jane Sturgis 10 8.69 John Graham vided if needed. For more information call 5838, [email protected], UNIT GAME CARPOOL AVAILABLE or email Steve or GAME IS TO START PROMPTLY Sandy Forsythe at To arrange a carpool, contact Don Berman, Carpool Coordinator, at AT 7:30PM 301-776-3581 or [email protected]. ....Or log on to the WBL’s (301) 592-9177 (email: FOR MORE INFORMATION new Online Carpool Notices at: www.WashingtonBridgeLeague.org. [email protected]) CALL 301-649-1812

- 14 - ∼ ♣♦♥♠ ∼ - 15 - Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement COMITTEE ACTION XLVII

by Rich Colker, [email protected]

The following situation arose in the first ed bidding 5♠. The Director also deter- Eva Klivington – Owner, qualifying session of the NABC Open Pairs mined that, given East's previous 4♠ bid, Principal Broker, VA, MD, DC this past Spring in Reno. passing 5♦ doubled was a LA. The con- tract was changed to 5♦ doubled made & Bd: 16 five, +550 for N/S. Margit Klivington – Realtor Dlr: West Vul: E/W E/W appealed the Director's ruling and were the only players to attend the hearing. “SPECIAL BRIDGE PLAYER” DEAL ♠ --- They contended that 4-5 seconds did not ♥ How fast can we sell your house? AQ98 constitute a break in in this auction. ♦ Start Packing! 95 The Committee was told nothing about ♣ QJ95432 the length of the hesitation other than that it was "brief." Based on the Director's confir- LIST, BUY or RENT with your bridge player friend. ♠ A10763 ♠ QJ9854 mation that the double was made after 4-5 We have 20 years real estate expertise and our successful track ♥ K732 ♥ 1054 record selling $20 million per year, speaks for itself. seconds, the Committee decided that 4-5 ♦ 106 ♦ K4 seconds was an appropriate amount of time Did you know that only 7% of the people in the real estate business sell ♣ AK ♣ 107 for West to take before making a call in a 80% of all properties? We are in the top 1% of that elite group. high-level, competitive auction such as the ♠ K2 We will sell your home with full service at discounted commission. present one. Therefore, they decided that ♥ J6 there had not been a break in tempo and ♠ Unbeatable commission means that we will credit you 1% of the sales ♦ AQJ8732 restored the table result of 5 down three, - price of your home at settlement. We have built our success through 300 for E/W. ♣ our clients. You deserve the best! 86 You might want to decide for yourself Guaranteed to what you think about the Director's ruling Visit our website for the entire MLS listings (700,000+) beat any West North East South and the Committee's decision before reading throughout Northern Virginia: RealtyToWeb.com commission by 1♠ 2♣ 4♠ 5♦ $50 Dbl(1) Pass 5♠ All Pass further. Ready? Call for a free, no obligation market analysis! (1) 4-5 second hesitation Many players believe that once partner hesitates in a competitive auction, they are 703-391-7450 Both sides agreed that West hesitated barred from any further action. While the (albeit briefly) before doubling 5♦. The implications of partner's hesitation can vary Director was called immediately after the from situation to situation, it is not true that $24 million dollars worth of government foreclosures. (People who did not pay their taxes). double, determined the facts, and instruct- all breaks in tempo bar you from bidding. We are official HUD representatives for the government. ed that the bidding and play continue. On For example, some hesitations convey no RealtyToWeb.com ♦ ♠ useful information about what partner was Fox Mill Shopping Center, the 9 , 5 was defeated 2557 John Milton Drive, Herndon, VA 20171 three tricks, -300 for E/W. The Director thinking, and so place no constraints on your ♠ 703-391-7450 (Office) 703-391-7455 (Fax) ruled that there had been a break in tempo action. For example, suppose partner raises Email: [email protected] that made unauthorized information avail- your 1NT opening to 2NT-natural and invita- Independently owned and operated! able to East and that demonstrably suggest- tional-after long thought. Was he thinking of - 16 - - 17 - passing 1NT before finally deciding to invite then agree with the Director's decision to Bits & Pieces continued... —NATIONAL EVENT SUCCESSES— or was he thinking of bidding 3NT before adjust the score to 5♦ doubled. However, (from District 6) finally deciding to invite? Since it is unclear West took only about 4-5 seconds to double CONGRATULATIONS TO WBL which alternative course of action he was 5♦, which would have been an appropriate LIFE MASTER PAIRS MEMBER SUCCESSES AT THE considering, you are free to pass or bid on, amount of time for West to take even if the 17 Ai-Tai Lo, Reston VA; Alan Schwartz, as you wish. (But you'd be wise to encourage auction had been at a much lower level, ORLANDO FALL NATIONALS Fairfax VA him to try to make his calls in proper tempo say 1♠-(2♣)-2♠-(3♦); Dbl. But here the 27 Steve Catlett, Richmond VA so as not to risk depriving you of the right to auction suddenly accelerated to the five —TOP 10 LISTS— 37 William Pettis, Silver Spring MD; exercise your judgment.) level before West had a chance to make a Frederick Allenspach, Potomac MD 44 Eugene Kales, Arlington VA In other cases, even though partner's second bid. And even though South was All WBL Members 48 , Gaithersburg MD hesitation suggests a certain action on not the one who jumped to such a high 1 117.40 William Pettis your part, if you make a bid that is not level, once a skip bid is made (particularly 2 105.39 Steve Robinson consistent with the action suggested or if to a high level) each of the other players at 105.39 LIFE MASTER WOMENS PAIRS your own hand makes that action 100% his next turn should be expected to take a 4 97.13 5 Nadine Wood, Silver Spring MD clear-cut even though the hesitation also little extra time to consider the implica- 5 85.46 Frederick Allenspach 43 Cecily Kohler, Washington DC suggests it, you are entitled by law to take tions of the auction. And by the same 6 84.93 Michael Gill the action. token, each player must be careful not to 7 69.76 Peggy Allen OPEN B-A-M TEAMS make his next call too quickly. Having said that, what do you think West 8 65.93 William Peters 13 Alan Sontag, Gaithersburg MD was thinking about over 5♦? Surely any For example, suppose West holds 9 60.13 Jason Rosenfeld 14 Steve Robinson, Arlington VA; Peter unduly lengthy thought suggests uncertainty ♠Axxxx ♥Kxxx ♦Qxx ♣K in this auction. 10 58.64 Nadine Wood Boyd, Silver Spring MD about doubling, and the only logical reason Now, no one holding that hand would con- 17 Mark Dahl, Richmond VA; David for that would be if West's diamond holding sider doing anything other than passing. WBL Members with < 2000 masterpoints Butler, Keswick VA; Ai-Tai Lo, Reston were less than optimal for defending (it is Still, West must pause a few extra seconds 1 84.93 Michael Gill VA; Alan Schwartz, Fairfax VA short and/or weak) but he has enough (4-6 would be appropriate) before passing 2 65.93 William Peters 28 Tom Callaham, Covington VA strength and/or shape for further action, all since, if he passes too quickly, he conveys 3 60.13 Jason Rosenfeld 31 William Pettis, Silver Spring MD; of which suggests you should pull the dou- unauthorized information to East that he is 4 35.82 James Andre Frederick Allenspach, Potomac MD ble. Your extra spade length also suggests not at all interested in competing to 5♠. 5 29.14 Shawn Cantlin bidding 5♠ but your ♦K is a defensive (And East, holding something like ♠KQxxx 6 26.97 Lucy Pestaner MARSHA MAY STERNBERG WOMEN’S B-A-M value that you need not have had for your ♥QJx ♦x ♣xxxx, might be tempted to bid 7 25.99 Emerita Hayward TEAMS 4♠ bid, which strongly suggests defending. 5♠, and he'd be right to do so opposite the 8 24.86 Reni Malloy 12 Beth Palmer, Silver Spring MD All things considered, passing and bidding actual West hand-but not the above "fast 9 23.87 Franz Delahan on are both possible actions, and neither is pass" one.) 23.87 Madeline Delahan BLUE RIBBON PAIRS clear-cut in this situation. But since part- So, I agree with the Committee that West 7 William Pettis - Beth Palmer, Silver ♠ ner's hesitation favors bidding 5 , and took an entirely appropriate amount of time WBL Members with < 750 masterpoints Spring MD since passing the double is also a possible to act over 5♦, and I see nothing to convince 1 84.93 Michael Gill 15 Peter Boyd, Silver Spring MD; Steve action-what we call a logical alternative (to me that any unauthorized information was 2 60.13 Jason Rosenfeld Robinson, Arlington VA bidding 5♠)-you must take the action that is present in this auction. (Of course, if it were 3 35.82 James Andre 33 Steve Catlett, Richmond VA not suggested by the unauthorized informa- on the record that West habitually passes at 4 29.14 Shawn Cantlin 34 James Murphy, Chesapeake VA tion from partner's hesitation. lightning speed in such auctions I could be 5 25.99 Emerita Hayward 48 Ai-Tai Lo, Reston VA; Alan Schwartz, So, if from what I have just said you convinced that unauthorized information 6 24.86 Reni Malloy Fairfax VA have probably concluded that I support the was present from West's break in tempo-but 7 23.87 Franz Delahan Director's ruling, but you would be wrong. not from the 4-5 seconds he took over 5♦ 23.87 Madeline Delahan NATIONAL 99ER PAIRS Had West sat there and thought for 30 sec- here but rather from the 1 second he improp- 9 15.60 Scott Landrum 5 Marie Sarsten, Belle Haven VA; onds over 5♦ before doubling, I would erly normally takes.) 10 12.47 Lily Andre Gunnar Sarsten, Bellehaven VA - 18 - - 19 - Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement B-A-M TEAMS PARTNERSHIPS AND 10 Alan Sontag, Gaithersburg MD CARPOOLS KEOHANE NORTH AMERICAN SWISS TEAMS 17 Tim Crank, Wheaton MD; Fred King, Need a Partner or a Carpool Falls Church VA for Unit Games or Tournaments? 26 Jim Wakefield, Fairfax Station VA; Players who would like assistance Helene Bauman, Arlington VA can obtain help either on-line or by con- tacting one of the WBL’s partnership C G coordinators or Don Berman, the carpool ONGRATULATIONS AND OOD coordinator. LUCK TO THE DISTRICT 6 (1) On-Line Partnership Desk. The REPRESENTATIVES TO THE WBL has established an on-line partner- NAP FINALS IN PITTSBURGH ship desk on its web site (www.washing- tonbridgeleague.org). The WBL is the first unit in the country to do this. Sign Flight A (one site only) up, indicate which events you are avail- 1 David Ruderman, Burtonsville, MD - able for, and find out if other players are Alfred Steinberg, Potomac MD available for the games you wish to play in. Simply log on to the WBL website and 2 Steve Robinson, Arlington, VA - click on the partnership desk. Please Peter Boyd, Silver Spring, MD give it a try. 3 Sumner Steinfeldt, Washington DC - (2) Partnership Coordinators. For those Ken Davis, Alexandria VA who prefer assistance in person, two peo- ple have volunteered to help players find Flight B (split site) partners in advance of the unit game or sectional events. Charleen Brand will 1 William Hacker, Germantown MD - assist players for the unit game (301-946- Dan Kasture, Centerville VA 8483). For a last minute partner for the (North Site) Unit Game, call Barbara Doran on the new WBL cell phone (301-395-2760). 2 Debnarayan Dhar, Oak Hill VA - Charity Sack will assist players for the Dhirendra Ghosh, McLean VA sectionals ([email protected]; 703- (North Site) 963-7027). Please let them know as early 3 Ed Kinlaw, Midlothian VA - as you can what game or events you would like to play in. Stephen Wheeler, Richmond VA (South Site) (3) On-Line Carpool Notices. Post your requests and look at others at the WBL Flight C (Split Site) website. To post requests, send an e-mail to the Web Master (don.berman@veri- 1 Youssof Seraj, Alexandria VA - zon.net). Include your name, when you Abdul Etemadi, Alexandria VA need a ride (either a specific date or a (North Site) general request, e.g., all unit gmes), and how to contact you (E-mail or phone 2 Shyam Giridharadas, Chevy Chase MD - numbers). Prem Garg, Potomac MD (4) Don Berman, Carpool Coordinator (North Site) can also be contacted at 301-776-3581. 3 William Seawall, Newport News VA - Good luck! We look forward to seeing you on John Procyson, Newport News VA Thursday evenings & at the WBL sectionals. (South Site) - 20 - - 21 - THE WORKER BZZZ for WBL events; and significant help for the The clubs. He has worked for the reduction in Burghers of BILL COLE — Volunteer Extraordinaire number and hence increased importance, of Calais in Washington area Sectionals. Victoria by Jim Allen Nadine said, “When is working on a new Tower plan, he considers those that are knowl- Gardens, Bridge doesn’t just happen! Bill Cole is random draw and unfairness became bad edgeable, those in leadership roles. One of By Rodin making it happen. luck and the team events grew dramatically. his great strengths is his willingness to con- “I would rather be known for my ethics sult with others for ideas and opinions Bill said, “the exchange of ideas with and as a hard worker than as a great bridge Rodin’s Famous before he acts.” many Washington experts, especially Stevie player,” Bill said. He is all three. Gate, Les Portes Bill began his professional career with and Lynn Deas (when she lived in Bill retired as President of District Six, de l’Enfer the phone company, AT&T at the time, in Washington) has been a big help in develop- representing Maryland, Virginia and the Florida. He returned to the Washington ing the conceptual part of the game.” He District of Columbia. He was elevated from The gate to the Area where he worked through the compa- says that it is very hard to teach bridge. He Vice President prematurely in 2001 when Grand National ny’s name changes including C&P and knows because he teaches, but only when he Jim Hooven had to retire and Bill was subse- Team leadership was Verizon, for a total of 30 years. He grew up can do it right. “I won’t do it unless it is done quently elected twice more (traditional term opened by Charlie in Towson and attended the University of well,” he relates. He feels that the hardest limit) to serve two and one half years. Stenger, the District Maryland. He is the name sake and grand part of bridge is being consistent on the easy He was instrumental in putting together Representative to nephew of Congressman and Judge, William and middle range hands. He says, “great the first District Six bulletin. This new bul- the ACBL Board of Directors, when he Purington Cole the chairman of the board of players rarely mess up these hands.” letin was made necessary when the ACBL appointed Bill to the Grand National Team Regents of the University of Maryland, Emotional control at the table has been a declined to continue with the insert that Committee. Bill became chairman in 1991, 1944 to 1952. Cole Field house was named career long struggle. Bill says that the char- advertised our tournaments. After hard replacing Jim Wood. The District Six GNT for his grand Uncle. acteristic he would most like to acquire to work and many decisions, Bill achieved event is the best attended of any GNT in the Bill has earned two national champi- help his game is Peter’s winning attitude. As his dual goals: a) informing players accu- United States. It is an event where the best onships and is a Grand Life master with over stated by Rodan of Alexandria, (c 5 B.C.) rately about upcoming tournaments and b) teams go head to head against their peers 12,000 master points. He represented “Only a brave person is willing to honestly offering an interesting magazine that did and is unlike any event in District Six, most District 6 and won the North American Pairs admit, and fearlessly to face, what a sincere not duplicate existing bridge materi- like a local Vanderbilt. Bill’s leadership is with Ron Sukoneck. He was Mixed Pairs and logical mind discovers.” al. You can envision the famous one of the major reasons. statue by Rodin, just put Bill Champion with multiple National and World Nadine, now District Six Representative on the pedestal with his hand Champion Beth Palmer. He saw her poten- The Kiss by Rodin to the ACBL Board of Directors, praised on his jaw. tial and began the partnership with her Bill by saying, “When Bill takes on a task when she was a novice. Stevie advises, “It’s Bill is dedicated to the growth of he is thorough. He looks at every angle The Thinker by Auguste important to me to have a partner or bridge. He finds the lack of people before he acts. This is the way he plays Rodin (19th century) teammate who puts a lot of effort into the interested in teaching to be the bridge as well.” game and Bill Cole is that kind of player.” number one hurdle to bringing “As an administrator, Bill has a lot of new people into the game. He One of Bill’s first jobs was seeding for Bill also formed a partnership with good ideas about how to improve the game,” WBL events. The Directors seeded the fields who was 15 years old when realizes that money is not the Steve Robinson of the ACBL Hall of Fame in the early eighties. Guesses of the better they nearly won a Reisinger and other stumbling block and that peo- said. “Participation in the Grand National pair led to great frustration. Nadine Wood National events. Bill said that one of many ple are the issue. The WBL continues under became Tournament Chairman and appoint- Teams and North American Pairs has fond bridge memories is watching Eric and the leadership of Dick Wegman, WBL ed Bill to handle seeding. Bill stepped in, increased while he has been committee Beth grow as multiple National President, to find teachers and to encourage created systems and brought order to chaos. chairman for these events.” Champions. In the local GNT and NAOP students to learn bridge in schools. Bill joins He was one of the first players in the coun- Bill has been the prime mover for many the best local players go head to head him and continues to encourage people to try to seed fields. His leadership and atten- successful ideas including: the promotion of against each other year after year. Bill has create start-up bridge programs and to find tion to detail unraveled the riddle. Later, the novice games at sectionals; the dealing won more trips then any other player the fun in getting new people into the great seeding in team events was replaced with a machine with the resultant pre-dealt hands except Stevie or Peter Boyd. game he loves. - 22 - - 23 - A SHORT HISTORY OF THE WASHINGTON serious player, extremely ethical, and that Israel (Izzy) Cohen built Giant Food Inc. rarity — an artist with the cards. An LM by into one of the largest grocery store chains in BRIDGE LEAGUE TROPHY RACES the age of 25, he won an outstanding array of the nation. He rose to his position from a titles in his 10 years of tournament play. stockboy and grocery truck driver for his 1957 - present It is thought that his work at Naval father’s single store on Georgia Avenue. Ordinance Lab as a chemist somehow During World War II, he contracted brought on his illness; consequently, Brown Tuberculosis. After his return, he began to A few issues ago, I asked if anyone knew between ¾ and first or second. University dedicated a major scholarship pro- take up bridge to help pass the time while he gram to his memory, as one of several alumni took leave from the store due to his illness. something about the people our top awards 8. NAP District level held at WBL Sectional are named for. Thanks to Peter Boyd’s who gave their lives in the pursuit of science. Izzy proved to be a quick learner and a – all points Charles was truly devoted to his wife, fierce competitor at the bridge table. He rose research, here follows a short history of the 9. In any STaC in which the WBL partici- Washington Bridge League Trophy Races and Nonny. Once when she was kibitzing, he was immediately in the ACBL when he won the pates, overall awards will count when won indulging himself with one of his patented National Open Pairs and placed second in the the people the trophies are named for. I would at the WBL Unit site. also like to thank previous WBL Bulletin edi- tantrums, loudly fussing with the opponents. Chicago Teams, now known as the Reisinger tors, Jim Wood and Bryan Coleman from Points excluded: Finally Nonny could stand no more. She Board-a-Match Teams, both at the 1952 Fall whose pages the following is compiled. spoke up: “Charles, if this doesn’t stop, I’ll North American Championships. He also 1. District-wide and ACBL-wide points in have to just leave.” Misunderstanding, placed second in the National Open Individual TROPHY RACE POLICY events which otherwise qualify (only local Charlie responded reassuringly, “Just be in 1956 and the Master Mixed Teams at the Currently, four travelling trophies are overalls count) patient, honey, they’ll be gone in a minute.” 1963 Summer National Championships. awarded each calendar year to Washington 2. Thursdays BAM portion of Bracketed pairs & He could not stomach playing in conso- Throughout this period, and up until his Bridge League members who win the most the Life Master/Non-life master game. lation events. But once Wallace Ashby passing, Izzy was a member and supporter of masterpoints in WBL events based upon the 3. Points won at a non-WBL site cajoled him into one, following a below aver- the Washington Bridge League, its games, criteria listed below. Anyone who wins more Points counted in player of the year com- age afternoon performance. Not wishing the and its charities. Barbara Ames, our former than one category receives the awards for all petitions are limited to those won while a embarrassment of having his name typed Vice President, and current Board Director categories won. In case of a tie, the awards are player is a member of the WBL. Points will upon the Consolation recap sheet, Charles remembered how Izzy made a substantial divided and the trophy is shared. count from the date an individual joins the wrote his name backwards on the entry contribution to the WBL’s Bridge in the Mall The trophies (categories) and their limits WBL unless he has never been a member of blank: Selrahc Grebnevol. However, right event held January, 1996, a charity event are: Lovenberg, open to all WBL members; another Unit or similar organization in after picking it up, the alert returned held for Children’s Hospital. She recalled Cohen, open to all WBL members who started another country in which case points will to the table and said that she couldn’t quite that he wished that his contribution remain the calendar year with fewer than 1500 mas- count from January 1. Nobody will be penal- make out the name written there. She asked, private and that the contributor would be terpoints; Tubbs, open to all WBL members ized for administrative delays, which may “Which is this — Ashby or Ashly?” anonymous. As we will see, this was totally who started the calendar year as a non-Life occur when they transfer into the Unit. Within a month of his death, over 20 within character for Izzy, a complex man who Master; Woolridge, open to all WBL members Beginning in January 2002, in addition friends had donated the money to purchase could be defined with such words as private, who started the calendar year with fewer than to the trophy, the prizes awarded are the the huge sterling bowl which we will again inconspicuous, generous, modest, and loyal. 20 masterpoints; Machlin, open to those WBL same for all categories. Free plays will be award each year at our January sectional. His generosity, which he would always members who participate in Senior events at awarded as follows: These are all of the winners so far: try to maintain anonymously, was still WBL Sectionals. Starting in 2004, there are 1957 Stuart Dunlop 1981 Glenn Lublin renowned and appreciated by those who no senior events (due to insufficient demand), 1. First ...... four sessions 1958 Andrew Gabrilovitch 1982 Peter Boyd benefited from his help. One Christmas therefore, the Machlin trophy has been 2. Second ...... two sessions 1959 Andrew Gabrilovitch 1983 Peter Boyd some time ago, the Salvation Army was pre- retired. There also used to be a Woman of the 3. Third ...... one session 1960 William Christian 1984 Peter Boyd vented by a local mall from ringing their trophy until 1975, when the WBL Board These free plays will be valid for the l961 Terry Michaels 1985 Steve Robinson bells in front of one of his Giant stores. Izzy, Year 1962 Dr. Joseph Henry 1986 Steve Robinson came to their senses. (ed. op.) “City of Washington” sectional (the second 1963 Andrew Gabrilovitch 1987 Peter Boyd who felt very badly that he could not over- sectional of the calendar year) but may be rule the mall people, quietly made sure that The events to be counted are: 1964 Norma Gill 1988 Steve Robinson used at another sectional at the discretion of 1965 Ray Wilhide 1989 Steve Robinson the Salvation Army received a large contri- 1. Thursday night Unit games. the tournament chair. 1966,Fred Karpin 1990 Beth Palmer bution that Christmas. 2. Unit qualifiers for the GNT and NAP 1967 Peggy Ekel 1991 Steve Robinson When Izzy was asked what he did for a WINNERS 1968 Kathy Cappelletti 1992 Steve Robinson 3. WBL Sectionals played at WBL site only. living, he would always answer that he “ran 1969 Peggy Parker 1993 Steve Robinson a deli,” and when asked what was his posi- 4. The Non-LM sectional played at WBL site For the 48th time, we are about to award 1970 Steve Parker 1994 Steve Robinson the Lovenberg Bowl to our most successful tion at Giant, he would answer, “I work for 5. NVBA sectional overalls which are 1971 Steve Parker 1995 Steve Robinson player in WBL-sanctioned tournaments dur- the Company.” Izzy, the Grocer, visited his played at WBL site. 1972 Mike Cappelletti l996 Steve Robinson ing the calendar year. Charles C. Lovenberg 1973 Kit Woolsey 1997 Steve Robinson stores frequently and always addressed his 6. Unit KO and the Round Robin succumbed in 1956 to leukemia, leaving his 1974 Steve Robinson 1998 Alfred Steinberg employees by their first names and made 7. GNT District level held at a WBL section- many bridge playing friends missing his 1975 Bobby Lipsitz 1999 Steve Robinson sure they did so in return. He was well-loved al. Points won that weekend only. If it’s sharp wit, keen mind and talent for mimicry, 1976 Steve Parker 2000 Steve Robinson by all the Giant employees, and it was com- 1977 Glenn Lublin 2001 Fred Steinberg the first weekend, points won thru as well as his almost contradictory gentle 1978 2002 Fred Steinberg mon for workers to stay late after their shift Sunday, i.e. points thru ¾. If it’s the final side. Those who knew him at the bridge table 1979 Ed Manfield 2003 Steve Robinson was over when they knew he was about to four weekend, the point difference always have remembered him as a hard and 1980 Peter Boyd 2003 Kevin Barnes come by for a visit, just so they could shake - 24 - - 25 - his hand. Being down-to-earth. Giant was the formulation of regulations requiring open The Woman of the Year trophy was embassies and in its stately Washington family to him, and he wanted the best for his membership in all Units. awarded through 1974: diplomatic reception hall was always planned company, and the best for his employees. 1975 Frank Balay 1990 Janet Lee 1964 Norma Gill 1970 Peggy Parker and conducted by Jerry. He also directed spe- Izzy’s sister, Lillian, received a letter 1976 Charleen Brand 1991 Lee Jensen 1965 Joan Schoder 1971 Peggy Parker cial bridge matches between the US Congress from Al Roth upon her brother’s passing. In 1977 Earl Glickstein 1992 Walter Kerns 1966 Terry Michaels 1972 Kathy Cappelletti and British Parliament, and between the US the letter Mr. Roth told her that, “I believe I 1978 Alfred Steinberg 1993 Mark Umeno 1967 Peggy Ekel 1973 Kathy Cappelletti Congress and “Corporate America”. The lat- enjoyed my life best in the 1950’s in D.C. 1979 Roy Jacobstein 1994 Paul Block 1968 Kathy Cappelletti 1974 Peggy Lipsitz when I was friends with Izzy, who shared my 1980 Chris Kaufman 1995 Jim Wang 1969 Peggy Parker ter team typically included Malcolm Forbes, love for bridge.” Tributes like that came 1981 Andrew Kaufman 1996 Jim Wang Warren Buffet, and other major corporation 1982 John Huffman Jerry Machlin: On July 21, 1997, we lost from all over and showed how much love and 1997 Yi Zhong CEOs. Jerry was the founding father of the 1983 Phil Articola 1998 Arthur Weiss the last member of a bridge family distin- Mid-Atlantic Bridge Conference. He also devotion came from so many people whose 1984 George Subt 1999 Leo Lasota lives Izzy touched. guished for its role during the rapid growth directed bridge matches in China. 1985 Mike Blaher 2000 Hailong Ao and popularity of competitive bridge after 1986 Bob Bell 2001 Hailong Ao However, despite these numerous 1996 Kefu Xu 2000 Yi Zhong WWII. Sadie Machlin, the deceased’s moth- 1997 Kefu Xu. 2001 Leo Lasota 1987 Ellen Klosson 2002 Charity Sack accomplishments, Jerry was best known for 1998 Sven Pride 2002 Ellen Cherniavsky 1988 Jacky Abrams 2003 Kevin Barnes er, was the original office staff and “Uncle his inevitable warmth and good humor. He 1999 Leo Lasota 2003 John Lawrence 1989 Fred Allenspach Al” (Sobel,) was the internationally known was in continual demand nationwide as a Chief Director. Speaking of that January tournament, it is Our established rookie-of-the-year compe- raconteur with a never-ending supply of now known as the Presidential, but for many tition was renamed in 1978 in honor of Mrs. Jerry, as he was known to his thousands of entertaining stories about the world of bridge years it was The Northern Virginia Clyde E. Woolridge, treasurer of the WBL friends and admirers, joined this family tradi- and its more famous bridge personalities. Tournament. Lewie Tubbs had run it during from 1965 to 1973. Clyde won a number of tion soon after returning from military service. Some of his most interesting and risque the late 1930’s in the George Mason Hotel in events during the 1960’s, including Mixed Like “Uncle Al”, Jerry quickly rose to Chief stories were published by Jerry in a popular Alexandria, as he did other “proprietary” tour- Prs.with both Leon Jones and Dr. Joseph Director at ACBL’s North American Cham- book entitled “Uncensored Memoirs”. Henry and Teams with them and Roscoe pionships which grew in size to involve thou- naments in Frederick and Hagerstown each 1996 Audrew Marbach 2000 Marie Creisher year. Gas rationing during the war moved it Alexander; her ABA wins were plentiful. She sands of players and hundreds of directing staff. worked for many years in the Howard 1997 Shou-Ling Wang 2001 Barbara Rothkin into the District, where it grew during the late The annual State Department world-wide 1998 Mary & Jim O’Neil University College of Medicine 2002 Rosemary Marks 1940’s too large for the George Mason’s quar- bridge event held simultaneously in many US 1999 Marie Creisher 2003 Audrew Marbach ters. While Lewie was in the Navy his succes- Cardiovascular Dept., and upon her passing (early in 1978) left a son and daughter, plus 6 sors had to relinquish the sponsorship when grandchildren. Clyde also loved music, plays, ACBL refused to sanction any more individu- reading, travel & sports; two favorites were ally controlled tournaments. jazz concerts and visits to the track. A vital, Lewis G. Tubbs was one of the all time involved person, she would speak her mind Do you get along with gentlemen of the game: always an outstand- and her emotions at Board meetings whenever ing partner, never griping or criticizing; and the occasion warranted. And she was out- invariably polite to any opponent. Yet the list standing in her work as Unit Treasurer; it hap- your computer? of his tournament triumphs was long, includ- pens we have been blessed by a sequence of ing scores of Sectional and Regional event honest and efficient treasurers including her wins, plus 2nd in the 1954 national Master predecessors and successor. Mixed Teams, 2nd in the l958 national Help is here! Commercial & Industrial Teams, and 1st in 1964 Iris Carr 1984 Ned Griffith 1965 Alan Wilhide 1985 Jim Smith ➨ ➨ a 1944 Brazilian championship. Get on the internet OKBridge/OKWin 1966 Ivan Brendler 1986 Jimothy Bigelow ➨ ➨ He retired from the Alexandria Post 1967 Paul Deporte/ 1987 Robert Jenkins Computer purchase Microsoft Word Office in 1956, with 32 years’ service. Dave Cotlove 1988 Norris Peterson ➨Computer setup ➨Microsoft Excel/Access During the 1950’s and 1960’s he was a 1968 Fred Neuberger 1989 Cassandra Smith ➨Email setup ➨Web Page Design 1969 Jack Mortick prominent local bridge teacher at area Y’s, 1990 Ben Laden ➨ ➨ officers’ clubs, etc. When he died in 1971, 1970 Liz Goldberg 1991 Toru Amano Software installations Uploads and Downloads he left wife Anna Laurie, son David and 1971 Mike Roberts 1992 Leslie Shafer ➨Programming ➨Phone support 1972 Masaki Shiratori 1993 James Alien brother & frequent partner Lloyd. 1973 Rosemary Shaw 1994 Nagui Kamel Lewie was first elected WBL president in 1974 Ralph Cate 1995 Robert Schwenk 1949, reelected 1950 & 1951; served again 1975 Dottie Esher 1996 Yi Zhong dibasoft 1963 & 1964. Symbolic of the respect in 1976 Robin Taylor 1997 Martha Chen which he was held by the membership, he 1977 Barry DePristo 1998 Josh Sher Computer Consulting was elected again in 1967, although his 1978 David Rodney 1999 J. T. Block health at that time precluded his active serv- 1979 Chris Kaufman 2000 Mark Rosen 301-990-8534 1980 Dan Huzzard 2001 Robert Packwood ice. As a national Board member 1965- 1981 Katie Stein 2002 David Hamilton [email protected] 1967, he arranged for our 1973 Summer 1982 Paul McMullen 2003 Neal Rosenthal Diane Walker Nationals, and was largely responsible for 1983 Phil Articola Paid Advertisement Paid Advertisement - 26 - - 27 - AREA BRIDGE CLASS OFFERINGS

LESLIE SHAFER’S CLASSES NLMasterPointers Winter Semester — January 2005 by I/N returning guest Columnist, Leslie Shafer

Here’s an excerpt from Leslie Shafer’s (1) “I have six of these puppies.” Montgomery County Rec. Dept. Classes: your friends say, ‘Eight ever, nine never’, a (2) Bridge Students ‘R Us newsletter. If you A new suit by an unpassed responder Bridge Beginner Part II. Advanced very fundamental saying in bridge, but do is forcing and at least invitational in enjoy this article, you might consider sub- Beginners. Begins Jan. 18th, Tuesdays from you really understand the concept? Why do scribing by sending a check for $25 to strength. Here responder is forcing the 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. $71 for eight weeks. Perfect they say, ‘Down one is good bridge’ and what Leslie at 690 Concerto Lane, Silver Spring, opener to further describe his hand. (3) for returning beginners or those who have exactly is the meaning of, ‘Second hand low’ MD 20901. There are six issues per year. This is called a “delayed raise.” I also call it the “just in case” bid: “I didn’t have and ‘Third hand high’? Unlock the mysteries Three years of back issues available upon not played in a while. Covers when to count enough of them to raise you the first time and meanings of these and other examples of request. You can email her for more infor- shortness points, takeout doubles, weak 2’s, (which would show four-card support) but strong 2C openers and when to jump in the ‘table talk’ by playing lots and lots of hands mation at [email protected] would three be okay ‘just in case’ you have bidding. The more you play, the faster you that reveal and emphasize why they exist! JUST IN CASE BIDS five of them over there, pard?” “Also, I’m jumping to show that I want to be in game if lean. Come prepared for lots of fun! $15 Those who have not played in a while and Dear Leslie: If we’re not you’re inviting me.” material fee due to instructor. would like to brush up are welcome to join in (4) “Yes, I do have five of them!” the fun. $15 material fee due to instructor at supposed to rebid five-card Bridge Sidestep Those Frequent suits, how does a responder Many times we can go back and raise our class. Call Leslie Shafer at 301-593-6828 or Mistakes. Intermediate-Advanced. Begins show he has a five-card partner later in the auction, saying “I was email at [email protected]. NEW Jan. 24th, Mondays 10A – noon. $54 for six heart or spade suit? This keeps kind of close to raising you the first time. If MATERIAL messing me up and we are you’re looking for more information from me, weeks. A happy opponent = a very unhappy I do have a tolerance for your suit!” missing our 5-3 fits. —Julia in California partner! Tips on bidding, play and defense Classes at other locations – The more information you can share in will help you avoid the mistakes that still Kenwood Country Club. Supervised Play. Hi Julia: Excellent question! When the auction, the better the chances are you plague accomplished players. Great for Begins Jan. 19th, Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. responder introduces a major at the one- can find the right contract! level, it only promises a four-card suit, but it Here’s another “just in case” bid that I improving your game and empowering you to Let’s play lots of hands that brush up your could be longer. If he has six of them, there’s like: You find better partners. Lots of hands will be bidding and play skills. A more specific no problem with rebidding them again to ♠ 5 played in each class. $15 material fee do to topic will be announced soon. Intermediate show that. However, with only five, how will ♥ A Q 3 instructor at class. NEW MATERIAL level. Cost: $150 for eight weeks. ♦ 8 7 3 he be able to show that type of distribution? ♣ Bridge: Leslie Sez. Intermediate. Begins Call Leslie Shafer @ 301-593-6828 or The answer is that we are not alone in the A Q J 9 8 3 Jan. 19th, Wednesdays from 7:30 – 9:30 email [email protected] for more infor- auction. We have a partner who will help us Partner p.m. $71 for eight weeks. Many of you hear mation. with a “just in case” bid. ♠ K J 2 ♥ 10 2 You ♦ ♠ K Q 6 5 2 5 ♣ K 7 2 ♥ A Q 3 STEPPING UP TO NEW HEIGHTS The bidding should go: ♦ 8 7 3 As of December 1, 2004 ♣ A Q J 9 8 3 You Pard 1♣ 1♦ Partner 2♣ (1) 2♠ (2) Junior Masters (5 Masterpoints) Sectional Masters (50 Masterpoints) ♠ K 2 3NT (3) Michael Berard Grazyna Gdula Roma Chandra Elaine Wagner ♥ J 10 8 5 2 (1) “I have six of these!” Barbara Putney David Desjardins John Graham Susan Graham ♦ K Q 6 2 (2) “Well, we should probably be in Ajaz Rahman Namik Haverich Winnie Yonkers ♣ K 7 notrump. I have the spades stopped ‘just in Katherine Rabenstein Club Masters (20 Masterpoints) The bidding should go: case’ you were worried about those for Regional Masters (100 Masterpoints) notrump purposes. Oh, since I’m bidding a Ileana Eblighatian Yasmina Patel You Pard new suit, I have a good hand and you’re Arthur Milholland Lucille Mostello Marie Siefring ♣ ♥ 1 1 forced to bid again.” Joanne Ranshaw Richard Ranshaw ♣ (1) ♦ (2) (3) National Masters (200 Masterpoints) 2 2 “Cool! I have hearts stopped so now I Galia Steinbach Steven Schatzow 3♥ (3) 4♥ (4) know we can play in notrump. Thanks, partner!” - 28 - - 29 - THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LEAGUE Periodicals 14517 PERRYWOOD DRIVE Postage Paid BURTONSVILLE, MARYLAND 20866 at Burtonsville, MD

WBL SOLVERS’ CLUB’S NEW PROBLEMS January/February 2005

1) IMPs Both Vulnerable 3) Matchpoints They’re Vulnerable 5) Matchpoints You’re Vulnerable ♠J654♥AK106543♦-♣A5 ♠QJ83♥3♦AQJ8765♣A AKJ8♥QJ954♦KQ2♣5 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST ——- —— ——- 1♣ 1♥ Pass 1♠ 2NT 1♦ 2♣ Pass Pass Dbl Pass 1NT Pass ????? ????? ?????* 4) Matchpoints They’re Vulnerable *2♥ shows 11-14 & therefore is not a valid bid 2) IMPs They’re Vulnerable ♠10986♥9♦AQ97♣AKQ9 ♠765♥A7654♦KJ9♣65 Return answers by January 10 to: SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST Steve Robinson SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass 2891 S. Abingdon St #A2, —— 1♦ 3♥ 3♠ 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass Arlington VA, 22206 ????? ????? [email protected]