Sat Feb 11 2012
by Carlos Warner
Bridge teacher Kathy Wolking recognized the purity of describing a hand through bidding and playing the cards accordingly. The nuances of observing a partner's lead while considering his bid captures the beauty of the game. When these nuances are trumped by table talk Kathy got frustrated.
Most table talk is completely innocent. A player opens up a pathetic hand and says "just looking at these I can tell you I pass for sure." A bidder exclaims "I know you play a strong 2, but with a hand like this, I sure wish we were playing a weak two." A responder says "of course you would open that; isn't that how it always is." These comments are off the cuff and social, but they convey information and therefore taint the game.
Sometimes, a partner after bidding will say, "Remember, we have 60 on..." or, "They are vulnerable, so feel free to double." These comments are more disturbing in my book, as they impact the scoring of the game. Knowledge of the scorecard is as important as familiarity of bidding sequences or play of the cards. Using all of the components of bridge in synergy makes the game the "chess of cards." If bridge is too complicated, then, as Kathy used to say "go play euchre."
New group forming
An evening of drop-in bridge in Hudson is being explored. Play will be set for the same weekday of the same week in each month. No reservations required, contract bridge will be played and Chicago style scoring will be used. A location to have monthly play will be based on the amount of interest. If you are interested and wish to be updated on the progress in having a bridge night in Hudson, e-mail Beth Balzarini at beth.balzarini@yahoo.com or call her at 330-650-6276.
Kings and Queens
The Packards hosted a spicy and smoky seafood bonanza for the July meeting of the Kings and Queens. The spread was royal as it included an exotic cheese plate, huge spicy shrimp, Chuck's freshly smoked salmon, spicy hummus and cheese dip, all to be washed down with an assortment of summer beverages, beer and wine.
Bill Hopkins used his suave and steady play to take high individual with 2,720 points (including a small slam made). Ron Bicicchi had the roller coaster ride of the evening when he opened his hand to see 24 points with a void in hearts. His three no trump bid was passed by Fred Balzarini. Fred held all of the hearts plus the lead and Ron went down 3. Despite the setback, the Bicicchis hauled in the prize for top couple.
The Balzarinis hosted the June meeting of Kings and Queens. A flock of mallards observed strong play in a serene setting. The stage was set with light and scrumptious fare followed by decadent desserts. Yours truly ate at least a pound of incredible Harry and David chocolate covered dried fruit. Ron Bicicchi scored a small slam and took first with 2,930. Sue and Roger L'Hommedieu played decent cards consistently and took the top couple with 3,960 points.
Crown Colony
Crown Colony Bridge had their final dinner June at the home of Helen Herold. Debbie Hamlin co-hosted the event. After zippy appetizers, crisp salad and spine tingling desserts the group assembled on Helen's screened patio, overlooking a lake, to receive the yearly results. The group was shocked when they heard that their treasurer, Anita Timbrook, was moving, LeBron James style, to North Carolina the next day.
Her partner Suzanne Kanzleiter gave a brief and emotional history of Anita's time with the group. Fittingly, Anita and Suzanne came in first place for the season. Pam Strachan and Lin Seyfried were second and Nancy Charlins and Dolores Kampf placed third. Suzanne announced that her new partner will be her mom, Laurel Lake resident Marie Storey. Vegas instantly installed them as 5-2 favorites to take the title next year. The group begins play again in September.
Laurel Lake Duplicate
May 7 -- NS first, Nancy Veraar and Jackie Krabill, second, Mary Ellen Sheridan and Lois Young; EW first, Jack Spelman and Bob Thompson, second, Mary Ann and Bill Reinberger
May 14 -- NS first, Wilma and Matt Meckstroth, second, Lois Young and Dale Neuhaus; EW first, Bob Thompson and Jack Spelman, second, Mary Ann and Bill Reinberger
May 21 -- NS first, Shirley and Jim Bailey, second, Jackie Krabill and Nancy Veraar; EW first, Janice and Charlie Ault, second, Doris Sutcliffe and Bernetta Wiencek
May 28 -- NS first, Nancy Veraar and Jackie Krabill, second, Sally Harris and Clarence Hanson; EW first, Marie and Rollyn Storey, second, Carl Bacik and Jack Phipps
June 4 -- NS first, Sally Harris and Clarence Hanson, second, Wilma Meckstroth and Shirley Veale; EW first, Doris Sutcliffe and Bernetta Wiencek, second, Helen Grima and Kassie Westlake
June 11 -- NS first, Shirley Veale and Wilma Meckstroth, second, Fran Tonkin and Dale Neuhaus; EW first, Marie and Rollyn Storey, second, Bob Thompson and Jack Spelman
June 18 -- NS first, Dale Neuhaus and Don Lazar, second, Nancy Veraar and Jackie Krabill; EW first, Janice and Charlie Ault, second, Marie and Rollyn Storey
June 25 -- NS first, Janice and Charlie Ault, second, Mary Ellen Sheridan and Lois Young; EW first, Bernetta Wiencek and Doris Sutcliffe, second, Marie and Rollyn Storey
Congratulations to Sally Harris and Clarence Hanson for a 71 percent game.
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