[kenrexford]

I have been reading Alan and Dorothy Truscott's recent book about the history and personalities of the bridge world. I find it very entertaining and would recommend it to anyone.

It brought up some thoughts. When contract bridge went from emergence to the spotlight, several factors seem relevant. Not capable of replay was the reality that the lack of TV's and the financial woes of the depression helped matters. However, some interesting factors also seemed relevant and possibly something to learn from.

First, Ely Culbertson was a nutcase playboy. He, as well as many other personalities of the day, was a radical. A revolutionary, politically. Born from the Eastern European communist thinking. Others had similar bad-boy personas.

Second, Ely was a playboy gambler with a cocky bravado. He called people out. Publicly. Ridiculed the English to goad a contest. Ridiculed his fellow Americans, the establishment. He lacked great skills, but he made up for it with large jewelry.

Third, he married and promoted his hottie wife.

Fourth, he grabbed onto a great scandal, the Bennet murder, to propel his magazine into the forefront.

I think about the current state of affairs. Card playing is huge, largely because Ben Affleck plays poker. Seedy types with cool shades bet huge amounts and do so with cocky, teenager style. It gets exciting. Everyone wants to be that bad-boy (or bad-girl) poker player.

"Bridge is Cool" does not exactly capture this feel. Go to a tournament and see the leaders -- few are bad boys. Personally, I think Bocchi could it off if he wants. We just need a little bit of Italian romance scandal to work that magic. LOL

Seriously, though, I'd like to see a tad more bravado of Ely's type as the kick bridge needs to really compete with poker (the Texas version) in the minds of the general public. We missed a good opportunity or two with some events in the past. Some missed scandals. Some bad boys toned down through zero tolerance.

Sure -- keep the nice games nice. The senior pairs. The mixed pairs (maybe). But, the advent of stratified games caused us to tone down the big game too much. Too afraid to scare the lol's.

A/AX games help, but lighten up zero tolerance and even encourage good rivalries, good health bravado, heated arguments. Have the Italians call USAI a bunch of dried up has-been's, and maybe pay for it next year. Make USAII always be college players, and give them too much of a spending limit. Whatever. THAT might encourage growth as only Ely could have grown it.

I'm not suggesting that Justin show up in Italy next year with a mohawk and a bottle of gin at the table, with hottie kibitzers (he might be thinking...). But, would that be ALL bad?

[pclayton]

This is so funny.

The racecars get caught up in a cheating scandal and it barely makes the papers. And those involved bemoan the incident and complain that it sullies our game . While I think ZT is a step forward, a little color to the game would help greatly.

The face of bridge is blue hairs. Even the LA Times dropped the sunday column to make room for a poker article.

[kenberg]

The past is past. To make the news as a bad boy in the current climate you ned to shoot someone or rape someone. A bust for drugs is ho-hum. Hotties? You expect media coverage if Zia shows up with Madonna on his arm?

I yam what I yam. And that's not Puffy Daddy. Or whatever.

Ken

[ArcLight]

Poker involves gambling, which is popular in most cultures.

Bridge has a few problems:

1) its a partnership game. In Chess or Backgammon you can succceed on individual skill. Playing Bridge with a weaker pard, or one who is on a different wavelength isn't fun.

2) Its complicated. The rules are more complex than Chess and Backgammon, and the bidding system takes a while to learn, forgetting about conventions. Even when one learns the basics of a bidding system, they still need judgment.

3) Its got a steep learning curve. So do other games, like Go and Chess. But why play a game it will take you a while to feel comfortable at, when you can play a different game, and can play better in a faster time. I think it's easier to become a fair BackGammon player than a Bridge player.

4) Bridge is mostly played by older people. With other games you can find people your own age if you are younger.

The solution is to eliminate Cable TV/movies, cell phones, and professional sports. Then people will need other things to do. A tax credit for those that can solve Bridge Master Level 2 hands would also help. Or maybe if all the celebrities would play Bridge.

Here is an idea: a deranged bridge player starts bumping off celebrities that dont play bridge. One by one they disappear, with a note like: How would you play A9xx opposite KJxx for one loser, assuming a 4-1 split?
As the celebrities rush to learn the basics of Bridge, they discover they enjoy it, bridge is reborn, people start playing more and more on BBO. Fred becomes filthy rich, dogs and cats live together, and everything is wonderful.

[Al_U_Card]

ArcLight, on Mar 7 2006, 04:05 PM, said:

dogs and cats live together.

And don't forget the scourge of human-animal cloning....

[kenrexford]

Boy, Justin, you sure seem to lack the ability to discern a bulge in one's side of the mouth as a tongue in one's cheek!

On a serious note, however, Ely Culbertson was, in fact, that role model against being a gentleman. He left the table during the play to "whore" himself out to the media, causing great consternation and rage. He did act a fool at the table, and away from the table, in a way that would violate ZT terribly. He was a wild gambler and womanizer who kept these traits, apparently, into bridge. And, it "worked" for bridge.

I doubt that ESPN would ever carry a pre-game press conference with some bridge great talking like Mike Tyson about how he was going to crush the opposition. Further, I certainly would not literally suggest leaking juicy bridge scandals to the press as a media trick. Get real.

However, what we do need is some of the unconventional. Whatever that is. Bridge is not as hard a game to enjoy as we seem to think. Winston Churchill (see the book) was LOUSY, downright awful, and yet he enjoyed the game. The masses were miserable at the game when it boomed, and the pro's were horrifying by our modern standards. Having the benefit of recent play with a recent learner of the game (my wife), I know that great fun and exciting competition is possible without great play. LOL. The difficulty of the game is not the impediment thought by some. Her grandmother, one of the dullest people I know, enjoyed the experience greatly.

A teenager wearing a hood on with 100 degree weather, playing bridge, does not, in my opinion, make that teenager look unprofessional. I played with some kids years ago (I was a near-kid myself). They were kids. Kids who look like kids being kids are seen as kids, sometimes with amazing and exciting talent. Immaturity as to social graces was, by me, seen as expected and refreshing. I was delighted to encourage whatever aspect of the game drew these folks out.

Younger players today come from a group that is VERY unconventional. I am an X-generation player, and our generation was considered odd then. Now, we are mainstream. But, we expect our youth and junior players to have better behavior, as youth and juniors, than the Portland Club members of the 30's? No wonder that the bridge world is getting older!

For that matter, why did the older players in the 30's tolerate Ely's shenanigans? I think about my grandparents, who played regularly, according to traditional Blue Book bidding. They were extremely staid. Compare them with my bridge friends above the ACBL median age, who party, cuss, and drink regularly in the hospitality room. Who get home late because they had to sleep it off in someone's hotel room. Today's world would apparently sanction Ely Culbertson, despite more societal tolerance. It is an absurd new world.

Besides, when did our avocation suddenly become so stinking professional? Why not do the same with, say, bowling? No more beer at the playing site, no smoking, no hand-slapping after a strike, ties required, and no -- I mean NO -- taunting of the other team. How about pool? Let's take the billiards to a quiet room, no ZZ Top in the background, no spitting on the floor, no women near a men's table, and the like.

When I started this game, I was 11. I was allowed into the hospitality room and had a last. My parents watching over things, I still had the old women (late thirties then -- my age now) get my brother and me drinks. I once laughed at a man, out loud, because I tricked him. So did my brother. We were reprimanded by our folks, but gently. The rest of the room quietly snickered. I was not a very professional 11-year-old, but I was VERY welcome.

In high school and college, I played as well. Beer was allowed and encouraged at the table, and cigarettes. My first beer was with bridge players, and therefore very safe. I played sometimes in all black. I remember my mom and another great player carrying a bottle (the BIG one) to each table, wearing low-cut and high-cut everything to make the LOM's lose concentration, and lots of yelling. It was fun. I was an idiot, but I was VERY welcome.

I suppose this rambling, and the prior, was to suggest that we lighten up a bit. This Truscott book reminded me of how tight we are. That Justin, the new face of bridge, would be ashamed of being a kid confirms my suspicions.

[pigpenz]

As Far as Professionalism Justin....who determines who is a PRO?
I have seen people take money for winning LOL's gold points in flight B events etc, are these people PRO's? I dont think so.

Some character definitely makes for intersting news. but I would like to see a Pro Bridge League where that is what it is Pros.

[CarlRitner]

ArcLight, on Mar 7 2006, 05:05 PM, said:

Here is an idea: a deranged bridge player starts bumping off celebrities that dont play bridge. One by one they disappear, with a note like: How would you play A9xx opposite KJxx for one loser, assuming a 4-1 split?

As the celebrities rush to learn the basics of Bridge, they discover they enjoy it, bridge is reborn, people start playing more and more on BBO. Fred becomes filthy rich, dogs and cats live together, and everything is wonderful.

After Sunday's Oscars, this is the best bridge idea I've heard in a long time!

I am adding cardplay flashcards to my website as soon as I can

Cheers,

Carl
www.carlritner.com

[kenrexford]

Flamboyant is not equivalent with downright rude and obnoxious.

"Trash talk" can be done in good fun.

Being "professional" for one's career is not a bad thing, but I'm talking about what is good for the game, not for one person.

When you mentioned wearing a hood and sunglasses, I started to cheer. I love it. Unibomber of bridge. It works. I see nothing wrong, but everything right, with youth players dressing weird for games. Everyone on the Junior team with purple hair? Sure! Challenging Nickell to "a real game, with real opponents," risking reputation and acting with a tad too much bravado? Why not? I would personally love it. Sure, you'd get killed most likely, but Nickell might truly enjoy some collegiate tom foolery, and might actually have a fight. Why not?

If your personal concern is to impress the old ladies (and win that event for them), then more power to you. I am not suggesting what YOU should do. What I am bemoaning is the lack of razz-dazz in the game like was there when Ely shook things up. I lack that personal sex appeal to do it myself (although my wife finds me very sexy), so I encourage those who have potential in this area to go for it. For the bridge world to encourage it.

I remember playing with a team in 1994. I was 24, in law school, playing with three kids who were in high school. Washington DC regional. We won five events. During the KO's, we had to be tossed out into the hall because we and our opponents were having too much fun. My partner and I played the "Flamingo Diamond" system, an odd home-spun system. More people kibitzed us in the finals than I'd ever seen for the top players, except in major national events. It was exciting. More of that, I say.

[benlessard]

I have a good knowledge of games and how they are played around the world and why some are more popular then others.


Bridge suffer from many handicap for mass distribution and televison coverage.


1-Rules are quite complicated

2- not an elitist system

3-Very few $$ opportunity for expert players.

4-level of competiton very low.

5-Very few career players

6-Not really a prize structure system.

7-Partnership game

8-A bad --luck vs skill ratio.

[Gerben42]

Last week one a German expert came on television in the show "Who wants to be a Millionaire?"

First question on Bridge was "Isn't that a game for old ladies?" As long as this image persists, it's not helping. He countered by saying that it was an Olympic demonstration sport in 2002, but I doubt this will change anything. Well, he tried.

[joker_gib]

For the mortals, Bridge is just a card game like the others where a lot of luck intervenes. They have no idea that you are playing the same cards as your team or field opponents.

Difficult in these conditions to present it as a sport !

Alain

[cherdano]

Ken, since Justin doesn't want to do it, there is just one solution: YOU have to do it yourself. I am sure your wife can give you advise on how to make your sex appeal evident to others, too. I understand you know how to do the trash talk in good fun. Revamp that Flamingo diamond. Ask you hairdresser for a 'mad scientist' look, and nothing will stop you.

The bridge world is waiting for you. We know you can do it.

[ArcLight]

>I am not suggesting what YOU should do. What I am bemoaning is the lack of razz-dazz in the game like was there when Ely shook things up. I lack that personal sex appeal to do it myself (although my wife finds me very sexy), so I encourage those who have potential in this area to go for it. For the bridge world to encourage it.


When one person or team acts like bad-boyz, they may get some attention, and it may or may not help Bridge. The big downside is that it would encourage more people to act that way, which I would consider detrimental.

It would not help bridge if many teams started showing up with smiley shirts with "Fcku You" printed on them. Nor would trash talking help the game. Why stop there? Why not show up with the jail house gangsta look? Baggy pants exposing your underwear, one pants leg rolled up. Why stop there? If playing a team where one of the players had a recent loss such as the death of a spouse or child, say to that player "So how is your XXX these days? I'll bet they are rolling over in their grave at the way you just played that"


These days people seem to think they are special and should act anyway they want, social norms be damned. Acting unpleasant would not help Bridge because Bridge is different from Movies and Sports. A different crowd. Most would be offended. Try acting like a bad boy in real life and see how that helps/harms you.

If someone showed up trying to act like a jerk I would never cut them any slack.
I would be more likely to call the director on them for some kind of petty infraction like taking an extra fraction of a second. As Frank Stewert wote in his book "How to Become a Bridge Expert" don't act like a jerk because people will be gunning to beat you. Be pleasant and gracious and take your winnings quitely.

>For the mortals, Bridge is just a card game like the others where a lot of luck intervenes. They have no idea that you are playing the same cards as your team or field opponents.

There certainly is luck (compared to poker and chess), but I don't think I'd come out ahead against Meckwell in a 20 board match.

[Gerben42]

The longest match I"ve won against world champions was 10 boards. And yes some luck was involved (some crazy DONT interference from our teammates got doubled and he hit partner with the right hand and all finesses worked, making - yikes!)

Anyway, maybe something along the line of the video from the White House tournament is better for promotion purposes (perhaps more directed towards non-bridge players though).

White House International Bridge Tournament movie

[kenrexford]

That was awesome!

[kenberg]

No doubt the post is mostly for fun so may maybe a serious response is silly. However. I think too much time is spent worrying about how to get more people to play bridge, admire bridge, or, gasp, get it rated as an Olympic sport. The last two week-ends I played (some) in sectional tournmaments. Tomorrow I play at the unit game. In a few weeks I go to Dallas. I can play on-line any time day or night. Other people would rather do something else. Let them. When my older daughter was in college she told me someone was going to teach her bridge. I suggested she wait until she graduate. She now has a high demand job allowing her barely enough time for an occasional game of Clue with the kids. She should take up bridge? Maybe later when the kids are gone. Yes, I know Bill Gates plays bridge, and Eisenhower played bridge etc. But a person with an active life has to make some choices and if they don't choose bridge, maybe they know what they are doing.

I enjoy the game a lot, so I play it. Others (my wife, for example) don't. That's fine. I seriously doubt that those who don't play bridge are unaware of the option to do so and I really hope they wouldn't be lured in by a bunch of fruitcake antics.

Ken

[kenrexford]

Actually, my experience is different. I convinced my wife, who is just now 29, to take up bridge. She is a "bad girl" herself, to a degree, in that she grew up as one of the "trouble" kids in a deep urban high school (many, depending on where she was allowed to stay). Her friends loved cards, but only knew poker and, at best, spades. Smart kids, though. No one knew or had a clue about how to play bridge.

When she ultimately learned the game, I promised her that some young people play the game. In our area, that promise has been unfulfilled. Instead, she finds herself playing with the lol's and lom's at the local club. The "youth" at our local tournaments are people of my father's generation, mostly. Strangely, however, she enjoys the company of the people who are known to have a reputation of being rude. Why? My theory is that the "rude" players also have a personality trait of being fun when they want to. They are excited about their game. They just, perhaps, have a flaw as well as assets, as opposed to neither.

When I was younger, I also liked these people more than the boring types.

This is not to say that rudeness is the solution. Rather, it is that ZT alone is not. Safe attire and quiet rooms is not. One of my regular partners is the least rude person I know at the table, but is is very loud and very fun. Some might think that the boisterous play is detrimental to concentration, perhaps a tactic, because they have no clue. It brings back fun to the game, imo.

In any event, I believe that a lot of people actually do not understand what bridge is about. It is not a deliberate choice against bridge. Rather, it is an ignorant choice. Whatever brings that person to inquire must be good.