Page 14
The Battalion
Monday, March 6,1989
Pro bridge team sets guidelines for championship victories
DALLAS (AP) — Bob Hamman,
the world’s No. 1-ranked bridge
player, credits a wealthy Dallas busi
nessman’s “play for pay” offer two
decades ago for lifting the standard
of his play and that of tens of thou
sands of bridge players worldwide.
Businessman Ira Corn, himself a
bridge player, was tired of Italy’s
domination of the world bridge
championships.
So in 1968, Corn recruited a
handful of players — Bobby Wolff,
Jim Jacoby, Mike Lawrence, Bobby
Goldman and Billy Eisenberg— and
offered them money if they would
come to Dallas and “work” full time
at playing bridge and honing their
games to near perfection.
“I joined them a year later,” said
Hamman, now 50. “We’d play a lot
of tournaments. A computer would
deal certain hands so we could prac
tice the type hands we needed work
on.”
Corn dubbed his recruits the
“Aces,” and they were required to go
through a training regimen much
the same as if they had been profes
sional athletes.
“It was approached in that fash
ion, as a matter of fact, like an ath
letic team,” Hamman said. “The pay
wasn’t great. I believe single guys got
$800 a month and the married guys
got $1,000. But it wasn’t bad at ail. It
was a good opportunity. It was great
experience, all against top-echelon
players. I thought it was terrific, get
ting getting paid to do something I
liked so well.”
A secretary recorded every play
they made in their practice sessions,
and the spotlight was beamed on
good plays and bad alike.
In 19/0, the Aces brought the
United States its first world bridge
championship since 1959. They re
peated in 1971.
“In very short order, in respect to
American competition, we became
professionals against amateurs,”
Hamman said.
Then, in 1971, the Aces broke up,
“and it was back to the pack,” Ham
man said.
But Corn’s project had a lasting
impact on the quality of U.S. bridge,
/ident if >
‘That’s evident if you look at the
record of the players on the team
since it broke up. Every player be
came a rock-solid player and became
tougher mentally,” Hamman said.
Since the formation of the Aces in
1968, the United States sent a team
to the world championship only
once without at least one member of
the Aces on it.
Jacoby said the standard of bridge
also was improved by a wealth of lit
erature about the game, much of it
written by Aces members.
Jacoby and Wolff write syndicated
bridge columns that appear daily in
newspapers throughout the United
States. Wolff and Hamman tried un
successfully to market a computer
software program that bridge play
ers could use to improve their play.
They couldn’t come up with any
thing that could meet their stan
dards.
Lawrence, who now lives in Ber
keley, Calif., was recognized as the
bridge author of the ’70s and ’80s,
and a recent survey listed him as the
No. 1 bridge author today.
Lawrence also is regarded as one
of the foremost instructors, traveling
across the country to hold weeklong
seminars for classes of 25 or more
bridge players.
“I certainly would be the first to
credit Ira Corn for the fact that I am
a bridge author at all, or that I ever
began teaching classes,” Lawre
said.
In 1969, after Lawrence hadlt
with the Aces for a year, Cornii
the Aces he was contemplating*]
ing a bridge column and askede
of them to write five practiceb;
columns. He liked Lawrence'se;
conversational style of writings
called him in.
“He told me I wrote very well;
that instead of a column, hewaj;
me to write a book. A month In
he said, ‘Michael, you are gob
give a series of bridge classes in
weeks — here are the students
will be in your class, and thisisvlj
you are to go.’ I was literally te
lied, but he made me do it."
Te:
Vol. i
l
INTRAMURAL HIGHLIGHTS
sponsored by
ACL McDonald’s
j| ■ H ? Breakfast Every Morning • 5 locations • Drive Thru
Post Oak Mall • Hwy 21
Manor Ea$t Mall • University Dr.
Texas Ave. at S.W. Parkway
| '■ f| -
FOOTNOTES
• Monday, March 6 playoffs begin for Wallybail and Team Bowling.
• Monday, March 6, 4:30 PM Wrestling Weigh-ins. Competition begins Tuesday, March 7.
• Tuesday, March 7 Horseshoe Doubles begin.
• Thursday, March 9 Swim Meet Information Meeting 7 PM 167 Read.
• Friday, March 10 Table Tennis Doubles and Badminton Singles posted after 1:00 PM.
ALL UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONS
SOA PRESEASON SOFTBALL
Men's A
Amongoze
CoRecA
Hogs
Men's B
The Buffaloes
OUTDOOR SOCCER
CoRec B
The RBI's
Men's C
Lagnaf
Men's A
daymen
Men's B
AFC
Women's A
CL 105's
CoRec A
Munges Gold
CoRec B
Gods Squad
Men's C
Foxes
Women’s B
Ponchitas
CoRec C
Whoo's
Judo Team Competes
The Texas A&M Judo Tearn participated in the Houston Senior Judo Tournament February 25 and
26 at the Texas Chiropractic College. Competing for A&M was Sally Schmidt in the women’s division and
David Schmidt, Darryl Coleman, and Matt Kirk in the men’s division. Placing for A&M was Darryl Coleman,
2nd in the 156lb class and David Schmidt, 1st in the 1891b class. In addition, Darryl Coleman was voted
the outstanding competitor of the tournament.
3 POINT SHOT FINALIST
Michael Nugent
Russell Skrehot
Jeff Johnson
David Seaburg
ASTROS VS METS
WHEN: Friday, April 28, 1989. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday March 10, 4:00 PM at the
Recreational Sports Office in 159 Read. (Payment in full due at registration.) ‘Limited space available.*
COST: $25.00 per person (nonrefundable) TRIP INCLUDES: 1. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT at Mama’s Pizza
(soft drinks included) from 2:00 - 4:00. 2. Round trip transportation via Arrow Trailways charter bus
departing from the Read Building at 4:30 PM. 3. Ticket to Mets vs Astros baseball game. Game time is at
7:35 PM. *** For information, contact Dianna or Ron in the Recreational Sports Office at 845-7826.
10th Annual Penberthy Softball Tournament
Registration for this double elimination softball tournament to be held April 14-16
continues in the Recreational Sports Office, 159 Read Bldg. The $40 entry fee includes
lots of extras and great prizes for the champions. For more information come by the
Recreational Sports Office or call 845-2826.
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATIONAL SPORTS LOGO CONTEST
The Intramural-Recreational Sports Department is officially changing to the Department
of Recreational Sports on September 1,1989. We are holding a logo contest to identify potential
designs for our new logo. Designs are due in the Recreational Sports Office, 159 Read Building
no later than 5:30 PM, Tuesday, March 7. The winner will be announced after Spring Break and
will be awarded a $50.00 prize. Rules are available in the Recreational Sports Office 159 Read.
For more information, call P.J. Miller, 845-7826.
RAINING???
CALL 845-2625 TO SEE IF YOUR GAME HAS BEEN RAINED OUT.
TAMU-OUTDOORS
KAYAK ROLL INSTRUCTIONAL CLINICS
DATE: MARCH 23, 6:15 - 8:30 PM REGISTRATION: FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 20
Learn the mechanics of the Eskimo roll!! Experienced guides will be on hand to instruct and assist
you in sessions at the Outdoor Pool. The $8($10 non A&M) fee covers instruction, kayak rental and pool
time. Limited to 10 participants.
Registerforthesetrips in the Recreational Sports Office, 159 Read Bldg. For more information about
these trips or TAMU Outdoors contact, Patsy Greiner, 845-7826.
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS: McDonald’s Intramural Highlights is sponsored in the Battalion by your local
McDonald's Restaurant at University Drive, Manor East Mall, Hwy 21 .Texas Ave. at SW Parkway and Post
Oak Mall. Stories are by Steve Harding, graphics are by Paul Irwin and photos are by Mark Figart and Lynda
Bottos.
IM GAMEPLAN
ENTRIES CLOSE: MARCH 7
BADMINTON SINGLES RULES: IBA Rules apply. Pick
up a copy of the Intramural Rule Modifications in the
Recreational Sports Office. ENTRY FEE: Free! PLAY
BEGINS: Tuesday, March 21. LOCATION: 351 G. Rollie
White. COMPETITION: Class A - highly skilled; Class B -
moderately skilled; Class C - novice. All classes will play
single elimination tournaments. Class A All-University
Champions will receive a t-shirt,B and C certificates.
EQUIPMENT: Participants may provide their own rac
quets, but a limited number may be checked out from the
Sports Supervisor at the court. Any participant who has
won a Divisional Championship in singles must play in the
next higher class.
TABLE TENNIS DOUBLES PLAY BEGINS: Monday,
March 20. ENTRY FEE: Free!! ! SCHEDULES: Posted
outside the Rec Sports Office, Friday, March 10 after3 pm.
LOCATION: 304 Read Building. DIVISIONS: Men’s,
Women’s and CoRec. CLASSES: Class A - highly skilled;
Class B - moderately skilled; Class C - Novice. All Classes
will play single elimination tournaments. Class A All-
University Champions will receive a t-shirt; Class B and C
All-University Champions will receive a certificate. Class
B CoRec Champions will receive a General Motors T-
Shirts. RULES: ITTF Rules will apply. Matches willw
of the best 2 out of 3 games to 21 points. Intramuralfa
are available in the Rec Sports Office, 159 Read Bui
EQUIPMENT: Paddles and balls may be checkedoul‘
the supervisor.
SWIM MEET Scratch and Information Meeting:T\m.
March 9, 7 PM, 167 Read. Meet Dates: All events*
held at Wofford Cain (OutdoorPool). Corps&FishPn
nar/es: Monday, March 20,7:30 PM. Divisionals: W«
day, March 22, 7:30 PM. Men’s and Women’s Reside
Hall, and Men’s and Women’s Independent willnoit
preliminaries but will begin with divisionals due to
constraints. All-University Finals:Mor\6ay, March 2/
PM Order of Events: 1. 100 M Freestyle 2. 200 M Me
Relay *3. 200 M CoRec Free Style Relay 4. 50 MS
stroke 5. 50 M Breaststroke *6. 100 M Masters Free:
7. 50 M Butterfly 8. 50 M Freestyle *9. 200 MCd
Sweatshirt Relay 10. 100 M Individual Medley 11.23
Freestyle Relay. ‘These events will be held on AII Un
sity Night only. Since all events are being heldoiM
Tuesday, March 21 and Wednesday, April 29arema«i
dates if any night of the meet has to be cancelledds
weather. /Vote.'Female Corps members will swimwil-
Women’s Residence Hall Division.
H
3.
Jasc
tion
Kyle
“wal
ENTRIES OPEN: MARCH 6 ENTRIES CLOSE: MARCH 21
GOLF SINGLES CONTEST DA TE: Sunday, April 2,
Monday April 3, T uesday April 4. GREEN FEES: Students
$5.50 Faculty/Staff: $6.75, payable at registration. Any
one holding a membership card to the TAMU Golf Course
does not have to pay the green’s fee; however, they must
havetheircardwiththematthetime of registration. Tee off
will begin at 9:00. Participants can sign up for a tee time
at registration. Theymustsignupforateetimewithintheir
class. TOURNAMENT TYPE: All.classes will play an 18
hole scratch tournament. DIVISIONS: Both Men’s and
Women’s divisions will be offered. E EQUIPMENT: Par
ticipants must furnish their own equipment. AWARDS:
Class A Champions will receive t-shirts and Class B
Champions will receive certificates. No awards will be
given to Class C. “‘Any participant who has won a Class
Championship in singles must play in the vext higher
Class in all future competitions.***
INNERTUBE WATER POLO PLA YBEGINS: Thursday,
March 30. ENTRY FEE: $20.00 per team. DIVISIONS:
Men’s, Women’s and CoRec. COMPETITION: Class A -
highly skilled; Class B - moderately skilled; Class C -
novice. All tournaments are Round Robin with single
elimination playoffs. Class A All-University Champions
will receivet-shirts;Class BAII-University Champions will
receive certificates; Class B CoRec Champions will re
ceive a General Motors t-shirt. RULES: A copy of the
rules may be obtained in the Recreation Sports Office,
Room 159 Read Building. EQUIPMENT: Innertubes
and Caps will be provided at the game. ELIGIBILITY:
One TAMU Water Polo Player is allowed per team. No
TAMU Swimmer may compete in this sport. TEAM CAP
TAIN’S MEETING: Will be held on Thursday, March 23 at
5:00 pm in Room 164 Read BLDG. All Team Captain’s
should plan to attend. Schedules will be available at this
time!
ARCHERY DOUBLES CONTEST DATE: Tuesday,
March 23 beginning at 6:00 pm in 304 Read Building.
EQUIPMENT: A limited number of bows are available for
use. Participants should reserve equipment at time of
registration. RULES: FITA Rules will apply. Eacfipa
pant will shoot one round (30 arrows) at a distance
yards. The target is 40 cm with 10 scoring rings
practice arrows will be allowed. RESTRICTIONS:
curve Bow with optional standard sights and stabfe
to be used. No Compound Bows. Bow must not®;
45 lbs actual draw. No string peep or bow
releases, no field or broad head point. Target poioti
No mechanical releases. GENERAL MOTORS: &
Motors T-Shirts will be awarded to the CoRec Cl
Champions.
TENNIS DOUBLES PLAY BEGINS: Tuesday,
ENTRY FEE: Free ! !! SCHEDULES: Posted aftei
on Friday March 24. Check the bulletin boardsoutsis
Recreational Sports Office to see when
DIVISIONS: Men’s and Women’s Residence Hap
and Women’s Independent, and CoRec. COMPEL
Class A - highly skilled; Class B - moderately skillet
Class C - novice. All tournaments are single elimte
Class A All-University Champion will receive a
Class B and C All-University Champion will receive
tificate. Class B CoRec Champions will receive aGe’
Motors T-Shirt. RULES: Matches will consist of the!)
out of 3 sets. Games are played to 4 points (nodeuce
games wins a set except when there is a tie at 65;
each, in which case a 12 pt tie breaker is played. Ed
MENT: Participants must furnish their own racquet
new unopened can of balls or they forfeit. Thef
team deeps the unopened can for their next mate 1
losing team keeps the used ones.
VOLLEYBALL TRIPLES ENTRY FEE: $20.00pe!
PLAY BEGINS: Monday, March 27. DIVISIONS: M
Women’s and CoRec. ELIGIBILITY: One TAMUVi
ball Club Member or Former Varsity Letter
permitted per team. That team must compete in®
competition. RULES: USVBA Rules with intrant
ceptions. Rules may be obtained in the Recrea'
Sports Office, 159 Read Building. TEAM CAPtt
MEETING:Thu rsday, March 23 at 6 pm in 164 Read
Soi
wil
By Holl]
REPOFU
May gr
Ca ps and
°n the fol
Friday
•Colie
• Colie
•Crad
Friday,
•Colle,
•coii e ;
• Colle!
. • Colle
cine
saturd
•Colie
Fnvironm
•Colle,
•Colle,
& aturd
Pm.
• Colle.
All loca
12 i
^vevacai