Page 18 - ABF Newsletter October 2024

Book review
by Avon Wilsmore
A Compulsive Pastime: a history of bridge in the ACT and surrounding regions
by John Brockwell and David Hoffman
The 1976 Youth Teams, held in Canberra before the NOT, was my first national championship. Ursula College, at the ANU, was the venue. I recall learn- ing quite a bit at the event; mostly, how little I knew about bridge at that time. I also recall being im- pressed by someone I met there. I walked into the playing area the day before the event started, and saw that work was being done on setting up things. A man approached me.
Man: Hello, my name is Barry Turner. I am the convener of this event. I don’t think we’ve met before. What’s your name?
AW: Avon Wilsmore.
Man: Ah, you are on the team from Perth. Now, I have a couple of things to say. First, my job is to make sure this event runs as smoothly as possi- ble. As well, I am very happy to see new players, and I want you to know that you are welcome to come and talk to me at any time. Young play- ers are very important, and I want you leave this event happy that you took the time to participate.
Over the next decade, I saw Barry at NOTs and Youth events, and he was always to come and say hello and wish me well. My view, then and now, is that Barry Turner was a genuine gentleman, with a great affection for bridge and a belief that both young players and well-run events are necessary to secure the future of bridge.
Now, why all that stuff about Barry Turner? Well, I have been sent a book for review: A Compulsive Pas- time: A History of Bridge in the ACT and Surrounding Re- gions by John Brockwell and David Hoffman. I knew that Barry did much good work in Canberra, and I looked forward to learning more about him. And I did.
It’s time for a complaint. From the title, given above, you might reasonably suppose that the book con- tains little outside an account of the players and happenings over the years around the ACT. This is not the case. Many subjects are covered; some light and amusing, some deep and, at times, troubling. About 1800 players are in the index; some are cov- ered in enlightening detail, some are mentioned only as office-bearers or event-winners.
One interesting chapter is about the National Open Teams. Apart from an early blooper, Canberra has hosted the event since 1974. I was unaware of a matter that troubled Canberra bridge in the 1970s; that the success of the NOT decimated Canberra’s then-biggest event, the January Congress. Barry Turner stepped in to kick a few heads and turn things around. The chapter ends with a thoughtful discus- sion of the diminishing numbers of participants at the NOT; the contrast between the rise in numbers at the Gold Coast and the fall in numbers at the NOT is a matter that administrators should contemplate.
Co-author and one-time ABF President John Brock- well was the convenor of the first 21 NOTs. Many players will recall their times at the Australian Youth Championships with affection; John was the Conve- nor of the first seven (1969-1975). I recall John’s fine organisational skills and am sure I am not alone in hoping he is back on the job soon. Enough with the loafing.
Meanwhile, let’s celebrate John’s contribution with a deal from the 1989 Far East Open Pairs, where John partnered New Zealand’s John Wignall:
]—
[ A 10 9 3 } K 10 8 7 2 { A 10 9 2
] Q 10 8 6
[J7 [Q654 }54 }— {QJ876 {543
]AK3 [K82 }AQJ963 {K
NORTH EAST Wignall N Borin
1} pass 3} pass 5[ pass 7} pass
Matchpoint madness inspired John’s conversion to 7NT. I have found that partners are very forgiving of this under one circumstance only.
Jim Borin made the helpful lead of the {Q; John won and cashed six diamonds and the ace and king of spades. Dummy discarded a club and the ten and nine of hearts. From George Havas’ column in The Australian:
“Look at the unbearable pressure this put on the de- fence. West has to keep two clubs to avoid declarer
WEST J Borin
SOUTH Brockwell
2NT 1 4NT 5NT 7NT
pass
pass
pass
all pass
1. Game force raise.
]J97542
Page: 18
Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: October 2024