Today's Players Behind the Cards

The Nail LM Pairs are named after Bobby Nail. Not only was he an accomplished player, having won 4 national events, placing second in 11 of them and represented the USA in the Bermuda Bowl twice, but he was also an avid system tinkerer. He loved fiddling with ideas and then making them come to life -- a prime example of this, was his "Big Diamond Bidding System" (and people talk about juniors being *too* creative). This system featured a weak NT, an unbalanced big diamond and a forcing club opening that may not be strong. This was back in 1965 -- who's pushing the creative envelope now, huh?

Then let's chat about the Soloway -- this event is named after Paul Soloway. While Bobby Nail competed in 2 Bermuda Bowls, Paul Soloway WON 5 times. He also won 30 National Events. And today, Jeff Meckstroth is the overall Masterpoint leader, but in 2007, Paul Soloway held that title handily with over 6000 points separating him from second place. Paul Soloway loved bridge. He competed with the best and he made damn sure he was acknowledged as one of the best. He was a fascinating player who loved the game until the very end, as after he passed in 2007, he was cremated with a deck of cards in his hands.

Good luck today to those participating, and shoutout to the OGs.