May 2011 - 9

From the CEO
The American Contract
Bridge League
President
Craig Robinson
Chair, Board of Directors
Richard DeMartino
Chief Executive Officer
Jay A. Baum
ACBL Counsel
Peter Rank
Chair, Board of Governors
Mike Kovacich

Board of Directors
District 1 * George Retek
District 2 * Paul Janicki
District 3 * Joan Levy Gerard
District 4 * Craig Robinson
District 5 * Sharon Fairchild
District 6 * Margot Hennings
District 7 * Bob Heller
District 8 * Georgia Heth
District 9 * Shirley Seals
District 10 * Bill Cook Jr.
District 11 * A. Beth Reid
District 12 * William Arlinghaus
District 13 * Suzi Subeck
District 14 * Sharon Anderson
District 15 * Phyllis Harlan
District 16 * Dan E. Morse
District 17 * Bonnie Bagley
District 18 * Claire Jones
District 19 * Donald Mamula
District 20 * Merlin Vilhauer
District 21 * Bruce Blakely
District 22 * Ken Monzingo
District 23 * Rand Pinsky
District 24 * Alvin Levy
District 25 * Richard DeMartino
To contact your district director,
address your e-mail to
district#director@acbl.org.
(Enter the district number
where you see #.)

Big event
More than 30 years ago, the ACBL established a
unique pairs event that is still running today. It is a
competition that starts at the club level - a true grassroots event - and ends
with a North American final at the Spring NABC the following year.
I'm talking about the North American Pairs, now contested in three flights:
A, B and C. It was originally called the Grand National Pairs, then the North
American Open Pairs. Since 1996, the winners of the top flight of the NAP have
been awarded the Baldwin Trophy. Flight B winners received the Golder Trophy, and Flight C champs are awarded the President's Cup.
The NAP was not the first such event. The Grand National Teams, now contested in four flights, debuted six years before the NAP.
The pairs game is one of my favorites because it broadens the scope for
achievement for so many people. If you survive the two qualifying sessions,
anything can happen in the two-session final.
Bear in mind that the first-place pair in each district - all 25 are included -
receive $700 per person to offset their costs in going to the NABC. The secondplace pair receive $300 each. Districts qualify three to four pairs depending on
participation.
I am excited about the 2012 NAP because it will be played in Memphis, home
of the Spring NABC next year.
Club-level qualifying for the NAP, all three flights, begins next month and
continues through August. All you need at the club level is a 50% game and
you're on your way.

Congratulations
During the 2011 Spring NABC in Louisville, the ACBL Hall of Fame Committee honored two members who have made outstanding contributions to bridge
for many years - Russ Arnold and Eric Kokish (see page 57).
Russ was selected as this year's recipient of the von Zedtwitz Award for long
service to bridge along with expertise as a player. Eric received the Blackwood
Award, also for his many contributions to bridge. He is, of course, also an excellent player.
Congratulations to Russ and Eric, and to the committee for its excellent
choices.

Look to the north
It has been 10 years since we organized one of our big tournaments north of
the border - and we are heading this summer to one of the great cities of the
world: Toronto.
The 2011 Summer NABC will have it all - a great
city, fantastic venue, the excitement of a major
championship, plus the opportunity to play in a
game suited to your experience level.
See you there.
Jay Baum, CEO
May 2011 Bridge Bulletin

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2011