Ron Smith: 50 Years of Bridge, Reisinger Champion & The Story of ABA Bridge скачать в хорошем качестве

Ron Smith: 50 Years of Bridge, Reisinger Champion & The Story of ABA Bridge

This interview features Ron Smith, an accomplished bridge player and concert pianist, discussing his early life, career, and the intersection of music and bridge. The conversation highlights his experiences as one of the few Black players in competitive bridge during an era of significant racial barriers. Ron shares engaging stories about his introduction to bridge, the influence of music on his card skills, and his achievements mentoring junior bridge players. The discussion also touches on the evolution of bridge, notable tournaments, and the challenges and joys of competitive play. Key Points: Beginnings in Music and Bridge: Ron Smith started playing piano at age three, influenced by his musically inclined mother and church activities. He began playing bridge at age 13, sparked by accidentally acquiring Charles Goren’s book on bridge. Musical Influence on Bridge: Smith explains that skills from music, especially counting and focus, translated well into bridge. Piano training made it easier for him to count cards and analyze situations at the bridge table. Challenges as a Black Bridge Player: Ron details the racial segregation in bridge competitions, noting that Black players were not allowed in certain leagues (like ACBL) until about 1968. He played in the American Bridge Association (ABA), a predominantly Black bridge league, before integration. Smith shares candid reflections on racial issues within the bridge community and how he personally navigated these challenges. Personal Stories and Impact: He recounts attending bridge clubs as a "wingman" for his sister, who was seeking a partner. Ron describes his supportive role for junior players, aiming to mentor them until they are skilled enough for wider competition. Competitive Achievements: Smith discusses winning the Blue Ribbon Pairs and playing with young partners such as Bobby Leven and Billy Cohen. He shares memories from the 1987 Reisinger Teams event, where his team was notably diverse in nationality and religion. Bridge as a Social and Mental Game: Emphasis on bridge as a social outlet, a way to build friendships, and a challenging mental pursuit. Explanation of high-level bridge tournament formats, strategies, and the mental endurance required. Reputation and Legacy: The interview addresses Smith’s reputation for aggressive preemptive bidding and evolution of strategies over decades. He reflects on how the game and its competitive landscape have changed over time. ⸻ Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 50+ years of playing bridge & early life as a concert pianist 01:00 Discovering bridge through television and Charles Goren 02:00 ABA, ACBL, and the racial history of competitive bridge 03:00 Mentoring juniors and young partnerships 05:00 Winning the Risinger with Zia, Jaggi, and Billy Cohen 07:00 Aggressive preempts and the evolution of bridge strategy ⸻ Follow Bridge Unleashed Website: https://bridgeunleashed.com YouTube:    / @bridgeunleashed   Facebook:   / bridgeunleashedbytracey   Instagram:   / bridgeunleashed   TikTok:   / traceybauer2   Twitch:   / bridgeunleashedbytracey   #bridge #learnbridge #acbl #bridgemarketing #cardgames #mindsports #olympicmindsport #usbf #wbf #bridgeunleashed #contractbridge