ent001387-112

September 14, 1966 Mr. Jeff Rubens 3 Sheridan Square Apt. 8-f New York, N.Y. 10014 Dear Jeffs I*ve been leaning to get in toudh with you about this tournament. Can you do something in the Bridge Journal in time to give the tournament some publicity ? if not, perhaps you can write something about it after the event, to give it wider publicity for next year. If you plan to come to the tournament, you will be the guest of the Sands so far as your room, food and bevesage are concerned. Entry fees and sweepptake fees and transportation, however, ate still up to you. All play is rubber bridge (NOT Chicago). Oct 10-11 all pairs meet 12 other pairs (6 par Hay) in matches of S hands each. Pairs that win 6 or more matches qualify for knockouts? others for consolation. We expect to qualify about half of the field. Knockout matches are 12 hands for first tjnma rounds, then 16, will be longer as soon as feasible...We will-set up rules for this when we see the size of the field. This is otir first, so we have nothing to guide us now. We will print a list of "standard" bidding conventions (for the purpose of this tournament). Pairs will be allowed a maximum of three deviations from standard. The idea is to make the tournament attractive to people who never play in tournaments and would be at a serious disadvantage is confront ed by a "menu* of conventions they had never heard of. As you know, I personally favor a style that includes many more than three deviations, but I firmly believe that this rule is best for the rubber bridge tournament. Field will be divided into seeded sections. W?? will seed the knockouts according to the number of matches won in the qualifying rounds. I will have 2 or 3 ACBL floormen to help with autonatic rulings. I will make tough rulings myself, helped if possible by a committee. I will also have several casino man to watch out for anybody who.may be able to deal too well As usual, ethics will be tough to police, but we will follow the New York principle of not allowing a pair to profit from a huddle or other mannerism. I want to make this a model tournament --- for sociability and enjoyment as well as for skill and prestige. If you have any ideas or suggestions, I would be happy to look them over and discuss them with you. I*m looking forward to seeing you and some of your cohorts at the tournament in Las Vegas. Please write or telephone if you want to get additional information or if I can help or clarify anything. Best regards. Sincerely,