Evening star., 1942-09-13
Bp Frank Lord

A suggestion has come to this COL
umn which seems feasible and to
possess certain elements of merit
We pass it on, together with the
argument. for such consideration as
the bridge players of Washington
may see fit to give to it.
Many excellent local players have
been lost to the game here at least
temporarily because of war condi-
ticns. They have either entered the
armed services or their duties do
not give them the opportunity they
would desire to indulge in the
pastime. Hundreds, even thou
sands, of others have come in and
are qualified to take their places in
bridge circles. More, with just a
smattering of the game, would like
to play better. They are strangers
and have not established bridge
contacts.
1t is suggested that the Washing
ton Bridge League, the Federal
Bridge League and various others
of the score or more of duplicate
games club together and engage a
competent bridge lecturer to give a
series of four or five bridge talks
with instruction and invite the
bridge playing public to attend.
We have in mind at least two or
more who are not hampered by
draft restrictions who would be able
to qualify. The divided cost would
not be great and there are several
of the home and club studios that
could provide accommodations. It
Is further recommended that three
or four free open-air public games
be staged and sponsored by the va
rious organizations. Both of these
undertakings would stimulate inter-
est and prompt newcomers to men,
bershlp in one or more of the
leagues and duplicate clubs.
A somewhat similar plan has been
tried in San Francisco, which next
TO Los Angeles, has become the
most bridge-minded city in the
country. It's bridge activities ex-
tend all around the bay to score
OF communities. New York may
nave more players because it is
larger and its experts have beer
widely advertised, but for player in.
terest San Francisco excels.
The highly erroneous impression
prevails IN some quarters that the
washington Bridge League, because
1t meets at the Shoreham and com.
prises most of the local bridge ex-
perts, is a high brow organization
such is not the case. It's member
ship is friendly and not "snooty" but
welcomes newcomers and notably
novlces. A country politician run
ming for the legislature is no greater
glad-hander than it's president, P. E
Henninger, patent lawyer in the
National Press Building. If one goes
there with a patent problem he will
probably charge a fee, but if the
problem concerns bridge he will give
up a volume of information free anc
glad to do it. He is that kind.
In keeping with the bridge stimu-
lating suggestion, Mr.. Henninger has
arranged to have the Washington
Bridge League hold open house or
Wednesday,, September 16, at tn,
Shoreham Hotel Every one whs
knows anything about bridge or de.
sires to know, is invited to attend.
pair game in several sections will bs
played and the money of those VIII,
participate will not be accepted
Everything will be free and without
price, but that does not mean that
there will be no prizes awarded.
There will be a prize for each
winning couple in all sections. Ever
these will not cost the membership
anything The league conducted a
very successful tournament under
the direction of Mr.. Henninger last
fall and after it was over found
itself in the fortunate position oi
having a comfortable surplus. 1t is
not a prof1t-making organization
and hence intends to divide with the
bridge playing public by offering g
series of prizes.
No one needs to have a special
invitation or card The event will be
open and free to all and the Shore