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Impressions from San Antonio

Posted By: Chuck Bower
Date: Tuesday, 3 February 2015, at 8:58 p.m.

In Response To: Impressions from San Antonio (Coolrey)

Thanks, Ray, and here I thought instead of saying nice things about me you'd be pissed I jinxed you in your first (and as it turns out, only) Dual-Duel match by kibitzing the entire, painful contest. (Well, ok, wasn't painful for Mochy.) I now realize I sucked every ounce of luck out of you and then used it against Dennis and Phil on Sunday! (I already had enough luck for one tournament on Saturday alone.)

In regards to the tournament, I've wanted to attend the last two years but things (like something called 'work') got in the way. Finally.

Tara and Bill are tireless and cheerful the entire weekend, and that after spending the last 12 months working to get ready. Two years ago they had (AFIAK) zero experience running a tournament and look what they've done. The 'competition' (misnomer since there is so much cooperation and camaraderie among US directors) is tough between the many great US tournaments and yet they have already positioned themselves among the very best. I saw a quote this weekend (of course I don't remember it exactly) by Edison -- something about success depends upon "putting on your work clothes...." They certainly have done that.

I had high expectations based upon all the positives I've read and heard. I wasn't disappointed. Excellent location, staff, choice of events, strength of competition, lectures, ceremonies and parties, weather,... did I mention 'excellent staff?'

I always hesitate to name names because then I feel as though the ones I leave out got a bad reception. The reality is that when it comes to players, 98% are a joy to be around and there's not a problem just ignoring the other 2%. I only had to fight my way through 6 of them this weekend (my outstanding luck included a first round bye) and thanks to my comrades knocking out all the Giants and former World Champions (each receiving a c-note in the process, BTW), my draw as it turned out wasn't nearly as tough as it could have been. (However, all but one of my opps was seeded higher than I on the odds sheet.)

I was honored, flattered, and surprised to be chosen by Mochy in the Tournament of Stars (Doubles) and was sure he overlooked several better options. But, always the Japanese ambassador, he said he picked me because he liked the way I talked about plays when he and his wife Michi(sp?) beat Frank Frigo and me 7-0 in Monte Carlo last summer. (He didn't mention the result or score, of course.) Then I let him down by not speaking up more loudly on a particular late match critical decision. But as I told him sincerely, "I learned some things and gained from the experience."

Although I've learned never to feel compassion towards an opponent in the middle of a match when my dice are simply thrashing them, I close with compliments to my last two opponents. Don't know if you heard it on the tube, but during my match with Dennis C. right after he rolled back-to-back 66 against my nearly toothless homeboard (just adding insult to injury considering what had already been going on) I said "too bad for me I'm not playing one of those emotional players because the match would be over by now. I got paired with the calmest player in the whole room." Not only is he (and has always been) one of the classiest people in BG when it comes to sportsmanship and ethics, but he's also considerably underrated. My record against him is now 1-3. You do the math. And I have a lot of company.

Finally (as in the bracket finals) I compliment Phil. Yes, he also is a classy opponent, always agreeable to things like choice of equipment (well, I do like his baffle boxes) amount to hedge, rules to use (when optional), etc. Many (deserved) expressions have been made of his contributions to the game, but if you've never been to a tournament with him, here's a hint of what he's like:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c54SvkgQ04A

I may not show compassion during a match but I appreciate receiving it, as when Phil failed to roll a hitting 6 late (as it turned out) when it would have evened the match instead of the actual W. In particular (and seriously for just one sentence) he has a special concern and outreach for young and inexperienced players. He's also underrated. Just ask Carter.

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