Hugh MacLean
The last few months have been difficult ones for the Minnesota bridge world when it comes to our friends. We have lost too many in recent days.
Now, alas, I must add another to the list: Hugh MacLean. Hugh died the day before yesterday in his sleep, presumably from a heart attack.
Newer bridge players may not even recognize this name; Hugh and his wife MaryAnn moved to Gonzales, Texas, a number of years ago. The oldtimers among us, however, all knew Hugh.
Hugh had great success with Ron Anderson, aka "The Hog" - and played on Kathy Wei's team. Hugh was erudite, well-read, charming and a nice guy in addition to being a fine bridge player.
I'm afraid I haven't been able to find any bios online. I would welcome anything that readers could send to me to post about Hugh.
Feel free to share you thoughts in comments.
I am saddened by the passing of Hugh MacLean. He was always nice to me and back in 1987 when I was the editor of the MN Bridge News I needed to fill some space and he provided a very nice article on short notice. I also got one chance to play four hands with him. Here is the story that will always bring a smile to my face.
It is recommended that to improve your duplicate skills you should play rubber bridge for a bit more money than you can afford. Plus my heritage is Scotch, German, and Jewish. It is hard for me to buy anything. Despite having a 9 to 5 job, once a year I would have a free afternoon and would rush down to the bridge club for some play. One day I finally drew Hugh as my partner. I was excited at the chance to show him I was really up and coming in the bridge world.
We play Chicago style so on the 4th hand, everyone is vulnerable. I think our opponents were Paul Meerschaert and Dave Skillingstad. The usual gang of kibitzers were also there, Larry O., Lyle Kraus, Harold, Randy M. I had a weak hand and the opponents were in charge. RHO opened 1S, LHO bid 2D, RHO jumped to 3S, LHO bid 4N (Blackwood) and RHO bid 5H (2 aces). Now I held AJTxx of hearts, so I doubled. I heard the kibitzers snicker in the background, something like "There's Gaynor, making a lead-directing and he will be on lead." I kept my 'poker face' on , but felt a little sheepish.
LHO then bid 6S and Hugh doubled. It was passed out and now it was my lead. My heart was pounding as I banged down the HA. Dummy had a good hand including Kxx, so after the Ace held, I led another heart and Hugh ruffed.
The kibitzers were silent, now.
The round was up. We entered in our +200, better than minus 1430 - especially when playing for coin of the realm!
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