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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