But what if you had to play with a blindfold? What if you couldn’t see your cards or your opponents? How much harder would that be? That’s the situation Joe Kalk of Beachwood OH is in — he is blind.

Kalk had an operation for a brain tumor on his optic nerve at age 16. After, he had no vision in one eye and limited vision in the other. Nevertheless, he finished high school, college and law school. Kalk practiced law for 30 years.

At the time, he played bridge about two times each month. He could see the cards if he held them close to his nose. After practicing law for 30 years, he finally retired because his vision had continued to deteriorate.

It was then that Kalk decided to take bridge more seriously. He became completely blind, so started playing with what’s called a reader — that’s someone who sorts his cards, then cups their hand and whispers them to him. Kalk has four readers. They love volunteering, he says, and won’t take any pay.

None of the readers play bridge. “I prefer it that way,” says Kalk. “Because they don’t play, no opponent can think they are helping me.”

“I’m fiercely competitive and I love the challenge of the game,” he says. “My goal was to make Life Master.” Phyllis, his wife of 53 years, supported him in his quest.

“I’ve made Life Master, and now my goal is to play for pleasure and to just enjoy the game” he says.

When asked if his disability makes playing harder, Kalk says, “I have no disability. I have a limitation. I’m not a blind bridge player. I’m a bridge player who happens to be blind.”
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And who is Ruth? Twenty years ago, Ruth Scott opened the Omaha Bridge Studio. During her years of ownership, she has nurtured a love for bridge in numerous players in Cornhusker Unit 241. Her gracious greeting, ready smile, twinkling eyes and sensitive encouragement lure beginning players into expertly taught lessons.

Ruth gently admonishes: “If you people would spend half as much time on your bridge as I spend on your bridge. . .” The result is skilled players who love the game.

On Nov. 8, a celebration was held at the club to honor Ruth’s 20-year contribution to Omaha bridge. A potluck luncheon was followed by a bridge game! The site was filled to capacity as players came to show their love for Ruth.

Ruth’s gift was a notebook filled with hundreds of letters paying tribute to the lady who has provided recreation and inspiration through her generosity and dedication. Photos are by Elise Parish.
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John Lally is an American, but a job transfer took him to Paris, France. His two-year contract turned into 30. “I love competition,” says John, “but get more enjoyment from feeling that I have played well than actually winning.”

John returned to Paris at the end of his two week stay. Before he left, we presented him with an Honorary Lifetime Membership to our club. We hope that will encourage him to visit us again next year.
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Please click here to access information about the hotel, schedule and entry fees. Additional information is available at http://www.worldbridge.org, http://www.usbf.org and http://www.ecatsbridge.com.
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