Bridge News

Machlin, who died in 1997, was selected as this year’s recipient of the Blackwood Award, for individuals who have contributed greatly to the game without necessarily being world-class players.

The veteran TD lived in Silver Spring MD. He began his directing career in the Forties at the encouragement of the legendary TD Al Sobel, also a member of the Hall of Fame.

Machlin served as treasurer and tournament coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Bridge Conference (Districts 6 and 7) for many years. He wrote a column for the Washington Bulletin and a book, "Tournament Bridge: An Uncensored Memoir."

The royal title and a $1000 scholarship are presented to an ACBL member who is a graduating high school senior and has been cited for outstanding tournament performances plus recreational, administrative and promotional activities related to bridge. The award is presented by the ACBL Educational Foundation, which administers the scholarships established by Homer Shoop.

If you are a graduating high school senior and an ACBL member who plays and promotes bridge, you may become the 2008 King or Queen of Bridge. The 36th monarch will join some prestigious previous winners who include:Jeff Meckstroth, Bobby Levin, Warren Spector, Steve Weinstein, Martha (Benson) Katz, Regina Barnes and Erin Anderson.

To enter the contest, e-mail your personal information and qualifications, along with the name of your school, the school principal, the school address and phone number to education@acbl.org before May 15.