Sol Weinstein Anecdote)

On the first night of the regional, after giving out instructions to start the game, Sol Weinstein returned to the microphone. He told everyone that if they were too cold, not to worry because the heat was being turned up. There was a strong response from the room -- a mixture of laughter and groans -- because in fact the room was too warm.

Sol then walked outside into the hallway, saw the hotel employee responsible for the room conditions, called her by name from across the room, and in the most friendly manner, asked her if there was anything she could do about the heat. She happily said she would see what she could do.

I was amazed at how cheerful and good-natured he could be. Then I started to grasp the skill/art of what he was doing. His announcement to the room was not just making a joke. He was also gauging the extent of the heat problem. When he found out that a lot of people were too hot, he immediately took what action he could. And on the first night of the tournament, he was already first-name friends with the hotel employee.

Thoughout the week, Sol was invariably good natured and helpful. I do not mean to imply that the other tournament directors are not. To the contrary, I have been impressed by the skill and dedication of ACBL tournament directors. Part of this story is about the things they do that we players do not see. Sol of course is one of only eight regional field supervisors of tournament directors for the ACBL.

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