Jeff Lehman

Thoughts about Toronto NABCs

Just a few thoughts — mine own and comments on those I have heard made by others — on the Toronto NABCs:

  • Food.  I love a tournament location that is attached to a food court.  Having the Toronto Underground Path available allowed me to eat quickly and not too expensively when scheduling or desire so dictated.  And when fancier or more diverse dining was desired, Toronto supplied plenty; no doubt that Toronto is one of the great world-class cities.  (My family came to visit, and Toronto offered many activities for my wife and children while I was playing bridge; none of the activities seemed to be arranged by the ACBL, however, which seems different from practice at some past NABCs.)
  • Hotel room.  Although my room at the Sheraton was pretty expensive, the room itself was nice.  I heard dissatisfactory comments about the rooms at the Royal York.  Btw, the ACBL rep at Mega Housing was very helpful in arranging for a second, adjacent hotel room when my children arrived.
  • Two playing sites.  Having two playing sites is, of course, an inconvenience … but I thought the shuttle bus between the two hotels nicely mitigated this issue.  I did hear one complaint that a regional pairs event was being held at one hotel while a regional team event was being held at another.  When one was planning to choose which event in which to play based upon what potential teammates he saw hanging around, the split location problem was substantial.
  • Playing conditions.  Just OK.  A few times at the Sheraton, the playing area was too hot.  Much of the time there was little room between tables.
  • Hand records.  On at least two occasions, insufficient numbers of hand records were available after a session.  A director explained to me that the number of hand records shipped to the site from Memphis HQ are based upon projected entry numbers, but I would still lodge a complaint: when the actual attendance is known to exceed the expected attendance, can’t ACBL staff crank up a copier and produce the additional hand records that are needed before the end of the session?

Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors!


3 Comments

Clarke CunninghamAugust 17th, 2011 at 5:26 pm

The lighting in the Grand Ballroom was unsatisfactory.

LInda LeeAugust 18th, 2011 at 3:29 am

I enjoyed being at the tournament and of course I think Toronto is a great city. I am glad that your family enjoyed their visit.

I know I am spoiled because there are so many wonderful and diverse restaurants and so many things to do around here although I love Toronto best in every season but winter.

PeterAugust 26th, 2011 at 9:29 am

My room at the Royal York was excellent. In fact, I thought everything about the NABC from Toronto’s restaurants to the Royal York staff’s service to the bridge was superb.

Peter from Australia

Leave a comment

Your comment