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About the Pavliceks
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| by Richard Pavlicek |
This page contains published articles by other writers that featured Richard Pavlicek, his wife Mabel or his son Rich. Titles in italics are general interest (no bridge hands). At the end is a brief biography and some personal insights.
Richard Pavlicek started to play bridge in 1964 at the age of 18 while in West Germany with the U.S. Army. Upon returning to Florida in 1966 he entered bridge tournaments in his spare time, and since has won over 500 events and 20,000 masterpoints. He is a Grand Life Master, the highest rank in the American Contract Bridge League.
Mr. Pavlicek has won 11 North American championships, most recently in 2004 when he and his son Rich became the first father-son to win the Life Master Pairs. From 1982-84 Richard set a record by winning three straight Reisinger Cups, and in 1990 his team won it again with a thrilling come-from-behind finish. He won the prestigious Vanderbilt Cup in 1983, 1986 and 1995; and the Grand National Teams 1973 and 1997 — an interesting sidelight being that he won the latter with Michael Seamon, and 24 years before with Michael’s father.
Mr. Pavlicek is the author of a variety of bridge textbooks and lesson material, and is noted for his practical, organized approach. He is highly respected as a hand analyst, and from 1987-2006 wrote the booklets for the continent-wide ACBL Instant Matchpoint games. Richard is also well-known as a composer of bridge problems, puzzles and other novelties. He is co-author of the widely acclaimed “Modern Bridge Conventions.” Most notable however is his web site “For Bridge Players” (founded 1993) which many consider to be the best on the net.
In 2006 Richard retired from tournament play and bridge teaching to care for his wife Mabel, afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.
[August 2011]. Mabel is holding on pretty well physically, but cognition is virtually zero. The sound and video motion of a large-screen TV keep her content, and she loves her meals. Seeing her comfortable keeps me happy. I really miss the top-level bridge competition and long to return, but for now I have to play the cards I am dealt. Thanks to all who have expressed kind regards. –RP
[August 2012]. The passing of Neil Armstrong evoked fond memories, as Mabel and I were married shortly before the 1969 moon landing. Some people swear this was no coincidence, which reminds me… In all our manned flights to the moon, did we ever learn anything useful? I doubt it, so I wrote NASA with a solution: On future flights only send up astronauts with Alzheimer’s, and we can be sure of it. –RP
[November 2012]. A caregiving aid to deter scratching is to keep a patient’s hands occupied. Today I put a rubber ring (sold as a dog toy but who’s counting) in Mabel’s left hand and a golf ball in her right, then went to fix dinner as usual. When I returned they were perfectly switched. How she managed this with her limited faculty is a mystery, but I could read the feisty look in her eyes to say, “So there!” –RP
[April 2013]. “Meeska, mooska, mouseketeer…” (If you don’t know the next line, you’re too young.) Sad to read today of the passing of Annette Funicello, my childhood idol of the Mickey Mouse Club. Ahh, the memories, glued to the TV set, watching the roll call and antics. My mom of course thought I was keen on Mickey, but it was the womanly development of Annette that picqued my interest. Yes, I was abreast of the situation. “…Mouse cartoon time now is here!” –RP
[September 9, 2015]. Saddest day of my life; the Angels came.
[March 2020]. With the onset of the pandemic curbing travel, and to abate the loneliness of daily life, I decided to adopt a kitten. What a great decision! Naming her was easy… "Mabel Jr." has brought a lot of happiness to my life.
[September 2020]. I never thought it could happen, but a late-life romance emerged. Cindy has become a wonderful friend, and besides bridge, we enjoy ping-pong and hiking. She also has two cats, so we now have a "full house" (cats over people). Mabel would approve.
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1969-79