About Dan
Dan has been playing competitive bridge since 1995, and teaching since 2000. Always interested in languages, he found bidding systems fascinating, starting with his Goren Bridge Complete tome. Dan has translated many bridge texts from other languages.
Dan has had success in Nationals in GNT B (finals), GNT A (semifinals twice), and the Red Ribbon Pairs (1st, 4th). He won the second OKbridge college championships in 1998 playing for the University of Kentucky. Despite all this success, he has only 2800 masterpoints, which makes him ideal for winning bracketed KO events.
In 2017 he published one of the best new books on precision, Standard Modern Precision, 2nd ed.
Occasionally you will find him commenting on top-level bridge matches on Bridgebase Online.
Successes
- Gatlinburg 2019 – another 50+ masterpoint week
- 2018 Summer Nationals Atlanta – 29th in the Wernher Open Pairs, 60th in the Von Zedtwitz Life Master Pairs
- GNT-B National Runner-Up 2014 – back again
- GNT-B District Finals 2014 – winner
- 2014 Spring Nationals Dallas – 56 masterpoints with students, playing precision
- 2014 Las Vegas Regional – 50 masterpoints with a student, playing transfer precision
- GNT-A District Finals 2013 – winner
- Memphis Nationals March 2012 – Bean Red Ribbon Pairs (winner), Arthur Flowers Fast Pairs (winner)
- GNT-A District Finals 2012 – winner
- 2011 Mini-Blue Ribbon Pairs Seattle – 12th playing with a student
- 2011 GNT-A National Finals Toronto – semifinalist again
- GNT-A District Finals 2011 – winner – playing precision
- 2010 GNT-A National Finals New Orleans – semifinalist
- GNT-A District Finals 2010 – winner – playing precision
- 2008 Fall Nationals Boston – 14th Mini Blue Ribbon Pairs – playing precision
- NAOP Flight A District 11 Finals, Cincinnati, October 2008 – 3rd overall (qualifying for Spring Nationals) – playing Precision
- Gatlinburg 2008 – 43 masterpoints
- San Destin Regional 2007 – 33 masterpoints
- Jackson, MS Regional 2007 – 1st Bracket 2 KO – playing Transfer Precision – part of a 50-masterpoint week, ahead of Jeff Meckstroth
- Chicago 2006 NABC – 50 masterpoints with a client, mainly in pairs (harder)
- Open Choice Pairs 2-session Wednesday, Paducah (KY) – Rockford (IL) Regional 2006 – 1st overall – playing Transfer Precision
- Open Choice Pairs 2-session Tuesday, Paducah (KY) – Rockford (IL) Regional 2006 – 1st overall – playing Transfer Precision
- Bracket 6 KO winners, Gatlinburg 2006
- NAOP-B 2005-2006 District 11 Finals – 2nd of 45 Pairs – playing Polish Club
- Gatlinburg 2004 – Educ. Foundation Open Pairs – 1st/2nd of 236 Pairs – Flight E partner
- Gatlinburg 2004 – Tues. Early Bird AM Side Game – 1st of 112 Pairs – Flight E partner
- NAOP-B 2004-2005 District 11 Finals – 3rd of 54 Pairs
- Indianapolis Sectional – Jan. 15, 2005 – 1st Flight B Knockout
- Orlando Nationals – 1st place Bracket 4 Mon-Thurs AM Knockout
- Orlando Nationals – 1st place Bracket 4 Fri-Sat AM Compact Knockout
- Louisville Sectional – November 6, 2004 – 1st place Flight B Knockout
Reviews
See what Dan’s students say about his teaching…
“Dan has vastly improved my game quickly. He gave me understanding of bridge, not just lessons. It is well worth it. The explanations of why are what give understanding, and Dan gives the insight as to why.”
–Mike Evanik, Hamilton, ON
“I was looking for a pro because I wanted to get my questions answered. What I got from Dan was full attention and someone who noticed every misstep I made and pointed things out that I did not even know enough to ask (small pointers and large ones). I’ve hired other pros (even one with 5,000+ mp), and I have to say that having someone who is truly professional (in the sense of doing their best and being 100% engaged) makes all the difference. Many pros just play on automatic – at 80% of their playing skill, and not fully focused on what you are doing (just waiting for your questions). If you goal is to improve, you can read all the books you want, but there is no substitute to having someone watch your play with hawk eyes and point out mistakes you make that you are not even aware of. This is really Dan’s gift, and he is a hell of a player too!”
–Jason Rotenberg, Stamford, CT
“I have known Dan for approximately 3 years as a bridge teacher and player. He took me to my first Regional tournament. This young man is exceptional. He knows bridge and is an excellent teacher. Dan is an extraordinarily pleasant person. Just as obvious is his passion for the game. This brilliant person will do well at what ever he chooses, and he has selected bridge. That is great!”
–Bill Collis, M.D., Lexington, KY
“Before playing with Dan in a Paducah Regional tournament, I had never played four straight sessions above 60% in a Regional open pairs event. Nor had I ever finished 1st overall in a flight “A” two session open pairs event at a Regional tournament, repeating that performance the next day.
“In addition to his high-quality performance at the bridge table, he also made valuable suggestions for changes to our bidding structure. These changes served us well! His knowledge of systems and conventions is amazing!
“I look forward to our next outing together.”
–Jim Bottom, Russell Springs, KY
“I originally met Dan through Bridge Pro and have worked with him over the past year. Dan is an excellent bridge partner with a youthful and facile mind, and knows his subject thoroughly.
“Most importantly for me, he provided constant positive reinforcement and encouragement, which allowed me to I grow a lot in my skills, and gain a lot confidence. Working with him has been invaluable.”
–Molly Cusano, Hobe Sound, FL
“I was fortunate to watch Dan critique a bridge group online. I was so impressed with how bright, and to the point he explained the bidding, play of the hand, discarding and leading, I could not wait to see if I could get him to give me lessons. I have taken lessons in Pa, and Fla. , and none have been as thorough as he seems to be. AND………he also has a sense of humor. How lucky I was to find him quite by accident…..”
–Shelvy Carfagno, FL