Michael Jerrold Smolen (November 18, 1940 – November 25, 1992)California, Death Index, 1940-1997 was an American bridge player from Chicago.
He was the inventor of the popular Smolen convention, an extension of Stayman, which is employed when the partner of a 1NT opener shows his/her 5+ card major.
Smolen, who lived in Alamo, California during his career, died in Los Angeles in 1992.
Bridge accomplishments
Awards
Fishbein Trophy (1) 1982
Wins
North American Bridge Championships (5) Rockwell Mixed Pairs (1) 1979 Jacoby Open Swiss Teams (1) 1982 Keohane North American Swiss Teams (1) 1978 Mitchell Board-a-Match Teams (1) 1976 Reisinger (1) 1984
Runners-up
North American Bridge Championships Wernher Open Pairs (1) 1990 Jacoby Open Swiss Teams (1) 1990 Mitchell Board-a-Match Teams (1) 1974
Notes