“The Evolution of Bid Whist” by Ronald Allen is an authoritative book that contains the most comprehensive information ever published on the subject of Bid Whist.
During a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Naperville / Downtown, Allen was the guest speaker, presenting an overview of his book about the popular card game with American origins that date back 150 years. Allen noted that poker is another card game that originated in America.
Above / Ronald Allen who wrote “The Evolution of Bid Whist” presented lessons in bidding and playing to members of the Rotary Club of Naperville / Downtown.
From its beginning through its American expansion into international popularity in the 21st century, Allen’s engaging story covers every aspect of the 54-card game that includes a full deck of playing cards with two jokers.
Allen also credits the card game he began playing as a young teen as contributing to his success in life.
The book is dedicated to Emma Prince, the woman in his Chicago neighborhood 55 years ago who used to host as many as dozen young people after school, keeping them safe all the while teaching them good manners, game etiquette and the strategy of the fun and knowledge of playing Bid Whist.
Allen has traced Bid Whist’s development and evolution from slavery in America, The Civil War, Jim Crow, The Great Migration, and the Civil Rights Era, into the present age of electronic technology and online playing. In fact, the game now comes with its own apps.
The book includes many little-known facts about the game and addresses many of the myths, Allen said.
Above / Members of the Rotary Club of Naperville / Downtown dealt 12 cards to each of four players and created a kitty with the remaining six cards to try their hands at Bid Whist. Writer Ronald Allen provided a few bidding tips.
After the presentation about his book that includes many tips and techniques to help both beginners and experienced players, Allen facilitated several rounds of the game so Rotarians Gary Baumgartner and Ron Nyberg and Pat Benton and Chuck Corrigan could partner up to experience the game first hand.
“I see you have some talent in your Rotary,” said Allen after the meeting. “Ron Nyberg played his first hand and won a ‘Boston’—a Boston is like a grand slam in Bridge. And that’s pretty amazing for a beginner.”
Several humorous stories, historic photos, charts and illustrations are included in the book to help share the fun of the game that brings individuals together for conversation and strategy.
Ronald Allen has been a resident of Naperville for nine years and boasts more than 55 years of experience playing Bid Whist.
As an avid and skillful Bid Whist player, Allen has won many Bid Whist tournaments over the years. It appears the former high school teacher and retired insurance CEO with prior investigative training as a claims adjuster has combined his extensive knowledge of the card game with his investigative research skills to provide an entertaining history of Bid Whist.
Allen added that he’s enthusiastic about an opportunity to present his story beginning August 1, 2015, through programs coordinated by the Chicago Public Library.
FYI: 4:44 Rotary / Downtown
Chartered in 2007, the Rotary Club of Naperville / Downtown meets at 4:44PM most Wednesdays throughout the year at Hugo’s Frog Pond in Main Street Promenade. Guests always are welcome. The guest fee is $20 per person, including refreshments, club updates and enlightening programs in a casual setting. One-hour meetings end by 6PM.
For information about upcoming programs scheduled for the service organization, one of three Rotary clubs in Naperville, visit www.rcndowntown.com.
In addition, Rotary Downtown will host the 2015 Naperville Rotary Ride in memory of Carmen DiGiovine slated for Sun., Aug. 9, at Commissioners Park. The bike ride for all ages first was established by the Rotary Club of Naperville / Sunrise in 1997.
