Mike Smolen

Michael Jerrold Smolen (November 18, 1940 – November 25, 1992) 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.

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