I knew K.K.for more than 20 years. He was 2 years senior to me in age. We quickly developed a bond due to our passion for finding the innate beauty of bridge hands. We played as partners in many state and zonal level tournaments with significant success. We also represented Tamil Nadu in the Interstate Championships, winning it thrice and finishing as runners up once. Twice we were runners up in the Agarwala Pairs.
What marked K.K apart was his sardonic sense of humour. He would never utter a harsh word to his Partner or teammates but the curl of his lips itself would tell the story of the boo-boos made by us. He would often tersely recall his partnership experiences with some famous bridge players who had the habit of firing away at their partners for every mistake including their own but all this in jest and without rancour.
K.K.was a pioneer in implementing the concept of take out and negative doubles with the focus on Majors. Sometimes, based on his take out double, I landed up Doubled in a 3 level minor suit contract and went for a number. His eyes would roll upwards as if to say "Did I promise support for a minor?" But he was always polite, though all of us knew he had quite a temper.
My wife and Preeti, K.K's wife, were school mates. So our relationship extended beyond the bridge table and our families bonded easily. His 2 daughters also are good friends with my daughter.
When K.K. had his first heart attack 10 years prior to his death, the Doctor called his survival as a miracle. Thereafter, K.K adhered to a careful health regimen to prolong his life. He continued to play top level bridge. But cruelly, it was cancer which snatched him away from us within a short span of time.
His memories continue to remain cherished by all of us. May his soul RIP.
I am thankful to Arun Jain for hosting this tournament in his memory and hope that all of you participate in large numbers.
KR Venkatraman
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Nice write up on KK, thanks KRV.
I remember partaking in some post mortems with KK in the bar of T. Nagar club during lunch breaks of tourneys.
RIP KK, bridge fraternity will miss you.
VNR