2016 USBC HARRIS TEAM - Harris-Morgan, Jacobs-Vogel, Barron | Team Profiles 2016 Open USBC | 2016 Open USBC | PAST USBF TOURNAMENTS - United States Bridge Championships (USBC)

System Information

Harris-Morgan System Summary Form, ACBL Convention Card
Jacobs-Vogel-Barron System Summary Form, ACBL Convention Card
Barron-Morgan System Summary Form, ACBL Convention Card

About the Players

Marty Harris

Age:   52
Lives in:   Chicago, IL
Grew up in:   Beachwood, Ohio
Occupation:   Attorney. Marty handles employment-related lawsuits everywhere in the U.S. Mainly, he defends companies when they are sued for discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, or the like. He also litigates cases involving non-compete agreements or corporate “raiding.” Sometimes he represents individual executives or traders, negotiating their employment contracts and severance packages. And he is the USBF’s attorney.
            Seven years ago, Marty started his own firm: Harris & Affiliates, Ltd. Before that, he was a partner in a boutique law firm. He still has never lost a case in his entire career.

Bridge highlights: Marty has won three restricted NABC events (0 to 5000), but still seeks his maiden win in an open NABC+ competition. He has come close several times, including a 2nd place finish in the Open Swiss, and 4th place in both the Swiss and the IMP Pairs. He’s had less success in national KOs, twice reaching R.8 in the Trials, and once reaching R.16 in the Spingold.

Other hobbies: Marty is an aspiring author. In his spare time he’s trying to write a novel (a courtroom drama), and previously he created a murder mystery board game. He also enjoys playing and watching many sports, along with other card games and board games.

Jake Morgan

Age:   39
Lives in:   Madison, WI
Occupation:   Fulltime bridge player and teacher.

Bridge highlights: Several top 10 finishes in the Barry Crane 500 race. Won the Open Swiss. Also has several 2nd place results, including the Spingold (lost in OT), and twice in the Open Swiss.

Other hobbies: Poker and blackjack.

George Jacobs

At the age of 26, I was sleeping in cars or wherever I could. No permanent residence, no friends, no money, no place to go. I am a compulsive gambler. I spent 2 years staying with a friend and sleeping on his couch. I was estranged from my family, stole credit cards, checks and money. At the end, I would cash winning tickets at the track for strangers and accept the tax liability. 32 years ago I joined Gamblers Anonymous and have not gambled since. I have a pretty nice life today but never forget where I came from. There are meetings every week and I go regularly. Because I choose to speak about this, many bridge players and directors have gotten help for their own problems. That makes me so proud.

In 1992, I was named Entrepreneur of the Year for Illinois. This was an Academy Award type of production and I was shocked that I won. They ask you to give a speech in front of thousands of people. I started out by saying that I had lots of experiece with speaking but it usually went like this: "My name is George J. and I am a compulsive gambler." The tribune carried a feature titled; "Ex gambler wins award."

If you are looking for bridge history, I have won 5 majors, 3 reisinger 2nds, won the trials once with 2 2nds, 4 other national titles. I was captain of the olympic team in Salt Lake City, played in the China Cup twice, played in the IOC olympic showcase in Lausanne.

I have a bronze medal in the Olympiad and I own 3 records in bridge:1) the 21 1/2 in the final of the national BAM for 82.69%; 2) the largest national pair game score in history at 78.31%; 3) the largest lead ever lost in the spingold semifinal of 71 imps. I have been the auctioneer for the Cavendish and a Vugraph commentator at both live and on-line Vugraphs and once MC'd the Hall of fame dinner.