Mike Smolen
# 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.

## 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
