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What do you have when you combine thirty seven Life Masters with thirty seven newer players?  One very special evening!

Our thanks to Richard Dehlinger for providing us with both photographs and tales about The Bridge Center of St. Paul's Excellent Adventure!

Doug Frost, a 299er instituted the notion to have a game where Life Masters played with "newer kids on the block."  The idea grew like wildfire.

Thirty seven Life Masters offered to pair with those sans title for the evening.  Tom Hammond organized a buffet, featuring his famous "Hot Dish."  The "Little Strip Mall Hideout On The Prairie" never before had so many bridge enthusiasts at one time.  The night was a huge success, and definitely will be repeated.

Much of this enthusiasm and growth began with the efforts of Tom Hammond.  In Spring of 2005, Tom offered a series of lessons for new players.  Twelve one-hour sessions on Wednesday evenings were followed by two hours of play.  Building on the popularity of those lessons, Tom extended the series into the Fall, adding in fundamental conventions.  The latest reincarnation is now "Championship Bidding" which progressed over the Summer of 2007.

Tom is a superb combination of great teacher, bridge theoretician, director, coach, humorist and friend.  You cannot find a better deal than $5 for a Wednesday night lesson/session with Tom Hammond at the BC of SP!

Postscript:  I received additional photos from Ginny Holder.  Thanks, Ginny!