Minnesota Bridge

Here & There

The last days of summer and the start of autumn brings a full schedule of events to Minnesotans!  Here are but a few of the tournaments and special games you might consider attending:

Fargo Regional - September 2nd through 6th

Paul Bunyon Sectional in Duluth - September 10th through 12th

ACBL Wide Instant Matchpoint Game - Thursday, September 16th; check with your local club

North American Pairs District Finals - New Brighton, October 2nd & 3rd; Club qualification required for participation (check with your local club for NAP qualifying games now!)

Autumn Harvest Sectional in Maplewood - October 8th though 10th

 

August Unit 178 Minutes

As we enter the waning days of Summer 2010, Unit 178's board is hard at work.

Below are the minutes from the August 21st board meeting.  Please review; you can keep up on all the activities, plans and decisions implemented by your board members!

Our thanks to all for their efforts.

Eagle-Eyed

Often, bridge is a function of using logic - and being eagle-eyed at the same time.

If declaring against expert opponents, you ask yourself:  "Why are they defending as they are?"  The answer to this question can be the key to judging what next move to take.

So it is today in John Koch's column.  An excellent lesson in how to calculate what a winning line should be!

Cool Coup

Our emotions once we see dummy can alter throughout a hand.  Sometimes, dummy comes down and we are pleased; our contract appears secure.  Then, a surprise alters that belief.  We must look for an innovative method to achieve success.

Today's hand fits the above description.  John Koch explains how to morph from contentment to worry - and back again to a happy ending with a cool coup.  Keep your cool at the table, and it can pay dividends!

Speaking of "cool" - it is most cool that John writes these columns for us every week.  I know John has been thanked previously for his superb stories.  As far as I am concerned, however - John cannot receive enough appreciation for his fine efforts.  Thank you, John!

"Thank You" Night

When a community pulls together to improve, it's a beautiful sight.  And - that is what we saw in Unit 178, when players from all over contributed to purchase a Duplimate (duplicating machine) and electronic scoring devices.  Our players have been enjoying the fruits of everyone's donations. To thank all those who gave, the unit decided to celebrate with a marvelous evening of food, fun and bridge.  President Marv Ridesel and wife Mary cooked up loads and loads of yummy treats.  Some other folks brought additional treats.

They needed it; I never saw so many people turn out for an event at the Twin Cities Bridge Center as I did for the "Thank You" party!  Teri and Chip Blu contributed with the Center, and the one and only Larry Oakey ran the bridge show.

Having the opportunity to be part of such a giving bridge world is something special.  Thanks to all who make it so!

And - more faces of those who came out to celebrate are below.

 

Minnesotans Strike a Pose

If you've never attended the Nebraska Regional, then you should consider rectifying that condition in August of 2011.  With a huge turnout, free lunches, Omaha Steaks to win and much more, it truly is a highlight of District 14.

Another exciting feature of the regional is the opportunity to hang out with celebrities.  In addition to the sprinkling of star pros like hometown boy Steve Garner, you can try to beat the billionaires!  Every year, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates attend to eng age in their favorite pastime:  tournament bridge.

Check out District Director Sharon Anderson's blog to see many of your Minnesota friends striking a pose with Bill and Warren. 

NAP Today; Louisville Tomorrow!

Would you like to attend the Louisville NABC next spring?  The North American Pairs could be your springboard!

The first weekend in October, all players who have qualified in club games are welcome to compete in the District 14 NAP Finals.  The event will be held in New Brighton, a northern suburb in the Twin Cities.  You can check specific times, dates and qualification brackets in the NAP flyer.

The NAP is an exciting way to compete against your peers and have the opportunity to win a subsidized trip to an NABC!  If you have not yet qualified for the Finals, be sure to find a NAP club game in your area.  Do well in the NAP today - and find yourself heading to Louisville next March!

Be Bold!

This week, John Koch explains how being bold can pay off at the table.  In this column, everyone was "bold."  He who best calculates how to handle aggression and active bidding shall win the spoils!

Nebraska Regional

It may not be in Minnesota - but - it's District 14's biggest.  Thus, lots of Minnesotans headed south by southwest to the Nebraska Regional last week.  Check out District 14 director Sharon Anderson's blog for photos and a report!

Thank You!

As many know, in recent months Unit 178 has held fundraisers to improve bridge in our unit.  As a result of the generosity of many, we were able to purchase Bridge Pads and a duplicating machine.

The Unit is having a "thank you" celebration this coming Saturday, the 14th, at the Twin City Bridge Center.  The appreciation dinner begins at 6PM, with an open and 299er game at 7PM following.  The game is free for donors, yet all competitors are welcome to attend and play.

For those who have never seen the dealing machine in action - you will have an opportunity this Saturday!

Again - thanks to all who did so much for our bridge community!

Unit 178 Board Agenda

Marv Riedesel, Unit 178 President, has submitted the August 21 board agenda.  Please see below for details.

The Tortoise and the Hare

They say that fortune favors the bold at bridge.  But - sometimes, the slow and steady tortoise beats the quick hare.

Here is a tale from John Koch where timid bidding is a winner.

Tales from the Victorious

Check out Paul Gutterman and Richard Lawson's articles about their fabulous District 14 GNT Flight B win in New Orleans!  Now posted at Sharon Anderson's site.

Double Trouble

Mike Cassel has fortunately provided us with a new article.  This one also highlights hands from the New Orleans Spingold, focusing on doubles.

Do you know what all these doubles mean?  Good food for thought in any partnership! 

Thanks, Mike!

Respect - and a Win

 
 
Some of us stayed up Saturday night long past bedtimes to watch the incredibly exciting final of the New Orleans Spingold.  For the bleary-eyed among us, we were treated to some thrilling hands - along with tears of either joy or sadness on the penultimate hand - depending upon the team for whom you were rooting.

 In addition to that, we saw a display of bridge ethics of the highest order by Brad Moss.  I suspect that he will be getting as much applause for this - if not even more - than his Spingold victory.

Mike Cassel, our BBO reporter, has all the details below.  Thanks, Mike!