Minnesota Bridge

Twin City Bridge Center Makes the Top 50!

Congratulations to Minneapolis' Twin City Bridge Center for its ranking in 2012 for table count!

More over at our District 14 website, too.

Boogie Bridge!

Players in Rochester demonstrate just how fun bridge really can be!

Minneapolis Grand Slam Club - 2012-2013 Season

September 7th, the first night of the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club's new season, marks the Club's 75th anniversary!  Since 1937, the MGSC has been providing the Twin Cities with the highest level of competition, quality run games and opportunities for learning and friendship in the bridge world.

The MGSC provides a wealth of opportunities to enjoy our fabulous game and have a great time.  2012-2013 President Peg Mitchell has a welcome letter (posted below, along with this season's schedule).  Peg's letter details the many benefits to becoming an MGSC member, along with all the super activities that are available to members and all players who wish to avail themselves of the Friday night games.

The first game of the season on September 7 is both a Club Championship and an opportunity to win a membership in the MGSC.  We hope that previous members and players who have never experienced the MGSC will stop by and compete.  For 75 years, Twin City players have been learning and loving the MGSC.  Now - it's your turn!

Charity Games

Bridge players love the additional masterpoints available in a charity game.  In reality, though, we get far more for our one additional dollar than some masterpoints.

Charity games in February support the ACBL's promotion of bridge for young people.  September games support the International Fund.  This fund is aiding talented players like Duluth's Ben Kristensen to compete the Youth Championship in China.

The ACBL Charity Fund dollars go to many good causes.  Some recent recipients were a low income health clinic and the Gulf Area Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

Charities selected by our district representatives also may select charity games that support local organizations.  Tomorrow, Wednesday August 8th, the Twin City Bridge Center will have a game supporting the ACBL Charity Fund.  And, on Saturday, August 11th, our local organization, Breath of Hope Lung Foundation, will receive our support.

We hope you can attend both of these upcoming games!

 

Annual Charity Game

On August 11th, Unit 178's annual Charity Game is scheduled.  Unit members are invited to propose the charity of their choice as this year's worthy recipient.

Your proposal should include your name and the name of a 501(c)(3) qualified charity.  In addition, include a brief explanation of the worthiness of the charity, the willingness of charity representatives to attend the event, plus your ability to help with a silent auction and other aspects of the event.

Please submit your proposal by June 1st to Linda Brammer or Sue Jackson (sjackson@smumn.edu)

Top Fifty

 

Congratulations are in order!  No, not to any specific player, but, to the place where many Twin Citians play bridge throughout the year:  the Twin City Bridge Center.  The club at 60th and Nicollet is #30 on the list for clubs with the most tables!

Given that the TCBC must compete with clubs in cities with far denser populations, and cities with far more retired folks (who have more time to enjoy the local dupe), this is quite the impressive statistic.

To Teri & Chip Blu, TCBC owners, to people like Larry Oakey who are mainstays at the club, to the teachers and other directors AND to all our players - very well done!

The Officer's Club

 

After having played bridge in the Twin Cities for over 30 years, last week I was introduced to a new treat!  Semi-monthly on Wednesdays at the Officers Club by Fort Snelling, director Tony Ames runs a board-a-match team game. 

 For those unfamiliar with B-A-M, every hand has only three scores possible.  If you have a

David Neiman proudly shows off a true yarborough!

better result than the other team with whom you are comparing, you win 1 point.  A tie?  Half a point.  And - conversely, if they beat your score, you get zero.  Most consider it to be the toughest type of scoring.  Just 10 points more than the other team, and you have a win!  Every overtrick matters greatly, and finding the highest scoring denomination also is key.

 

Food is available at the Officers Club.  My team met early to discuss system - and visit with other players. 

 Turnout was great.  15 teams competed, with the tough squad of Diane & Larry Henson and Cindy & Bob Balderson leading the field.  Complete results are here.

If you're looking for a different venue, with a large field and an inexpensive and nice menu for dinner prior - consider the Officer's Club.  And - don't wait 30 years like I did to discover it!

Celebrating Sharon

 

A week ago, the venerable Minneapolis Grand Slam Club celebrated Sharon Anderson's position as ACBL President for 2012.  A grand time was had by all!

 

To see a report and photos from Sharon's Big Night, check out her blog.  And - if you'd like to play in a B-A-M team game, come on out tonight to 70th and Nicollet!  This is the 2nd session of a B-A-M - but - new teams are assuredly welcome.

(And yes; Sharon's team is leading!)

Sharon at the TCBC

Check out her post and photos at her website!

An Ode to the Bridge Center

Ingrid Stocking is one of our bridge players - and a poet, too.  Now, Ingrid has turned her talents to the game she loves.

Although no names are used, you may well recognize the competitors in Ingrid's poem below, "The Bridge Center."  If you are interested in learning more about Ingrid's poetry, feel free to contact her at istocking2000@gmail.com.  Thank you, Ingrid!

C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E!

Minnesotans could hardly be more proud that our own Sharon Anderson is the president of the ACBL for 2012! 

On Wednesday, January 11th, Unit 178 invites everyone to celebrate Sharon's new position.  At 11AM at the Twin City Bridge Center, we'll enjoy cake, day time duplicate - and have Sharon tell us all about her position and plans.

Be sure to come by to play and share the day with Madame President!

Joe's #1!

Masterpoints.  They're what duplicate players earn for peformance.  The better the performance and the tougher the competition?  The more the masterpoints flow!

Every month, the Twin City Bridge Center posts a list of those who earned masterpoints that month, along with a cumulative total for the year.  In 2011, the person at the top of the list was Joe Rice.  Joe had an exceptional year, earning 211.75 at TCBC club games alone! 

The last 7 years, Sue Jackson and Don Priewert have topped the Club's annual masterpoint list.  But although the race was close going into December, Joe and his excellent partners played often and well.  Ultimately, Joe easily bested Sue and Don.

Well done, Joe!

 

Team-of-Two-Pairs

Although I've been playing bridge over 30 years, Friday night I experienced a new event!  The Minneapolis Grand Slam Club held the Team-of-Two-Pairs Mentoring game at the Twin City Bridge Center.  Two 9.5 table sections were organized.  One section had experienced players; the other newer competitors.  Team members were matched by sitting at the same table, same direction and playing the same hands; one pair from each section comprised a team.

A fun potluck prior to bridge allowed people to break bread, socialize and work on their convention cards.  Then, after the last hand was played, the two pairs who teamed together went over the hands, discussing triumphs and disasters.

Kudos to Peg Mitchell, MGSC president, for organizing and promoting the TOTP.  Thanks to Tony Ames for his able directing, with guidance from Mike Cassel.  And Teri and Chip Blu were wonderful with all their hospitality.

Two teams earned first and second with 60% games.  Congratulations to the victors, Judy Nassar, David Neiman, Shelly Husebo and Don Gray, and runners-up Steve Gaynor, Jean Boettcher, Andrew Yeckel and Keith Thompson.

An evening where the "old timers" could mix and match with our newer players was surely a treat!  Thanks to all who participated.  Here's hoping we can have an even larger game next time around!

 

 

 

Team of Two Pairs

The Twin City Bridge Center and the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club are teaming together for an end of the year team game!

December 30th, "Team of Two Pairs" is scheduled o Friday at the TCBC.  Sponsored by the MGSC, this is a matchpoint event with two sections:  Open and under 500 masterpoints (each).  Pairs in each section will have "teammates" playing the same direction in the other section.  Your scores will be added together to determine the team winners.

In addition to bridge at 7:15PM, a potluck is scheduled at 6:30PM.  Please bring something to share.  Entries are $5 per person.

You can sign up at the Twin City Bridge Center to be matched up with teammates in the other section or you can bring your own teammates.  Or just come and you will be paired wtih another pair!

"Team of Two Pairs" is a great way to say "au revoir" to 2011.  Hope to see you!

Speeding Along at Ninety-something

No, no, no.  We are not advocating spurning the speed limit in Minnesota.

We are talking about Lee and Shirley Graham, age 93 and 92, respectively.  Lee and Shirley play on a regular basis at the Rochester Duplicate Bridge Club.  Not only do they play - they do it well.  The duo is consistently "in the money." 

We are very fortunate to have competitive players who are positive, successful and who prove that you can enjoy our game just about forever! 

Thanks to Lee and Shirley for setting such a high standard - and to Greg Caucutt for sharing their story with us.

 

Who Would Have Guessed?

Attracting new bridge players is a goal of all of our clubs, but finding the best time to offer lessons is always a challenge.

This September, the Twin Cities Bridge Center offered beginning bridge classes at what seemed a novel time: 4PM to 6:30PM on Wednesdays. The response exceeded expectations! Teri Blu has about 30 people taking the classes. They are primarily working-age adults who like the time because they can leave work early, come to bridge, then go home for dinner.

Once they finish the lessons, Teri hopes to start a 4PM, 18 board duplicate game for players with fewer than 50 master points.

 

MPLS Grand Slam Club Knock-Outs

The Minneapolis Grand Slam Club has been in existence since 1937.  As the city's oldest club and the place where many elite champions have cut their teeth, it is a super place to compete and improve your game.  The MGSC goes into hibernation for the summer.  But - it's back in force now. 

You need not be a member of the Club to play in its games - but there are benefits to joining.  One of them is getting four free games with a membership.  The first of the four is tonight at 7:15 at the Richfield Community Center at Nicollet & 70th.

Another very fun event is their knock-out teams.  Games are scheduled either at the Twin City Bridge Center or people's homes.  It is a "double elimination" event - ergo, you can afford one loss and still win the event!  Again, you need not be an MGSC member to compete.  If you do wish to play in this excellent event, however, you must find and register your team by September 30th.  Julie Tigges, coordinator, has more details.

Eight IS Enough!

• Bridge with friends of varying experience.
• Teams to compete with IMPS.
• Pot luck and socializing prior to bridge.

Is this enough for you?  I say that it is more than enough!

On September 10th, come to the Twin City Bridge Center at 60th and Nicollet for Eight is Enough bridge teams.  Peg Mitchell has organized a great evening of food, fun, socializing, and of course - bridge - for all.  Details can be found below in the event flyer - and, a sign up sheet for the evening is available at the TCBC.

Minneapolis Grand Slam Club

Started in 1937, the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club is the oldest club in the state - and the place to play and improve your game.

The MGSC doesn't hold games during summer months.  With autumn approaching, however, their first game of the season will be held September 9th. 

MGSC President Peg Mitchell has sent out a letter welcoming members back - and, inviting new ones to come play and join!  We'd like to share Peg's letter with you below. 

Why have people been returning to the MGSC for over seventy years?  Come play and find out for yourself!

100 Clubs; 100 Days

 
Thirty four years ago, I started playing duplicate bridge at The Twin City Bridge Center.  Of course, back then it was just "The Bridge Center."  I wasn't an I/N player or a 99er; none of those classifications existed.  I was simply a new girl who a number of people took under their wing.  At The Bridge Center, I discovered negative doubles and reverses.  I went for 500 for the first time, played in my first team game  - and developed lifelong dear friends.

In other words?  My local bridge club was where I learned about the game of bridge and had the time of my life.

ACBL President Craig Robinson is in the middle of his 100 Clubs in 100 Days tour.  Craig knew that many past presidents traveled to exciting regionals around North America.  Craig, however, decided that he wanted to visit where it all begins:  clubs.  He chose to see where people ventured for their virgin game of duplicate, where they competed for Ace of Clubs titles and where players socialized at pot lucks prior to the game.