Minnesota Bridge

White Out = Out for the Swiss

 

With visibility close to nil and winds that are sideways, Steve Gaynor has wisely decided to cancel the pizza and Swiss team scheduled for tomorrow, the 15th.

When the weather becomes more rational - it shall be rescheduled!

More Pizza - More Bridge!

Unit 178 is having another Swiss team game on Sunday, April 15 at the TC Bridge Center.

Entry fees for all current college students will be lowered to $2 per person!

Pizza shall be served at 12:30 - with a short talk at 1PM.

Game time is 1:30!

Enjoy fine competition and toughen up for the Big Event in Atlanta! Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!

 

Steve Gaynor

      

St. Paddy's Day in St. Paul!

 

Not to be outdone, The Bridge Center of St. Paul had a fine St. Patrick's Day celebration, too!

Congratulations to winners John Allen and Joe Browan!

St. Paddy's Day in Rochester!

 

Folks at the Rochester Duplicate Bridge Club know how to have fun!

The "bling sisters" - Alice Ernster and June Lamb Kmiecik in all their green finery!

Hope everyone in Minnesota is having a great St. Patrick's Day!

 

 

Bring on the Bots!

Bob Bonine and David Newhall take on the BBO pair!

  

 

The Bridge Center of St. Paul has some new members:  the bot friends!  Bridge Base Online (BBO) has opened new frontiers, allowing players to participate at regional tournaments and now NABC's from home!

 

And, when we hear about bots eliminating sit-outs, especially for smaller games with 4 and 5 board rounds, we inquired about them. Apparently it is easy to set up and players are (for the most part!) welcoming our new friends. After a short learning curve, I'm betting we'll forget when we didn't have them.

 

To have the bots, we need only a little set up and two computers. In our case, i-Pads are what we are using. The bots sit at a table where there is no N/S pair. E/W pairs arrive, play their boards, enter the scores into the Bridgemates and - voila!  No sit outs!

 

The bots do get scores, but they are marked as ineligible. Today, the bots came in last!

 

 

 

 

Kim Hayward, Club Manager

Bridge Center of St Paul

651-490-5430 w

       651-271-3500 c

Sunday Swiss at the Twin City Bridge Center

 

As advertised, Sunday, February 18th, was the first of three GNT Swiss team events that features a yummy pizza lunch and a half hour lecture for our newer players. Following this was a 4 round Grand National Team qualifier. Organizer and lecturer Steve Gaynor had a delish pizza and salad spread.

 

 

 

As a bonus, Eric Hendrickson and his daughter, Annabelle, provided baked goods and the opportunity to hire a local expert, all to aid the cause of battling leukemia and lymphoma. Our thanks to Eric and Annabelle for their efforts, to our experts who donated their services and to others who contributed by selecting their favorite expert for an upcoming game!

 

 

After players enjoyed lunch and discussed convention cards, many were entertained and enlightened by Steve's lecture.  Then - the games began!

As your webmaster was delighted to play with her long time partner, Kerry Holloway, and up & coming junior players Morgan Johnstone and Sean McNally, we (alas) have no playing shots to show.

 

 

That being said, seeing more of our new generation competing in the Swiss, and sons playing with dads was yet another treat!

Congratulations to one of the Twin Cities most winning teams: Eric Hendrickson - Paul Gutterman - Richard Lawson - Andy Caranicas for grabbing 1st place. And congratulations to almost all our teams earning their GNT "Q" - and aiming at the District GNT Finals later this year!

More photos are below. And - more Sunday GNT's are upcoming! March 4th and April 15th are on the calendar.  If you like pizza, team bridge, a great crowd of players and FUN - be sure to attend both!

Pizza - Swiss Teams - FUN!

 

Don't forget!  This Sunday, at the Twin City Bridge Center, pizza begins at 12:30PM - along with Swiss teams for players of all levels - and a charitable event, too!

Here are the details. If you are free on Sunday - be sure to get a team and attend!  Don't miss all the FUN!

International Fund Game

 

If you were not in the mood to battle cold, drifting snow and slick roads, then spending the afternoon at the Twin City Bridge Center and enjoying an International Fund Game was the place to be! Your webmaster isn't able to attend many games at the club as she was in days of yore - so - a treat for me to play with my very long time partner and dear buddy, Kerry Holloway, see friends and meet new ones. Very special to see my friend Peder Langsetmo, appearing above with son Arne.  Yes; of course they played!

One of the special aspects of an International Fund Game is hand analysis by fine writer and expert Frank Stewart. Even if you did not play this afternoon, we hope you will enjoy Frank's wise advise (PDF below the break).

Congratulations to Eric Hendrickson and Paul Gutterman, leading pair for the event, and to Mark Krusemeyer and Harry Sapienza, who led the N/S contingent. All results are here.

Rochester Chat Bridge in the News!

 

We know that Minnesota is the happiest state in the nation. 

Is it our love of bridge that contributes to that?!

Great article about Chat Bridge in Rochester - and how players there feel about our game!

(Thanks to Greg Caucutt for the article!)

Youth WILL Be Served!

 

Last Friday was the first night of play for the 2017-2018 season of the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club. Lots of "regulars" came out to compete.

Of course, great to see familiar faces and long time competitors at the MGSC. Yet also a great treat to see some new - and younger - faces, too!

Sean McNally and Morgan Johnstone, students who participated at Dean Matthew Bribitzer-Stull's Honors Bridge class last semester, were in attendance, battling away. From the look of their broad smiles above, it appears they had a fine time!  We sure hope that they - and others - return throughout the season.

Check out the MGSC's web page. This coming Friday is "Win-An-Entry." Perhaps it shall be YOU!

Minneapolis Grand Slam Club - 2017-2018 Season

 

 

MGSC President David Neiman, helping with treats at last May's season end party, invites long time members and new players to the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club 2017-2018 year!  Details from David below!

How quickly the summer has flown by! Kids are back in school, Labor Day is here, and the State Fair is in full stride.  That means that September is coming up quick, and with it, the return of the Minneapolis Grand Slam Bridge Club. 

 

This is just a quick note to let you know that our first game of the season will be Friday, September 8th at 7:15pm at the Edina Senior Center.

 

More information and an updated web page coming soon.

 

See you at the table!

 

Oh, if you would like to bring treats to our first bridge night, that would be awesome!  Just let me know by email.  Thanks!

 

David Neiman

MGSC President 2017-2018

gscbridgeclub@gmail.com

 

 

 

The Bridge Center of St. Paul - STAC Games & Longest Day

The Bridge Center of St Paul is running STAC games all week including Sunday late afternoon  except on Wednesday when they have a day long series of 5 18-board matchpoint games to support the Longest Day. 

 

Cost is $5 for each game.

 

Games at:

 

8am

11am

2pm

5pm

8pm

 

Free food will be available  between each session!

Let 'Em Eat Cake!

 

 

We appreciate people in the bridge world for a variety of reasons. Some we admire as fine experts; some excellent partners.  Others serve in administrative positions and some very giving volunteers.

 

For the Monday night bridge crowd at the Twin City Bridge Center, Jim Essex is a superstar.  Why?  Because is hobby is decorate cake baking! 

 

Competitors recently were treated to this fabulous looking and tasting creation.  The grand slam of desserts!

 

 

Unit 103 Awards Banquet

 

Attend Unit 103's Awards Banquet and celebrate the 2016 winners

of Unit 103 Ace of Clubs and Mini- McKenney!

 

WHEN:          Saturday, April 22, 2017

                     1PM                                

 

WHERE:        St. Paul Bridge Center

                         2603 – 6^th Avenue East

                               North St. Paul, MN   55109

                        Phone:  651-490-5430

 

Congratulations to all Unit 103 players that did well in 2016!

We look forward to recognizing and celebrating their success.

 

All players are welcome to a complimentary lunch starting at 1:00.

 

 Immediately following will be the Awards presentations and a special Bridge game. 

Players who are 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd in their category will play free.

$6 entry for others.

 

Please join us in this fun day!  Everyone is welcome!

 

RSVP by April 12^th to 651-490-5430.  We look forward to seeing you!

The MGSC's Grand Evening!

 

If you are in Minnesota and want to play in the state's most challenging club game, then the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club is for you. Now in its 79th season, the MGSC is a super place to compete, irrespective of experience.

One of the big reasons for this is our people. We have great folks who love our game, work hard at it, volunteer at the club and elsewhere - and are friendly and welcoming. One of those people who surely would be a contender for Best in Show in all these aspects is a guy who today is celebrating his 70th birthday:  Kerry Holloway.

Last night, as Mike Cassel, another fine player and volunteer, was preparing lots of goodies for our GNT Fundraiser Super Bowl evening, Kerry's marvelous wife Cara was preparing for a surprise! She dropped off a huge & very yummy birthday cake with Kerry's partner for the evening (yours truly) to surprise Kerry on his Big Birthday.  

 

Kerry was indeed duly surprised and delighted!  And all of us enjoyed the treats and birthday cake - along with another excellent evening of bridge.

If you happen to be reading this and you are not a bridge player, then please note that we would love for you to learn our game! Not only is it THE greatest mind game out there - it is filled with loads of really superb people who forge friendships for decades - just as important as the bridge partnerships they cherish. 

Happy BIG birthday to someone I met forty years ago, already an expert then when I was a newcomer.  Whether playing with a novice, seasoned player or someone top flight, Kerry is kind, a tough competitor and supportive in every way.

Thanks to all who played Friday night!  We love our bridge community and are happy to share lots more photos of the people who are as wonderful as the game itself.

Back to the Future! - Bridge at U of M!

 

 

Many of us "old timers" learned bridge when we were in college. Yet for some years, the number of students getting turned on to The Greatest Mind Game Ever dwindled. Now, however, a fine roster of U of MN professors are going to alter that trajectory!

Matthew Bribitzer-Stull, along with colleagues Paul Gutterman, Eric Hendrickson, Leon Hsu, Nita Kevans, Glen Meeden and Harry Sapienza will soon be teaching bridge at U of MN!  Approximately 48 Honors students will learn how to play bridge on Monday evenings, from 5:30-7:00PM in the Honors dorm. If they so wish, students will be encouraged to stay for another hour of play, from 7:00-8:00PM. 

Education will go well beyond rote explanation of rules. Faculty will also include discussion of the thinking skills that bridge develops, including enhanced memory, concentration, analytic thinking, contingency planning, communication and more. 

Bridge at the Honors dorm starts Monday, January 23rd, through May, 1st. A tournament will be held on the final date!  Students are encouraged to join the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) and to continue their bridge education at local bridge clubs, such as the Twin Cities Bridge Center and The Bridge Center of St. Paul. We hope that students will also continue their education with further lessons.

U of MN students have a fabulous opportunity to learn the game with a fine array of bridge teachers!  We hope that many take advantage of these exceptional sessions!

Thanks to Minnesota Bridge Education for supporting this effort by providing teaching and playing supplies.

TCBC December Birthday Celebration

 

Every month, the Twin City Bridge Center in Minneapolis holds a festive buffet lunch and game, celebrating everyone whose birthday is in that month. This month, given the holidays, all was even more merry and cheery. And, a most special person in the bridge world had his birthday on December 14th, the day of the party:  Larry Oakey.

 

If you have played in Minnesota at all the last 45+ years - then you would have to know TGLO (The Great Larry Oakey).  Larry has played a critical role in so much of our bridge life - not the least of which has been being one of the finest and most naturally talented Minnesota players ever. But of course, despite those enormous abilities, Larry has given back to our game in so many respects, year after year.

 

Director, mentor, problem solver, at the TCBC from early morning to night, movie critic, analyst, friend to scores and partner of a huge variety of players over the years - all that and more is Larry. As many of you know, I, your blogmaster, was incredibly fortunate to have Larry as a regular partner for some years. Like he did with others, he put up with my gaffes.  Yet on his end, when a fine play or insightful bid needed to be made - you can be sure Larry was there with it.

Wednesday, the December birthday turnout was super, as was the fine array of goodies on the buffet table. Gary Knippenberg and Erwin Heisler produced one enormous game, scoring over 70% for the day.

 

And, even some non-bridge playing friends stopped by to see TGLO. Fun to see Larry with his good buddies Stephanie and Rachel. We know how Larry likes the ladies - and - great to see them put a big smile on his face!

 

Thanks to Teri and Chip Blu for hosting this fun event every month at their club. Thanks to all who played and contributed to the yummy birthday buffet. And a most special thanks to Birthday Boy Larry, now a young 80 and a man who continues to be Minnesota's Bridge Treasure.

Membership Week at the Twin City Bridge Center

 

 

Wondering what to do the day after Christmas?  Wonder no more!

 

December 26-31 is Membership Game Week at the Twin City Bridge Center. Every game delivers extra point awards at no extra charge!

Head to 60th and Nicollet throughout the week and get extra holiday presents as you compete!

 

 

 

Larry Oakey - Pure Platinum

TGLO - working away, even during the party honoring him!

 

Friday, Minnesotans and fans from afar came together to celebrate Pure Platinum Larry Oakey. The man who has contributed so much in so many varied ways to our bridge world has now earned an amazing 10,000 masterpoints. Friends and fans partied and competed to honor TGLO.

 

Long time partners and friends from all over came to celebrate!

 

During a lunchtime break, everyone enjoyed a fabulous pot-luck and regaled one another with TGLO stories.

 

Larry's SPECIAL 10,000 point, Platinum Life Master cake!

 

Thanks to Sharon Anderson and Sue Jackson for organizing, and of course, to Teri & Chip Blu for hosting the party.  

 

No one is the slightest bit surprised that Larry was working alongside Teri and Chip at his own party!  Larry may now be a Platinum Life Master - but - some things never, ever change!

More photos of everyone below. And - another post coming, highlighting honorifics for Larry!

 

10,000 Masterpoints for The Great Larry Oakey!

 

If you have played duplicate bridge in Minnesota some time over the past 45+ years, then the odds are high you know Larry Oakey (TGLO).  Larry has been involved in so many aspects of our game for decades - one might say he is truly the icon of Minnesota duplicate.

Everyone knows that Larry is an incredible player. As someone who was lucky enough to have TGLO as my regular partner for some years, I can attest to his enormous talents. I remember once looking at dummy, and thinking to myself "the only way to beat this hand is if Larry has the unsupported heart queen - and he leads it." No sooner did my brain form this thought, when - there it was; the queen of hearts.  We could use up all the space in the Internet regaling people with stories of how Larry has shown his prowess at the bridge table!

Yet, as everyone knows, Larry's stellar bridge abilities are only one portion of the impact he has had on Minnesota bridge.

Larry is a master director.  If you need it done, as well as humanly possible and in the blink of an eye - Larry is your guy.  If you need some one to volunteer - no matter what the task - Larry is there.  If you need someone to play with club players needing a game, filling in, solving any issue you can imagine - again, Larry is The One.

Away from bridge, Larry's other talents shine. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of movies.  Any movie worth seeing (plus about 10,000 others in addition) - Larry's viewed it, knows the cast, the story behind the story, and so on. I don't know Larry's IQ - but, let's just say if you are a betting person, don't put up much moolah thinking someone else's number is higher than Larry's.

Now, despite virtually his entire bridge career playing with lesser mortals (as almost all of us are), Larry has earned over 10,000 masterpoints.  And, in honor of Larry's "going over" and reaching Platinum Life Master, the Twin City Bridge Center is hosting a party to celebrate!  The details are below - and note, this is one game and celebration you do not want to miss!

 

The Great Larry Oakey Goes Over 10,000 Masterpoints Celebration!

Friday, August 5th - 11AM

Twin City Bridge Center

Pot Luck - Bring Your Favorite Dish

See Everyone Friday!