Teachers and inspiration. When we contemplate them, we think of students who were inspired by their teachers.
Sometimes, however, the tables are turned. A student can inspire the teacher!
Paul Meerschaert shares such a story with us. Somehow, though - my guess is this teacher inspired his students, too.
Thanks, Paul!
A few years ago, Sharon and Roger Anderson built a beautiful new home. They included a gorgeous kitchen, wonderful master suite, den with a view, and a bridge room.
Bridge room?
Yes! For decades, bridge has been a major part of the Andersons' life. In addition to being expert players themselves, Sharon and Roger have "given back" tremendously to the bridge community. Both have served on Unit Boards. Both have worked as tournament chairs, and Sharon has run Minneapolis tournaments, all the way up to our last NABC. Now, Sharon is representing District 14 at the ACBL.
For the Andersons, however, this is not enough. They built the "bridge room" with a plan. Part of that plan is to help educate newer and intermediate bridge players. Several times a year, local experts such as Kerry Holloway, Cindy and Bob Balderson, Mike Flader and others prepare a lecture on a topic of their choosing. After a great pot luck dinner, participants listen keenly to the lecture, then play hands selected by their expert that relate to the evening's topic. Larry Oakey donates expert directing services. Afterwards, hands are discussed and the evening's expert answers questions.
Last week, Phil Schwarz was the able expert. Phil's topic was "counting" - something that is critical to becoming a good player. Though Phil's hands were tough, everyone enjoyed the evening - from the delicious dinner to all the bridge activities.
As a bonus, an international expert made a surprise entrance! Richfield's own Steve Garner was in town, and Steve regaled us with tales of international bridge, elite competition and more.
Unit 178 President Marv Riedesel works with the Andersons to arrange these great evenings. Our thanks to Marv, Larry, all the experts - and of course, Sharon and Roger - for donating so much to our bridge community! You all are the best!
Do check out this link, too, for lots more photos of the latest Expert Night!
We all love our game. Yet, training the next generation to engage in our game as we have is critical.
I am happy to report that youth bridge is on its way in Minnesota! Bill Phillips has kindly supplied me with both details and photographs of last Thursday's first intra-school bridge match in the Twin Cities. St. Anthony faced Cretin-Derham Hall.
A team-of-four match (board-a-match) scoring was used in conjunction with the ACBL Spring School Tournament. Six hands were played, with Cretin winning a close match: 3.5 to 2.5
Mary Vik coached the Cretin team: Vince Vick, Gino Patera, Nick Gleason and Jack Simpson. Bill Phillips and Jean Sanford were the St. Anthony coaches for: Mike Jacobsen, Alaric Leger, Ryan Burr and Miles Crocker.
Needless to say, the coaches were delighted to see their students engaged in serious competition for the entire match. Afterwards, everyone analyzed hands, received constructive advice and appreciated the collegial spirit of the event. Future matches are anticipated anxiously!
Bidding and defensive agreements are myriad and varied. We all have our favorites: Drury, Roman Key Card, UDCA, 3/5 best leads - and on and on and on.
When you've got an established partnership, remembering the plan usually isn't too cumbersome. But a new or infrequent partnership? What to do?
Steve Gaynor to the rescue, that's what! Steve has some excellent advice for players, whether you're a 99er or a long-time Life Master. Please see below.
“Chat Bridge” may sound like intriguing gossip following a session of our favorite game. Delicious, perhaps – but – “Chat Bridge” is something much better!
Chat Bridge is two hours of bridge playing, preceded by a half hour mini-lesson. Hands for the Chat Bridge come from an earlier duplicate game. With this tool, players can compare their results with those recorded on score slips from the prior session. Several experienced volunteers circulate around the room. They are ready to answer questions about bidding and play – ergo, the name “Chat Bridge.” Participants arrive both with and without partners. An effort is made to pair singles with a partner of comparable skills.
On Saturday mornings at the Twin City Bridge Center, Chat Bridge players are able to enjoy freshly baked ‘mini muffins’ from Perkins across the street. Both social and more serious bridge players arrive at 10AM; usually 9 to 12 tables are in play.
Do consider trying Chat Bridge both for the fun and learning aspects! Additional Chat Bridge opportunities are available at the Twin City Bridge Center on Mondays at 1PM and 7PM, and Thursdays at 7PM.
And please enjoy more photos below from Valentine's Day's Chat Bridge session! (Please note; if you'd like to see a larger version of each photo, merely click on it.)
As highlighted in John Koch's most recent column, top notch defense is an integral part of any successful bridge player's repertoire. Now for those in or near Rochester, a fine opportunity awaits!
Greg Caucutt and Ginny Rice are offering a class on defense. It is ten weeks of one hour classes, prior to their Monday night game. 32 students have already signed up, and in the first week, 17 of those students stayed and played in the local duplicate. (Why not MORE??! ed.)
To find out additional information on DEFENSE classes, contact Greg at: caucutt@charter.net.
