Minnesota Bridge

Soon - a New Year!

Bridge in January - and Beyond!

Our thanks to all those who help to make our bridge experiences
the BEST that they can be!

We look forward to those who will be playing in January.

And we are grateful to those who will help newer players -
and are excited for both "new-bees"
and for the power house competitors -
Both for their superb abilities and talents.

Feel free to see what all of our various players are up to!
Meet and greet with others.

And here's to fun holidays - 
plus applause with those who have reached new achievements!

January - we will be coming SOON!!!
Get ready, all our players!
We're looking for ya!!

Are you ready for the holidays? I'm not, but it always seems that I do enjoy this time every year in spite of the little details that I didn't get done. As I get older, it's easier to remember that and to just relax and take a dee[ breath. (Sigh) Isn't the snow beautiful in the sun under a bright blue sky? Soon it will be January with more exciting bridge to be played. January Schedule *Alert* The Edina Senior Center will be closed Friday, Dec 23, through Wednesday, Dec 28, so those games are cancelled. The game on Tuesday, Dec 27, in Studio 1 will take place as usual. Tony just announced a new game for 0-1000 pairs at 12:45 on Thursdays, starting January 5. The game will be at Studio 1, 6000 South Lyndale Avenue, Minneapolis. Here's another opportunity for us less experienced players to sharpen our skills without having to face the top players -- who are very nice, but who give me soooo many learning opportunities ;-). The full schedule for January is attached. Unit 178 Board doings Did you know that Unit 178 used to be combined with Unit 103, so that all of Minnesota was in the Gopher unit? That was more than 30 years ago, and the reasons for the split are no longer compelling. So some members of the 178 and 103 boards met a couple of weeks ago to consider reunification. Advantages of combining units include needing fewer volunteers for unit functions including board members, and eliminating some duplication (i.e., 1 treasurer). However there was little enthusiasm for the move because each unit is already rather large, and the trend in the ACBL is to smaller units. So instead, in 2023, the two units will work together to improve the bridge experience for all MN bridge players, with better communication, and coordinated schedules of games, sectional tournaments, and lessons, and shared resources across the units. The Unit 178 board did not meet separately in December. Milestones Congratulations to the following members on their recent achievements: Junior Master: David Carlsen Life Master: Todd Flowerday Ruby Life Masters: Bonnie Fellerman, Gary Kippenberg Gold Life Master: Sandy Fisher Sapphire Life Master: Paul Sitz Diamond Life Master: Robert Schachter Happy Holidays However you celebrate this time of year, I hope that you are safe and warm, and full of good cheer.

 

Short But Sweet!!

Much of Our World Is Changing

And although we spend so much time wondering:

Should I try to take advantage of a particular hand?
If a player isn't very experienced, should I be tougher?
Does it make more sense to avoid disaster?
Or can I win big with my abilites to take advantage of others?

Each of us must decide on our own, which leads to a multitude of choices.

We also may consider plenty more!

I want to help a friend who is improving, yet one who truly can gain from various more wisdom, more experience, and what will ultimately help that friend as he/she learns more and more as they play and become anywhere from good "newbies"
to thoughtful, talented, creative players.

I hope to go into more detail, should we decide to experience more of the enormous information, fun, challenges, frustrations - and plenty more - 
That makes bridge one of the most fascinating games around.

Look out, world!  
Bridge - she is a changing!  

Are We Lucky? YES WE ARE!!

It's "Chilly-Willie" time now!

But with superb people helping at our bridge games.
Food available at various times.

Silver points for those who can grab 'em!

And those who work hard to keep our games super duper!

Tournament Chair:
     Larry McIntyre
        email:   bridgecenterofstpaul@gmail.com

Plus Kimberly Hayward
Tournament Director
AND
Helping with Partnerships

Check out all the details
And have a great time!!

Bridge Center of St. Paul
          Holiday Sectional

       December 9-11, 2022

          2603 6th Ave East
      North St. Paul, MN 55109

 

ACBL Unit 103

Dear Kerry,      Bridge Center of St. Paul           Holiday Sectional        December 9-11, 2022           2603 6th Ave East       North St. Paul, MN 55109 Game Times: 10:00am & 2:30pm            Fees:   $11 per person per session Food:  Friday/Saturday on your own various local resturants walking distance.            Sunday lunch provided during Swiss. Enjoy the season and win some Silver Points. Share some holiday cheer and bring some non-perishable food items. Food items donated to the North St. Paul Area Food Self. See the attached flyer for details. Tournament Chair:      Larry McIntyre         email:   bridgecenterofstpaul@gmail.com  Partnerships:      Kimberly Hayward         phone: 651-271-3500         email:   bridgecenterofstpaul@gmail.com Tournament Director:      Kimberly Hayward Notice: In accordance with ACBL safety protocols:  PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED before being admitted to the playing area. Masks optional unless a player asks opponants to wear masks at their table.

Sunny Turkey Lurkey in Minnesota!

On a shiney day in Minnesota, we'd often see some fine bridge here.

Yet with the nice sunshine, turkeys being roasted
and folks having lots of fun and a marvelous time.

We are more likely to have yummy meals -

and lots of joy and happiness
with family and friends!

And then be able to get some tough and hard core bridge
At the Table!

Here's hoping that many of us have a delightful time today.

And when our tummies are full, we can have a great time at Bridge!

Happy Turkey Day - and Lotsa luck if you beat 'em up at the table too!!

 

Bridge is a Many Splendored Thing!

Whether we have played bridge for a few weeks - or many years.
Bridge is an amazing part of bridge life that fascinates many. (I know all too well!)

With so much going on, it is both delightful to see what is happening.
And sometimes challenging to understand it all.

I shall begin with some of my own experiences.

Many moons ago, (MANY!) - I would drive all the way from the city to where my husband's uncle lived an hour away.  And once or twice a week (or two) - we would play some bridge. 

I was so brand new, that there was way more than I could possibly learn in many weeks - much less just a "here and there" segment of bridge.  I had a fun time.  But I imagine that most of you would know that it takes far far more than "a few weeks" to really start to understand The Greatest Game.

All this was so very long ago, that I simply cannot begin to recall it all.  Yet I will share with you some the fun, complicated, thrilling - etc., etc. aspects of bridge that that began to intrigue me.

I have an aunt - now in her middle 90's - who is an exceptional player.  "Aunt Rosy" thought it would be great fun for me to come to Oklahoma, meet some of her teammates and friends - and
see what I thought about it all.

I fell in love.

My aunt had many friends who were superb bridge players.  Each day I played, Rosalie would find excellent choices for me to learn from the friends.  And as the days continued, I learned more and more from these fine bridge players.

I was such a newby - I could only begin to understand all that was happening.  Yet everyone was so nice, so pleasant - and such fine players - that I was thrilled with the various players and truly began to learn even more.  Amazingly, the last day that we played, our team beat one of the top players in the area - Jim Jacoby.  And we ended up being THE top players at the event!

Being a newby - I was simply ecstatic.  We all hauled into our vehicle, meandered here and there - and had a fabulous time.  More than one of the players commented that Aunt Rosy was incredible - and how fortunate I was to have her.  (Boy they were correct!!)

It turned out that this was the first - AND the last time - that I managed to go from about 7 masterpoints to THREE TIMES AS MANY POINTS at that time EVER in my life!  But I knew I was hooked - so I was determined to keep on learning - both as to how to play bridge - and how to learn from many of the top notch players at the tourney.

My guess is that a great many of us, as the years went bye, learned more and more.  While I never again managed to add THREE sets of new bridge tales.  I did work hard to learn, question, study - and remain stoic when I went wrong.

Do I have more stories to tell?  My goodness; don't know if I could ever count them all!

That being said, I shall stop for now.  There is so much to learn, to enjoy, to have fun and now and then have tears - that I shall wait for our next time for more super duper stories!  Yay!!!!

Unit 178 Board Meeting - November 3, 2022

Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting - November 3, 2022

 

Fri, Nov 18, 2022 3:34 pm

 

Steven Gaynor (stev1249@comcast.net)To:you (Bcc) + 1 more Details

 

 The Unit 178 Board of Directors meeting was called to order on November 3, 2022 at 4pm.

 

Present: David Trevor, Cass Weil, Steve Gaynor, Vicky Smith, Deana Liddy, John Schlundt, Sue Sanger, Tom Botten 

 

Deana reported that ACBL has selected Minneapolis as the location of the summer 2026 NABC.  Exact dates and site are not yet determined.  Steve will meet in December with reps from the Unit 103 Board; discussion will include how we will work together to provide volunteer and other assistance for this event.  John and Cass will also attend.

 

Tony’s Saturday game will return to Studio One beginning in January.  He will also hold a sectional tournament May 5-7, likely at Edina.  There was discussion but no decision whether to hold an Aquatennial sectional next summer.  We need to find a tournament chair, the board will seek volunteers.

 

 

Tony’s Saturday game will return to Studio One beginning in January.  He will also hold a sectional tournament May 5-7, likely at Edina.  There was discussion but no decision whether to hold an Aquatennial sectional next summer.  We need to find a tournament chair, the board will seek volunteers.

 

We discussed the need for a stronger pipeline of new directors.  One obstacle appears to be that some who may be willing to direct are not willing to handle all the set=up and other required computer tasks.  However, there may be others who would be willing to handle the computer tasks but prefer to play rather than direct games.  We will try to identify players who might be willing to fulfill these roles, and provide appropriate training.

 

 We discussed what action, if any, the Unit should take when a player dies.  Consensus seems to be to take no action except if the player has been a director, tournament chair or other active leader in the bridge community.  Sue will draft a policy statement prior to the next Board meeting.

 

 Respectfully submitted,

 Sue Sanger

Does Steve Gaynor Know how to Share Bridge Secrets?

You Betcha!!

 

SECRETS OF NEGATIVE DOUBLES

 

by Steven Gaynor

 

 

Negative doubles are used when the opponents interfere with your auction and make it difficult to bid your suits without misleading partner about your HCP or length of your best suits.  The player using the negative double usually has at least two places to comfortably play the hand with an emphasis on unbid majors.

 

 

Example:  You hold:  53, KQ98, K875, J54

 

 

Partner opens 1C, and your RHO bids 1S.  You rarely want to double 1S for penalties, so the double is called ‘negative’ meaning you have the unbid suits or, at least, the unbid major and about 7-10 HCP.  This would be a classic negative double situation.  It is most important to be disciplined in these hands so partner knows when to bid again or to pass.

 

 

When you have a longer suit, it is tempting to bid at the two level, but you run the danger of misleading partner about your strength.  There is a way to handle it – double, then bid your suit.  This shows extra length, but limited point count.

 

 

Take this quiz with your favorite partner(s).  Discuss your responses and come to agreements.  The suggested responses on the next page are based on the most common treatments among experienced Standard American partnerships.  Of course you may play anything you want, but these seem to work the best in the long run.

 

 

Partner opens 1C and RHO bids Spades.  What would you bid with:

 

 

                                                                              Over 1S                Over 2S

 

1. 53, KJ98,  854,  K965

 

2. AJT, KJT4,  32, Q654

 

3. 53, KQ9865,  32, Q54

 

4. A3, KQ9865, 32, Q54

 

5. 3, KQ9865,  QJ975, 2

 

6. AJT, KJ3, A5, K9743

 

7. J8754, Q98,  A54,  43

 

8. KQJT9, Q98, A5, Q54

 

 

 

 

 

SUGGESTED RESPONSES:

 

 

 

X = double

 

P = Pass

 

 

 

1. X - P. You have plenty to double over 1S.  If partner bids 2D you can go back to 3C.  If he bids hearts, you pass.  If he jumps to 3H you will go on for sure at IMP’s and probably would at matchpoints, too.  Over 2S this is probably the best hand you could hold and not make a negative double. 

 

2. X - X. With your near opener, you have enough to force to the 3 level. Over 3D you may try 3N with double stops in both majors and the likelihood of 5 Club tricks.

 

3. X - X. Doubling and then bidding a suit tells partner you do not have enough to bid your suit freely, but you have 5+ cards in it.  This is not forcing, nor should you ever entertain bidding hearts directly without at least 10 HCP, or at least a beefy 9.  Changing the CQ to the CA would justify a direct 2H call.

 

4. 2H - 3H. Here you have your direct heart bids at either level.  Partner will appreciate hand #4 for a direct heart call vs. hand #3.  A Spade bid now by partner would ask you for a stopper for a NT contract.

 

5. X - X. If partner rebids clubs, you bid hearts in either case.  Nothing you can do about a diamond fit if you have one.

 

6. 2S - 3S. Sometimes it is tough to bid good hands with interference.  You probably have a play for 6C and should aim for that eventually.  First, however, you need to find out more about partner’s hand.  The best way to do that is to cue bid and see what happens.  If you double, partner may jump in hearts, since you really should have 4 of them in any case.

 

7. 1N - P. Bidding 1N here shows your point count well and gives partner a clue as to what to do next (probably pass).  Over 2S, pass, and if partner reopens with a double, do not leave it in as your spades are not close to being good enough.  Over partner’s reopening X, 2N is your best call in that shows your values (6-9) and a stopper in their suit.  Partner should have a pretty good hand to reopen over 2S, and will carry on if appropriate.

 

8. P – P. Now you are out for blood.  If you get to defend a spade contract, you will start by drawing trumps and watch them go down a lot, probably more than the value of your game.

Waterloo Sectional Tournament!

An Opportunity for the Waterloo Sectional Tournament!

Check out the Details!

Get Ready for November 11-12 - 2022!

A Super Way to End 2022!

ACBL Unit 163

Waterloo Fall Sectional November 11 - 12, 2022 Westminster Presbyterian Church  1301 Kimball Ave. Waterloo, Iowa 50702 Unit 163, Eastern Iowa Bridge League, is inviting you to our Waterloo Fall Sectional Tournament in Waterloo, Iowa, November 11 – 12, 2022. Games begin on Friday at 1:00 pm with an Eight is Enough Team Game followed by a Stratified Pairs/Teams event at 6 pm with a Newer Pair/Team Game run simultaneously. Saturday is a Two Session Play-Through Swiss Teams Event with FREE LUNCH served in between sessions.  The first session of bridge starts at 10 am. Parking and Entry is at the back of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Driveways are on both sides. Check out the flier! Tournament Chair: James Jurgenson 319-240-5560 james.jurgenson@uni.edu                                Partnership Chair: Ramesh Shah 319-230-9800 shah0827@gmail.com                                                     Proof of full vaccination required.  No proof, no entry!                        Masks optional for LOW and MEDIUM levels, required for HIGH levels.                   End the 2022 Bridge Year with a bit of Iowa on your plate!

Something for (ALMOST) Everyone!!

Bridge - The Great Game that Changes for Most of Us!

 

Recently, we had a game at our bridge site that was a bit different from the previous one.  Not only was the size of the game somewhat smaller.  But the varied knowledge, preferences, backgrounds are more were different, also.  That being said - nothing really is wrong with that!

Those who have been playing for many years, and have learned so very much as to how bridge functions - and can alter - quite often have a deep sense of the varied aspects of bridge.

And those who either have just started?  Or are just learning?  Or are busy, busy, busy overall, so they are not able to play as frequently as others might?  They might only come to play once a month.  Or don't have the time to go from being "a newbie" - to someone who heads out of state, earns great rewards for their talents, and so forth (at least not super duper fast!)

Yet - that's all OK!  We have varied talents, or little background, fascinated by the game - or find it to be something fun and occasional.

Are we lucky?  Overall, I would say "yes"!  We can sometimes learn rapidly - and be thrilled.  If we have impressive talents, we can help others, win - and take the time to achieve higher goals.

Bridge is an amazingly fascinating, complex (or plain and simple if you're new) game.  We learn from one another.  We teach.  We try harder - or relax, if that happens to be more of our personality.

I look forward to our next games - and how they have their unique details.  And I hope a bunch of us learn more, too!  After all - it IS The Greatest Game!!

The Great Bob Hamman - and Me

This is unusual for me.

I very rarely have more than one Typepad Story in a day.

And - I rarely have an opportunity to have The Great Bob Hamman comments.

That being said - HERE we go!

I am MOST grateful to Bob for what he has to say.  And feel incredibly lucky for whatever Bob does for the world's greatest game!!

And - HERE HE IS!!  The Great Bob Hamman!

Today’s Afternoon Side Pairs is named in honor of Peg Kaplan. I first saw Peggy at the table over 30 years ago at an NABC. We met by chance later that tournament, talked about the hands we had played, youth bridge, bridge friends, love for the game, Mr. Mollo (her parrot), her mom and dad — all the things we had in common and some we didn’t. 

 

Every NABC since that first meeting, Peggy and I have connected, sometimes for lunch, sometimes breakfast and occasionally just in the hallway before a game when our schedules just didn’t mesh. Peggy is a familiar face at the NABCs. Her love for the game and the people who play it, her fierce competitive spirit and her photos that captured the heart of the game are known by all. 

 

Due to health issues, Peggy has been unable to attend the last few championships. Bob Hamman (a close friend of Peggy) said, “I have known Peggy for more years than either of us want to acknowledge. During that time, I have played against her with moderate success and with her with some success. She has always been a fierce and formidable competitor. 

 

“Additionally, Peggy has shown that she is first and foremost an intense and enthusiastic supporter of the mindsport that we both believe is the greatest game that has ever been invented. “Peggy won four NABC+ events and additionally deserves credit for an assist on two of the events that I have managed to be one of the last teams standing. 

 

In 2006, our Grand National Team prevailed, but it would have been a much tougher road if her four-handed team had not already defeated the Florida squad which included Rodwell, Meckstroth and a strong supporting cast. Luckily for us, we avoided her team in later stages of the event. 

 

For the piece de resistance, Peggy was our nonplaying captain in the 2020 Buffett Cup in Hainan. “Talk about herding cats: Our team consisted of four fossils, Peter Weichsel, Bart Bramley, Kit Woolsey and me. The more youthful players that carried our team to victory were Jill Meyers, Sylvia Shi, Oren Kriegel and Ron Smith. A heavy load, indeed. Our competition was strong, with teams representing Europe and China.” From all of us attending this NABC: “We miss you, Peggy!”

 

The Greatest Game

Bridge IS the greatest game.  I've played it for decades - and shall never tire of it (even if I have to watch instead of play!)

That being said, with so much going on here and there, I'm afraid I shall keep this short and sweet.  I have tried sharing a number of stories about bridge - then and now.  And of some of my favorite exploits.

Yet, with much going on currently, each of my attempts have gone "bye bye".

Thus, that being said - be you a bridge rock star - or someone who plays every now and then - or - is simply learning how to fall in love with this amazing game.  I absolutely hope that as many of us can continue to enjoy and learn and love.  And - perhaps as fall and (perish the thought) - WINTER comes a courting - we can do our best to love this incredible game - and continue to be so happy that we have it!

Here's to enjoying the last colorful leaves and beauty of autumn - and heading out to bridge events in winter!

My Best to ALL!!

D14-Wide ONLINE PAIRS GAME - Check it Out!!

Matt, who helps us with a variety of wonderful bridge events and needs,

Is sharing THIS with US!

Lucky, lucky!  It's coming up!   Check it out - and - PLAY!!!

D14-wide ONLINE PAIRS GAME

Sunday October 16th - 6:30pm

 

WHAT:  It’s a District-wide online pairs game, sanctioned by

the ACBL and BBO; just like other online bridge games, only 

with the potential to be much, MUCH bigger (read: lots

more masterpoints). . .with an entry fee of $6

 

WHERE:  The comfort of your own living room.  Just sign on

to BBO like any other online game, you’ll see this game listed

- then register with a partner and let the cards fly

 

WHO:  You - anyone that is in District 14 is eligible to play in

this mega-online game.  While you must be a member of

D14, your partner does not have to be - so you can play

with anyone that you want (around the country or around 

the world!)

 

WHEN:  Sunday October 16 at 6:30pm.  The game will be

available for signup two hours beforehand

 

WHY:  100% of the proceeds from this game will go to the

D14 Grass Roots Fund, which helps to sponsor D14 GNT 

Finalists as they move forward to the Nationals in Chicago

next summer

Long Ago and Far Away

Like so much in life, bridge does not remain static.  In college, I learned about a wealth of different card games and enjoyed them tremendously.  I began to dip my toes into bridge - yet clearly the game was far more challenging than anything else I'd learned.  When I came to Minnesota and grad school, I did play a bit of bridge, though generally it was no more than 2 or 3 games a month.  And no matter how hard I tried, mistakes and misunderstandings were inevitable, forgetting happened - yet the game remained with challenges that surely were intriguing - and fun.

But bridge "back then" was so very different when I started learning more and more.  While the "super stars" were fascinating to watch, other players would chat and help one another.  And when we found that improvement grew and grew as we watched, listened, and realized more as to how intricate and difficult the bridge world could be.  We nevertheless still continued to learn - with some of us increasing our game upward - and occasionally beating up on the big boys, which was always a thrill!

In Minnesota, our big games were BIG!  I remember the hotels that had so many players competing, that it was easy to see players everywhere, be they novices, intermediates - or the best of the best.  Some of us would reach a level - and stay there.  Others?  They would work so hard, they'd win lots more, learn so much that was once a mystery, and continue to be fascinated by the varied abilities - and lack thereof - of our players.

Recent times have delivered immense change to our games.  Covid managed to take many who were superb players, to relegate themselves and their partners to staying at home.  Others wore their masks - and although this allowed them to play, it clearly was more difficult - and the percentage of players who continued to play dropped dramatically.

Additionally, unfortunately we have lost many of those who played so well.  Yet time and age has ended lives, which again, has caused our games to be fewer and smaller.

Can this change?  Of course.  But we really cannot know immediately what the changes will be, if the games can grow significantly again - or if changes slowly grow again...  Or, if bridge may take a long time to return to our once strong world.

In the meantime, if you can play and you want to play - do so!  Decades of players continue on!

And - just like life itself - bridge has a myriad of fascination, thought, creativity and much more.  Let's hope it returns to growth - and to us.

Peg

Summer will be winding down - Fall Bridge Events are On Their Way!

Once again, summer is winding down before I expect it. But it's State Fair time and school starts next week, so it must be true!

On the plus side, there is a lot to look forward to in bridge this fall in Unit 178.

 

September Schedule of games is attached. Here are some highlights:

Board-a-Match game resumes, Wednesday evening at 6:15

On September 7, Keith Thompson and Tony Ames are restarting the ever-popular Board-a-Match game. Games will be held every other Wednesday at 6:15 pm at the Edina Senior Center. The schedule for 2022-23 is attached.

BAM is a team game without complicated scoring like IMPs, so every board is win or lose and a single extra overtrick (or undertrick) can be a huge difference.

Teams need to register by contacting Keith (keithclockt@icloud.com, 612-239-2667) or Tony (ynotsema@aol.com, 952-200-3871). They will help you form a pair or team, too.

New location for Saturday games starting Sep 10

The Saturday FTF game at 1:00 p.m. is moving to the Eden Prairie Center Community Room as of September 10. It's in the basement next to the main rental office and restrooms.

Enter on the East side through the Von Maur store, or on the South through the food court. Take the elevator, located in the center of the mall, down t the basement. It's very similar to the Southdale Center where we had the recent sectional tournament.

Lessons this fall

Tony Ames is offering beginning bridge lessons this fall on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm at the Edina Senior Center. Lessons start September 13 and continue for 8 weeks. Contact the Edina Senior Center at 952-833-9570 to register.

Alternatively, the Bridge Center of St Paul is offering beginning bridge lessons Monday evenings at 6:30 starting September 19, both online and in person. A second series will be held online only on Wednesdays evenings starting September 21. Check out the website for more information or to register http://www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com/

Chat bridge continues

Chat bridge continues every Tuesday at 12:45 at Studio 1. It's a great way to practise and improve your game after you've taken lessons. A number of players have "graduated" to the limited game at the same time, there's always room for more. Contact John Schlundt for more information. john.schlundt@gmail.com

Gopher Regional Tournament very successful!

Tournament chair Patti Stuhlman reports that the Gopher Regional tournament last may was very successful. Attendence exceeded expectations, and the tournament even made money. Congratulations and thanks to Patti and her team!

Feedback was generally positive, and suggestions will be taken into account in planning next year's Gopher. I know they've started working on it already.

Milestones

Congratulations to these players who have reached new levels:

• Junior Masters: David Gregg, Carol Hagelee, Carol Lord
• Club Master: Mary Stark
• Sectional Masters: Patti Richardson, Jeffrey Knapp
• NABC Master: Marc Ashton
• Bronze Life Master: Mark McGree
• Silver Life Masters: James LaFave, Michael O'Leary

The End IS Near!

The End is Near
So Get Qualified Now!

                                           

 

State Fair time means the end of summer, and the end of summer is the end of North American Pairs qualifying. The North American Pairs event is one of the two grassroots events where people can compete against pairs at their own level from across North America. These qualifiers only happen during the 3 summer months of June, July , and August. You have be qualified at the club level in order to compete in the finals. The top finishers in the finals will get to play in the spring Nationals in New Orleans next March. 

The finals will be held online Saturday October 1st and Sunday October 2. The top three pairs will qualify for Flight A, while four pairs each from Flight B and Flight C will go to New Orleans. All pairs will play 4 sessions of 24 boards. You must play with the same partner throughout the finals.

In order to play in the District 14 NAP Final, players must be members of District 14 and have qualified for their masterpoint flight or a higher flight in a NAP Club Qualifying F2F or online game.

Flight masterpoints are determined as of the June masterpoint cycle run by ACBL data Processing on May 6, 2022. Any points won but not included in this cycle do not affect masterpoint eligibility.

Flight A is open to all Players.

Flight B is open to Players with fewer than 2,500.

Flight C is open to Players who are Non-Life Masters with fewer than 500.

 

Our local clubs are doing their part to help qualify people for a shot at the Nationals. On Monday, August 29 the Bridge Center of St. Paul hosts a North American Pairs qualifier face to face during their 10:00 AM Open game. Also on August 29, the Plymouth Bridge Club has a face to face NAP qualifier at 11:45 AM. 

 

Tuesday, August 30 finds both clubs again hosting NAP qualifiers. The Bridge Center of St. Paul again uses the 10:00 AM Open game for qualifying, while the Plymouth Bridge Club will have a qualifier for the 0 to 750 game at Studio 1, 6001 Lyndale Ave South, in Minneapolis. This game starts with a mini lesson at 12:15, and game time is 12:45. 

 

On August 31, the very last day of qualifying, all three online games from the Bridge Center of St. Paul will be NAP qualifiers. Those game times are 9:15 for 0 to 500 masterpoints, 9:30 for the 0 to 2500 Flight B competitors, and an Open game at 9:45.

 

So lots of opportunities to get qualified for the North American Pairs. Not only will you play for free if you make it to New Orleans, there will be a travel subsidy should yours be one of the pairs making it through the October finals. Check your schedule, call your favorite partner, and get to work on that ticket to the Nationals. I hope to see you there!

 

See what you can do, and protect your health by all means!

 

Thanks.

 

Keith

Bridge - the Greatest Game - With a Myriad of People!

In so many different ways, bridge has altered over the years.
When I first began to learn, more than a few players were kind enough to help me -
and others who were learning how to play.

Earning a modest number of points could take more than a significant amount of time.  Learning overall
ran the gamut from beginners, those who played every couple of weeks - and those who
were newer but pretty darned talented - along with those who were the super stars!

As many of us know today, bridge can remain fairly simple yet fun for some players.
And those who are superlative, able to weigh and calculate far more than the average Joe, and WIN - 
generally do achieve the highest honors.

Yet, with more of our players returning to our games with the (thank goodness)  varied abilities and enjoyment of the game are indeed helping us to build up and again enjoy.  Whether it be those who play more for sociability, or work hard to learn more and achieve far more than when they first began.
Or who truly, almost from the get go, were those with the brilliance, understanding of so much of the game, along with the abilities to achieve to the top - over and over - is wonderful.

I hope it means that bridge - yet again - continues to grow, to delight, to help others and to watch those who do achieve so much - and in turn - help those with lesser skills to grow.

What will happen in the next year or two?  Or a decade from now?

Keep your eyes and ears open - and we WILL find out!!!

 

 

 

First Ever NLM Sectional To Be Held in Sartell!

First Ever NLM Sectional To Be Held in Sartell!
Our Thanks to Connie for Helping Players
With Fewer than 750 Master Points!

 

With the encouragement of the Unit 103 Board, the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club is happy to announce a new tournament for new and advancing players. 

We will be hosting a one-day Non-Life Master Sectional on October 13^th at the Sartell Community Center, 850 19^th Street South, Sartell MN  56377.  This is the same place that we held our Open Sectional in June.  It is a beautiful venue.  

Two single session Pair Games will be offered at 10 am and 2:30 pm.; each entry will cost $11.  Please come and play in one or both of these games.  Remember:  These games are only for people with fewer than 750 Master Points who are not Life Masters (yet).  And, we have Silver Points to distribute!

Our St Cloud Club is trying a NLM Sectional for the first time and we want to make it a success.  As an added incentive, we will serve a light complimentary lunch between sessions for players who play in one or both sessions.  

Mark your calendars & come!  If anyone needs a partner, no problem!  Please contact me at 320-282-7859 or Connie@psg.us. 

If you are coming from a distance and planning to stay overnight, you would also be very welcome to play in our regular Friday Club game, which starts at 12:30 p.m. at Whitney Senior Center.

Hope to see YOU in Sartell!

Connie Nelson, Chair

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS! FOR OUR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS
from Steven Gaynor
(e-mail: stev1249@comcast.net) (C): 612-708-7563

PLEASE USE THIS WHEN PLANNING YOUR BRIDGE EVENTS
IN ORDER TO AVOID SCHEDULING CONFLICTS – THANKS!
AUGUST 15, 2022

If an event is not listed, it has not been sanctioned with the ACBL
as of the date above. These events and dates are subject to being
changed by the local regulating authorities.

COLOR KEY: NABC’S; DISTRICT 14 REGIONALS; MINNESOTA SECTIONALS;
DISTRICT 14 GNT/NAP EVENTS; WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
2022

Aug 19 – Sep 3 World Bridge Series, Wroclaw, Poland
Aug 20 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Aug 22 – 28 REGIONAL @ Lake Hallie Eagles club in Eau Claire, WI

Sep International Fund game month – Games @ local clubs
Sep 2 – 4 I/N REGIONAL @ EL ZAGAL SHRINE IN FARGO, ND
Sep 2 – 4 Open sectional in conjunction with regional in Fargo, ND
Sep 12 – 15 D14 STaC @ participating clubs

Oct 1 – 2 District 14 NAP Finals (BBO online)
Oct 4 Yom Kippur starts (evening)
Oct 6 – 8 Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Oct 13 NLM Sectional @ Sartell CC at 850 19th St. South, Sartell, MN

Nov 24 – Dec 4 FALL NABC @ PHOENIX CC & HYATT REGENCY IN PHOENIX, AZ

Dec 1 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Dec 9 – 11 Holiday Sectional @ Bridge Center of St Paul, N. St Paul, MN 2023

2023 Jan Junior Fund Month – Games @ local clubs

Feb 2 - 5 Winter Sectional @ Eagan Community Center in Eagan, MN

Mar 11 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Mar 9 – 19 SPRING NABC @ MARRIOTT AND SHERATON IN NEW ORLEANS, LA

Apr Charity game month – games @ local clubs
Apr 5 – 6 Passover Seders
Apr 9 Easter
Apr 13 – 15 Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

May Grass Roots FUNd Month – games @ local clubs
May 22 - 28 GOPHER REGIONAL @ CROWNE PLAZA AIRPORT/MOA IN BLOOMINGTON, MN

Jun 15 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Jun 22 – 24 Granite City Sectional @ at 850 19th St. South, Sartell, MN

Jul 3 - 9 REGIONAL IN West Des Moines, IA
Jul 13 – 23 SUMMER NABC @ SHERATON GRAND IN CHICAGO, IL
Jul 26 – 30 Summer Sectional @ TBA in Minneapolis, MN

Aug 5 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Aug 7 – 13 REGIONAL @ Mid-America Conf. Center in Council Bluffs, IA

Sep International Fund game month – Games @ local clubs
Sep 24 Yom Kippur starts (evening)

Oct 26 – 28 Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Nov 23 – Dec 3 FALL NABC @ MARRIOTT MARQUIS IN ATLANTA, GA

2022-23 Sectionals in District 14, but not MN
2022
Aug 26 – 27 Hills, IA
Sep 2 – 4 Fargo, ND
Sep 9 – 11 Urbandale, IA
Sep 23 – 24 Dubuque, IA
Sep 23 – 25 Sioux Falls, SD
Oct 7 – 9 Omaha, NE
Oct 14 - 15 Davenport, IA
Nov 4 – 6 Waterloo, IA
2023
Jan 12 - 15 Urbandale, IA
Jan 27 – 29 Cedar Rapids, IA
Feb 17 – 19 Davenport, IA
Mar 24 – 26 Hills, IA
Mar 24 – 26 Waverly, NE
Apr 14 – 16 Ft. Dodge, IA
Apr 27 – 30 Urbandale, IA
Apr 28 – 30 Mt. Pleasant, IA
Jun 2 – 4 Bismarck, ND
Jun 9 – 11 Sioux City, IA
Jun 10 – 11 Cedar Rapids, IA (I/N)
Jul 14 – 16 Cedar Rapids, IA
Jul 21 – 23 Sioux Falls, SD
Aug 25 – 27 Hills, IA
Aug 26 – 27 Urbandale, IA (I/N)
Sep 7 – 10 Urbandale, IA
Sep 22 – 24 Spirit Lake, IA
Sep 22 – 24 Dubuque, IA
Oct 20 - 22 Davenport, IA
Nov 3 – 5 Cedar Falls, IA
NORTHERN WISCONSIN (WUMBA) EVENTS 2022 - 2023
2022
Sep 15 – 17 Wausau, WI
Oct 13 – 15 Marquette, MI
Nov 11 – 13 La Crosse, WI
2023
Feb 3 – 5 Ripon, WI
May 5 – 7 Green Bay, WI
Jun 8 – 11 Woodruff, WI
This calendar is made up from information on the ACBL website. I do not have
authority to schedule events, but I am willing to assist anyone trying to plan a
bridge activity in finding the best dates to maximize potential attendance. Please
contact me anytime for more information or if you have additions or corrections
to this calendar.

Thanks, Steve Gaynor