Minnesota Bridge

Home Again, Home Again - Jiggity Jig!

Steve Gaynor sent this message to me from a recent regional in Detroit.  I love how many of us did indeed struggle and sweat as we began to learn the mega-complexities of our amazing game!

Here is a fun hand from the regional in Detroit last week.    It meant a lot to go back home where I struggled so in my first 12 years of bridge and come away with some good results.  I told one of the players who is currently in his struggling era that his turn will come, just stick to it.  

 

Board 26 – All vul – Dealer East

A K 10 7 6 

K 6 5 

Q J 10 9 8 

                        ---

9 5                                           8 2 

Q 10 9 4                                  A J 8   

A K 4                                       5 3

A Q 9 6                                    J 10 8 5 4 2

 

Q J 4 3                        

7 3 2 

7 6 2 

K 7 3

E          S          W         N

P          P          1N        2D*

P          2H**     P          2S

3C        3S        4C        4S

P          P          5C        P

P          X          All pass

Jean & I went to Detroit to play in the first live ACBL regional since the pandemic started.  Several ACBL dignitaries were also in attendance like Executive Director Joe Jones, BOD president Georgia Heth, Director of Operations, Greg Coles and District 12 BOD representative, Dennis Carman.

After the defense took two spade tricks, North shifted to a diamond.  Unsure of how to play trumps, Jean decided to use the Murray Applebaum Discovery Play (play side suits to get info on distribution before tackling trumps) and hooked the hearts.  Finding North with three, she now played South for all the missing clubs, figuring that North would not enter this auction vulnearable without 5-5.  Plus 750 was worth all the matchpoints and helped us to a nice overall finish in the two session regional pair event.  Murray, a consistent winner of open events was also one of most charming, witty players who graced the Twin City bridge tables.  I hope he was up there watching his famous play succeed.

Murray Applebaum was a long time Minnesota player and a true character.  I, like Steve, do hope that Murray is looking down on our Minnesota contingency of competitors and remembering the years and years of fun, excitement - and occasional agony! - that we all face At the Table!

 

Falling in Love

As so many of us know, bridge is an amazing game.  And part of what is so amazing about our fascinating game is the appeal and attraction of the game, which can vary dramatically from bridge player to bridge player.

For some, bridge is a social event that began with parents, grandparents - or even great-grandparents!  We'd be at friends homes for a few hours, perhaps break for a pleasant lunch, and chat as we learned "Charlie Goren" bridge and socialized.  For others, (yours truly), in various ways we would be taught how to play in college, where newbies or already talented players went from "what am I supposed to do NOW?!?" contemplation.  Or - some would be the "super stars" of each era who seemed to be able to pull rabbits out of their hats and make plays that few of us would ever master.

Whether you were a "few times a month" player, or someone who did their utmost to compete as much as possible - bridge was amazing.  And part of what made it so was both the wide variety of people who played, their talents - and personalities.  

I daresay, however, that few of us have experienced the bridge world as it has been for the last couple years, with the world at large changing in ways many of us have never before witnessed.  Do I know what the coming months and years will ultimately deliver to bridge - and us?  Does anyone?  My guess is that only time shall tell.  Yet I myself hope so very deeply that despite the myriad of challenges we face today as we try to play, eventually the "ship will right itself" and new generations of bridge players will indulge in all sorts of future bridge events - the details of which we can only imagine.

I so hope that the uber talented will continue to encourage and help those who are starting out... that those who prefer "social bridge" can enjoy for decades.  And that, just as inventive and brilliant minds have improved the game over time for years - new thoughts and methods - fun and momentary tragedy at the table will start anew.

Whether you're someone who is a Minnesota star for decades - or a junior, who (like so many) can't wait to get stronger and better and start "beating the tough guys" - I hope bridge remains part of your life.

My thanks to all who diligently run our bridge games, set up the local events, be they daily games, sectionals or tournaments.  We are a world wide group of people.  And whether we are the creme de la creme, beginners - or just players who want to play forever - I hope we all are able to fall in love and share that love with others.  

What a gift bridge and its players are!

Supporting One Another

Steve Gaynor, long time fine player, active in so many roles for our game and more - is giving a talk at the I/N regional tomorrow, Thursday, between sessions for the I/N players.  Steve would like to be able to publicize that this will occur - and for us to publicize any other planned talks or lessons on MN Bridge!

Stephanie Steele is working with us, too.  And she would like everyone to know that Steve's talk will be during the lunch break for the I/N sectional; not for the Open event.

 

We are ALWAYS so grateful to those who volunteer, help, teach and so forth!  So we hope that if this is something that might interest you, you will listen to yet another of Steve's enjoyable talks and wisdom!

You never know; today's I/N players and newbies can one day become stars of the future!

Minnesota Welcome Back Open Sectional!

 

ACBL Unit 103

MINNESOTA WELCOME BACK OPEN SECTIONAL  October 21-24     Twin Cities Multiple Locations We are so looking forward to seeing you at the table again! We are hosting an Open Sectional Tournament. In case you know of an IN player looking for a limited tournament, we are also co-hosting an Intermediate/Novice Regional, limited to those Non-Life Masters with fewer than 750 Masterpoints at the same time! Because of the continuing Covid situation a couple of things are different. We could really use your help figuring out spacing and lunches! If you are planning to attend or thinking about attending plase take the following One Minute Survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/6vt720j9 Here is the rest of the Covid "need to know:" Proof of Covid Vaccination is required to play. Mask will be required at all times in the playing area and in the building (MN state requirement) No food will be allowed in the playing area except during the lunch break. Beverages are OK Additionally, the ACBL is moving toward cashless tournaments and now prefer credit/debit cards for buying entries. However, we will still accept cash at the tournaments. Tournament Chair:    Larry Huiras     Email: bridge.kibitzer@gmail.com                            Phone: 715.410.8705           Partnerships:      Patti huiras     Email: patti.huiras@gmail.com                            Phone:  651-343-2078 Director in Charge:      Kimberly Hayward Hope to see you there!

The Greatest Game - Keep on Loving It!

I assume that for many of us, the last couple of years have been more unusual than any in our lives.  The pandemic itself has changed our world and affected so much of what we do (or, should I say, don't/can't do!)  Major issues have influenced where we can play, if we can play - and bridge is a different world now.

But as someone who fell in love with the game over 45 years ago, it is my fervent hope that bridge will continue to thrive.  Those who learned decades ago will keep on playing as long as they can - and those who are just learning will also become inchanted with the intrigue, fun and challenge of bridge.

Yet - to do so - we need to do what we can to encourage more to learn, play - and love bridge.

I am always grateful for those who give so much to the game help others, teach, and then see new people enjoy the magnificence of bridge.  But with all that is occurring, concerns about health, ability to get out and about - too many are not playing as they had been.  Some are intrigued about the game - yet others do not even know about bridge.

Thus - my fervent hope is that we can do our best to "spread the word!"  Let's get more young people falling in love with bridge!  Tell the middle aged -  or older - how bridge keeps one's mind sharp, never stops becoming new and exciting - and that the partnerships and friendships that you develop can enhance life greatly.  

I truly wish to encourage all of us to Keep Bridge Alive!  I was helped along so wonderfully by new friends and those who taught me when I first began my adventure into the world of bridge - both its people and the game itself.  Despite the challenges our world is facing right now - we can still marvel how much bridge gives to us in so many ways.  I look at some who started out as beginners - and now are champions. And others who play a fewtimes a week and that is a treat.

We can do it!  If you wish to share your years of both fun and failure, friendship and laughter - then please consider "giving back" - however you wish - to bridge.

Bridge has given more to me than I ever dreamed.  May more of us help others to do the same!

My thanks to YOU from Peggy Bundy! 

This is YOUR CHANCE! MN Welcome Back Open Sectional!

MINNESOTA WELCOME BACK OPEN SECTIONAL
              October 21-24

           Twin Cities Multiple Locations!

 

ACBL Unit 103

MINNESOTA WELCOME BACK OPEN SECTIONAL        October 21-24    Twin Cities Multiple Locations   Yes we are having a Tournament! We are so looking forward to seeing you at the table again! We are hosting an Open Sectional Tournament. In case you know of an IN player looking for a limited tournament, we are also co-hosting an Intermediate/Novice Regional, limited to those Non-Life Masters with fewer than 750 Masterpointsat the same time! Because of the continuing Covid situation a couple of things are different. Here is what you need to know: Proof of Covid Vaccination is required to play. Mask will be required at all times in the playing area and in the building (MN state requirement) No food will be allowed in the playing area except during the lunch break. Beverages are OK Additionally, the ACBL is moving toward cashless tournaments and now prefer credit/debit cards for buying entries. However, we will still accept cash at this tournaments. Tournament Chair:    Larry Huiras     Email: bridge.kibitzer@gmail.com                            Phone: 715.410.8705           Partnerships:      Patti Huiras     Email: patti.huiras@gmail.com                            Phone:  651-343-2078 Director in Charge:      Kimberly Hayward Hope to see you there!

Maple Grove Bridge!

METRO Bridge Club

Maple Grove Community Center

12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove

Thursday Face-to-Face Schedule

Game time is 12:00

September

          9        Club Championship ($6)

         16       Grand National Team Qualifying ($8)

         23       Club Championship ($6)

         30       Stratified Open Pairs ($6)

October

           7        Club Appreciation Pairs ($6)

         14       Stratified Open Pairs ($6)

          21       Club Appreciation Teams ($6) (5% Gold)

          28       Club Championship ($6)

Proof of COVID vaccination must be provided.

You can email a copy of your vaccination card to

ynotsema@aol.com

 

Scott Smith  Director 612-845-8090

 

Scott Smith  Director 612-845-8090

More and More Bridge!

Plymouth Bridge at the Mayflower Church

106 East Diamond Lake Rd.

Minneapolis MN 55419

 

Covid Rules:  Proof of vaccination required. Email a copy of your vaccination card to ynotsema@aol.com or bring it to your first game. Bring your own beverage in closed container.

New Game for 0 to 500 Players

Tuesdays

Mini Lesson at 12:45, Game starts at 1:15

You don’t need a partner to attend

September lessons: Defensive Carding + Bidding agreements with your partner.

September Games

14      Club Championship ($5)

21      Grand National Team Qualifier ($7)

Check out team play and qualify to play

at the District 14 Finals for Nationals!

28      Regular Game ($5)

October Games

                            4      Club Championship ($5)

                           11     Club Appreciation Pairs ($5)

                           18     Regular Games ($5)

                           25     Club Appreciation Teams ($5)

Director and Instructor: Tony Ames 952-200-3871

ynotsema@aol.com

Director and Instructor:  Keith Thompson 612 239-2667

keithclockt@icloud.com

Remebering Krzysztof Stanislaw Frankowski

Stephen Jackson shared this recent obituary about one of our players.
We are sorry to lose Krzysztof and appreciate Stephen's memories
of his long time partner.

I first met Kris through duplicate bridge and he was my favorite partner for a number of years.  He allowed me to audit some computer classes which helped me start my career in programming.  Elaine and Kris attended my wedding.  After he retired from the U he would spend time back in his native Poland and I lost track of him over the years.  He had a large impact on my life.
My condolences to Elaine and their sons. 

 

Krzysztof Stanislaw Frankowski

 

 

 

Frankowski, Krzysztof Stanislaw age 89, died peacefully on Sunday evening, August 22 after suffering a massive stroke 9 days earlier. He is survived by the family he loved and who loved him: wife Elaine, sons Michael (Aerine) Caerwyn and Daniel (Melissa) Frankowski, grandsons Quinn, Neal and Aiden Caerwyn, nieces Barbara and Anetta, cousins Barbara and Wojciech, and his cat Onyx.

 

Krzysztof was born on July 25, 1932 in Bolimów, Poland, immigrated to Israel in 1958 and to Minnesota in 1965 where he was a founding member of the University of Minnesota Computer Science Department. He retired from the University as Professor Emeritus. After retiring, he continued to teach occasionally at the University of Lódz as an adjunct, turning one honors class into a forthcoming book, "In the Footsteps of Programming Teachers." He collaborated with two strong researchers. With Chaim Pekeris, he studied the mathematics of the physical world, including the wave functions of helium, and Dirac's equation in Kerr-Newman geometry. With Milton Sobel, he investigated statistical functions, such as Dirichlet integrals and distributions.

 

Kris's many enthusiasms included his sons, his music, mathematics, tournament bridge, animals, foreign travel, tomatoes, and chocolate. He grew up in Poland where he completed degrees in music and mathematics, immigrated to Israel where he completed his Ph.D. in applied mathematics at the Weizmann Institute of Science, finally arrived in the U.S. where he taught in the University of Minnesota's Computer Science Department for over 30 years.

 

He played the piano and led choirs, first in Israel and then in the U. S. proudly leading the Topola Choir of Minneapolis. He called his wife "motek" (hebrew for sweetheart), and his sons, his "oaks" when they were young. He thought one goal in life was to have fun, and he certainly did his best. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a time to be determined.

Published on September 5, 2021

Bridge Whiz!

Many MN bridge players have been loving our fascinating game for a long time.  Sadly, too many have left us - not because they are bored or no longer want to play bridge - but because it was "their time to go".  

We are unable to stop the passing of time and we miss those who treasured bridge, be it for decades with impressive titles, those who played for the fun and enjoyment, or those who fell in love with bridge later in life.  

Yet that being said, what we can do is encourage young people to learn how incredible bridge can be!

Please take a look at what the ACBL is doing to promote our game to new generations!  Bridge can florish if we share and encourage the mysteries, fascination and excitement of our special game!  See what the ACBL is doing to ensure that future generations of players will be as dazzled as we were - and still are!

Double Dummy: Bridge Is Not Just For Seniors   The ACBL Educational Foundation has partnered with Double Dummy filmmaker and bridge lover John McAllister to get people excited about BridgeWhiz and support our program to teach children bridge.   View this updated and celebrated film anytime between October 1-11, 2021, and half of the $15 ticket cost will be directly donated to our BridgeWhiz program. (You’ll be listed in a special section of our 2021 Annual Report too!) View the trailer and purchase tickets here.   I cannot attend, but wish to donate to ACBLEF.       Want to know what these "whiz kids" are doing now? We’ll show you!   Join us in a Zoom with cast members on Thursday, October 7, at 7:30 pm EDT, as part of your event ticket.   1400+ Students Already Registered for BridgeWhiz! We are pumped!   Our original goal was to register 1000 young people. With 5 registration weeks to go, we are excited that enrollment in BridgeWhiz – a free, online, after-school beginning bridge program launched by ACBLEF – is resonating with so many. Don't Wait!  Register your child or grandchild today!   With gratitude for all you do to support the game of bridge,

 

 

North American Pairs - ON-LINE District 14 for Flights A - B - C

ON-LINE District 14 North American Pairs October 2 - 3, 2021

Club Qualifying Required: You must be a District 14 member and qualify in a D14 game.

Sanction 2110714 DIC: Anthony Ames
PREPPAYMENT REQUIRED BY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH

MAIL to DIC: Anthony Ames, 6125 Blue Circle Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343
Include: Both Players’ Names, ACBL #s, BBO Usernames, Flight

AND THE ENTRY FEE FOR BOTH PLAYERS
 with a check payable to Anthony Ames

Must play in all four sessions with the same partner to place

Four session play through = total matchpoints over four sessions

Flight A (Unlimited)
4 session event: Saturday 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Play-through 24 boards per session
$120 per pair entry fee, mailed to Anthony Ames by September 27th

Flight B (0 - 2,500)
4 session event: Saturday 1:15 pm and 5:15 pm, Sunday 1:15 pm and 5:15 pm
Play-through 24 boards per session
$100 per pair entry fee, mailed to Anthony Ames by September 27th

Flight C (0 - 500/Non-Life Master)
4 session event: Saturday 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm, Sunday 1:30 and 5:30 pm
Play-through 18 boards per session
$80 per pair entry fee, mailed to Anthony Ames by September 27th

District 14 NAP Coordinator: Vickki Shelley gvshelley8@gmail.com
DIC: Anthony Ames 952-200-3871 ynotsema@aol.com

A: Unlimited Win 38.4 Gold Points: Stipends*

1st Place-$700, 2nd place $300+$200, 3rd place $350

B: 0-2500 Win 26.8 Gold Points: Stipends*

1st place- $700, 2nd place $300+$200, 3rd/4th places $350

C: 0-500NLM Win 16 (8gold/8red) Points: Stipends*

1st place-$700, 2nd place $300+$200, 3rd/4th place $350

• Stipend fees are contingent upon having a FTF final
• Finals are in Reno, NV
  Flight A March 9 & 10, 2022
• Flights B & C March 19 & 20, 2022
• 
  IN THE EVENT THAT THE RENO NABC IS CANCELLED
• OR RESCHEDULED DUE TO COVID-19, THE NATIONAL FINAL WILL
  BE PLAYED ONLINE.
• ALL FLIGHTS WILL PLAY ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, MARCH 10 – 11, 2022.

Future Bridge Stars of the World - Collegiate Initiative!

Many of you know that I am passionate about our game.  I want as many as possible

to fall in love with bridge  - whether they play for the fun of it or become super stars - 

Here are more chances for our collegiate players to improve and WIN!

Could be YOU and your partner who are the winners;

you don't know unless you SHOW UP!!

 

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament Wednesday, September 1, which will award masterpoints and special prizes. First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.   You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.   If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college

Learning to Play The Greatest Game - BRIDGE!!

Hi Bridge Players,

Do you know someone who would like to learn to play bridge? Or maybe you’d like to continue your bridge learning with a Play of the Hand class? 

We are offering two classes this fall simultaneously Live and Online (flyer is attached):

 

• Beginning Bridge I - Bidding
    8 Classes: Mondays  6:30pm – 8:30pm
    September 13 though November 1, 2021
• Beginning Bridge II  - Play of the Hand
    8 Classes:  Tuesdays 4:00pm – 6:00pm
    September 14 though November 2, 2021 

 

Please feel free to share this information with any interested friends or acquaintances or register yourself.

See the attached flyer for full details or drop an email to me at: bcofstp@gmail.com

To register go to: Bridgecenterofstpaul.com

 

Peace,

Larry

-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
  Larry Huiras

  Voice/Text: 715.410.8705
-----------------------------------------
There are three kinds of bridge players,

those who can count and those who can’t.
                     ~ Alfred Scheinwold

Bridge Happenings in Unit 178 - Come and Get It!

Hello again, Bridge Friends!  We have lots of exciting news!

Return to in-person bridge?

YES!

Face-to-face bridge games have resumed, and we’re so excited to see all our bridge friends again. Because Covid-19 is still out there, proof of vaccination is required: email a copy of your vaccination record to ynot6934@aol.com, or bring it to your first game. No snacks, please, and bring your own beverage in a closed container. Wearing masks is strongly encouraged.

Schedules may change, so check the bridge blog for the latest information.

MONDAY:  11:45 AM – STRATIFIED PAIRS Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.  Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com.

TUESDAY:  1:00 PM – I/N GAME ONLY.  Starts Aug 17. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.  Director, TBA.

WEDNESDAY:  11:45 AM – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.  Director,  Director, Scott Smith, 612-845-8090. 

THURSDAY:  12:00 – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd.  Maple Grove, MN.  Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com.

FRIDAY:  1:00 PM - STRATIFIED PAIRS. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.  Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com 

SATURDAY:  1:00 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 16023 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN.  Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com. 

 

On-line Bridge games

YES!

Of course, online bridge continues on www.bridgebase.com for those of us who enjoy playing from the comfort of our home or patio or beach or ...

MONDAY:  12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS - Director, Tony Ames

TUESDAY:  9:30 AM – 0-750 PAIRS, Director – TCBC Staff

TUESDAY:  12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Director, Tony Ames

WEDNESDAY: 12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Director, Tony Ames

THURSDAY:  9:30 AM – 0-750 PAIRS – Director, TCBC Staff

FRIDAY:  1:15 PM – 0-750 PAIRS, Director, Tony Ames

FRIDAY: 7:15 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Minneapolis Grand Slam Club, Director, Tony Ames

 

Minnesota Bridge Blog

Lots of good information online at www.mnbridge.com – also current schedules for both on-line and in person bridge games.

 

A new Bridge club?

While the board of Unit 178 is not directly involved in running bridge games, we are working to establish a bridge center in the west metro with a space to call our own.  This would mean establishing a not-for-profit organization to run it, with a board independent of the Unit board. If you are interested in serving on the board or helping to organize & raise funds, please reply to this email. Also, if you know of a suitable space for rent (about 3000 square feet, with adequate parking, restrooms) please, please let us know at this email, Unit178ACBL@gmail.com.

 

Need a partner?

Send a message to unit178acbl@gmail.com with your contact and any pertinent information like approximate number of Master Points or preferred system. We’ll try to match you with someone who has similar skills.

And there is the partnership tab on BBO, too.

 

Unit 178

The 2020 awards ceremony was held online, and followed by a game with Unit 104 where awardees played for free. Both 2019 and 2020 winners of the Ace of Clubs and mini-Mackenney were honored. Ace of Clubs awards go to the players in each unit who earn the most MPs in club games during a calendar year; Mini-McKenney race includes all MPs won in a year at ACBL sanctioned tournaments and clubs. Online points were included this year, because that was the only game in town.

 

Milestones

Congratulations to the following members who have reached new heights in Master Points the last several months:

Junior Masters: Beverlee DeCoux, Jeffery Knapp, Michael Eggert, Loren Flicker, Andrew Kline, Jean Reissner, Rhonda Stein, Alan Kasdan, Beverly Kasdan

Club Masters: Nancy Anderson, Bon Nguyen, Jeffery Knapp, Betsy Rausch, Betsy Michel

Sectional Masters: Grace Dow, Holly Eastman, Ann Gray, Thorwald Hansen, Ginny Kruse, Tom Loftus, Linda Rosedahl, James Wronski, Margaret Kinney, Analise Sawkins

Regional Masters: Cynthia Andrews

NABC Masters: Elizabeth Hasselman, Julia White, Shirley Billigmeier, Rolf Hubmayr

Life Master: Gary Rowland, Kay Provine

Silver Life Master: Louis Tesler, David Goodrie

Ruby Life Masters: David Trevor

Gold Life Master: Cezanne Martin

Sapphire Life Masters: Judy Hansen

Diamond Life Master: Roark Johnson

Emerald Life Master: Brian Crossley, Ronald DeHarpporte

Grand Life Master: Tony Ames – Congratulations, Tony!

CBO Club Special Tournament Sunday, August 15

I have loved our game for SO MANY DECADES - 

I want others to be able to learn, enjoy and WIN!

Details for Sunday's CBO Club Special Tourney below!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament Sunday, August 15, which will award masterpoints and special prizes. First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.   You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.   If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college

A Letter from ACBL Unit 178 President - Steve Gaynor

Steve Gaynor has been working hard for Unit 178 - 

And we are most grateful!

Big thanks to Steve - and we look forward to both growth in our area

And more people returning to games as they have a wonderful time!

 

 

Hello to all my bridge playing friends. We have certainly had some tough times in the past year and a half, but we are glad to be able to get back to face to face bridge. Games have already started in Edina, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, and at the St Paul Bridge Center. More games will start in Minneapolis within a week or so. A comprehensive list of games is found below. This includes some online events that will certainly continue for those who choose to play from home. Your participation in our locally sponsored games is very important, whether in person or online. 

 

A lot of volunteer work has gone into establishing these games and it will take more volunteer work to keep them going. Since we do not have a dedicated bridge center in the western metro, we have rented space in several locations, which means tables and chairs may have to be set up and taken down before and after games. We call on the players to help us with that. If we all do what we can it will not be much work for any individual. 

 

Health safety rules for the games have been decided. Proof of Vaccination is required, and masks are highly recommended. We ask that you send vaccination proof that will be kept on file for all games on the list below. This can be sent to ynot6934@aol.com or texted to 952-200-3871.You may also bring it with you to the first game at which you play and the director in charge will have it recorded. 

 

We are looking for space that we may call our own so much of this information is subject to change in the future.  We encourage you to keep your eyes open to revisions. The best place to find this is to check in with the Minnesota Bridge Blog at www.mnbridge.com.

 

We are also looking for directors, teachers, mentors, other people who would like to become involved in helping bring this wonderful game we all love to more people. It is a pastime that can last as long as you live. Please consider sharing it with your friends and relatives.

 

We are currently working to develop a schedule of classes some of which will be offered by popular teachers Teri Blu, Keith Thompson and others. 

 

Feel free to contact me if you have further questions. The contact info for the game operators provided below. Contact them about the specific games.

 

Thanks for being a member of the ACBL and I hope to see you all at the tables soon!

 

Yours,

 

Steve Gaynor, stev1249@comcast.net

 

612-708-7563

 

LIVE GAMES:

 

 

MONDAY: 11:45 AM –  STRATIFIED PAIRS Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com.

 

TUESDAY: 1:00 PM –  I/N GAME ONLY.Starts Aug 17. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.Director, Keith Thompson.

 

WEDNESDAY: 11:45 AM –  STRATIFIED PAIRS. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com. 

 

THURSDAY: 12:00 –  STRATIFIED PAIRS. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd.Maple Grove, MN.Director, Scott Smith, 612-845-8090. 

 

FRIDAY: 1:00 PM - STRATIFIED PAIRS. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com  

 

SATURDAY: 1:00 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 16023 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com. 

 

 

 

ONLINE GAMES:

 

 

MONDAY:12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS - Director, Tony Ames

 

TUESDAY: 9:30 AM – 0-750 PAIRS, Director – TCBC Staff

 

TUESDAY: 12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Director, Tony Ames

 

WEDNESDAY:  12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Director, Tony Ames

 

THURSDAY: 9:30 AM – 0-750 PAIRS – Director, TCBC Staff

 

FRIDAY: 1:15 PM – 0-750 PAIRS, Director, Tony Ames

 

FRIDAY:  7:15 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Minneapolis Grand Slam Club, Director, Tony Ames

 

Support Our New Generations of Bridge Players!

Let's Help Our New Kids Learn Bridge 
And Become the Future of The Greatest Game!

 

BridgeWhiz: Bridge Classes for Kids     The ACBL Educational Foundation is proud to announce that registration for the BridgeWhiz 2021-22 class year is now open!   BridgeWhiz is a FREE, online course designed to teach children in grades 4 through 12 the essentials of a fascinating game whose benefits, intellectual stimulation, and adventure will last a lifetime. Sign up today! The 20-week course begins on October 25, 2021.   BridgeWhiz is designed for beginner bridge players, with opportunities for grads to continue lessons through grade 12. Twenty 90-minute online classes with class sizes of 20-40 students begin in October. Classes offered weekly in multiple time zones: Choose a day and time that best meets your child's schedule. Each graduating student receives a free one-year Junior Membership in ACBL. Uses Zoom for lessons, SharkBridge platform for structured play, and BridgeBaseOnline (BBO) for competitive play. All teachers and assistants are fully vetted and experts in bridge. Opportunities to continue play in local, national, and international youth tournaments.   Register your child or grandchild today!   Learning to play bridge will nurture your child’s team and individual competitive spirit. Build social skills. And enhance deductive reasoning and math abilities.   In fact, young bridge players outscored their non-playing counterparts on the 2007 Iowa Test of Basic Skills by 39.31% in Science, 24.22% in Math, and 22.74% in Social Science.

Collegiate Initiative - with More To Come!

 

Last weekend, four teams and 13 pairs participated in our online college tournaments.   Congrats to Georgia Tech Gold for completing a clean sweep of this year's Collegiate Teams Championship and winning all four of their matches by at least 25 IMPs. The six-person squad was led by Captain Cyrus Hettle and anchorman Sean McNally, the only player to play all four matches. Results   In the Saturday pairs, GA Tech dominated again, coming in 1st and 2nd with Wash U and Northwestern coming in 3rd and 4th. Results   1st: Zhuangdi Xu and Shengding Sun – Georgia Tech 2nd: Santhosh Karnik and Cyrus Hettle – Georgia Tech 3rd: Evan Alexis and Issac Stone – Washington University St Louis 4th: Jacob Reinke and Ben Fisk – Northwestern University Stay cool in the dog days of summer by playing in the CBO Club Special Tournament this Sunday, August 1, which will award masterpoints and special prizes. First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.   You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.   If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college