Minnesota Bridge

Tomorrow is THE DAY!

We've been so fortunate to get loads of information for tomorrow's first
day of the Gopher's May's tournament!

Loads of hard working bridge players have given their all
so that whether you are a super-star - or this is your FIRST
tournament ever - you can compete, have fun, learn and perhaps
WIN TOO!!!

Many details have been introduced to us over the weeks.
Please do feel free to inquire, chat with others and more.

If you have any questions, feel free to check with those
who have been working SO very diligently so they can
deliver a marvelous tournament to all!

And remember...  even the greatest players ever don't always win.

And if you're a newer player and have a win?

Trust me.  It's a thrill like no other!

 

 

We are SO LUCKY! Connie is Going to the Gopher; Hope You Follow Suit!

I’m Going to the Gopher.   

Hope You Follow Suit!

By Connie Nelson

The 2022 Minnesota Gopher Regional is one week away.  We are ready and waiting.  Now, we just need you – the players!  Each day offers a variety of two-session and single-session events with games for players of all experience levels.  Six days await you (May 23-28, Monday-Saturday) to play bridge, win gold masterpoints, and more.

Personally, I can’t wait.  For the first time in three years, I recently played my first face-to-face, multi-club bridge game at the ACBL Unit 103 Awards Luncheon.  There was something so energizing about being back amidst the camaraderie of new and familiar faces, and that friendly competition.  I found myself sitting up straighter and my heart beating faster.  I was more focused on the bids, the play, and my defense than I ever was playing online.  I loved it!

Now, come and enjoy the Gopher with me.  Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel, at 34^th Avenue & American Blvd in Bloomington. Games start at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• Make your room reservation today. Call (952) 854-9000, and ask for discount code MGB. Single or double rooms are only $99/night, and suites are $129.
• Before leaving home, check current COVID positivity rates and ACBL protocols on our website: ly/gopherregional. Currently, Hennepin County is rated “medium” and masking is optional.
• COME EARLY the first day you come to play. Allow for a little extra time to get the wristband signifying that you are fully vaccinated. 
• When you arrive, please park on the top level of the hotel’s ramp. Parking is free.
• Check in at the Health and Safety Desk to get the vaccination wristband you’ll need to buy an entry or enter the playing area. Pre-register by sending a picture of your vaccination card to mgb2022vaxproof@gmail.com; then simply show your photo ID at the Desk.  Or show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.
• Pick up your free Gopher Regional pen, pencil, and sticker at the Information Desk. You will also find information on game schedules and area attractions.
• Grab a cup of free coffee or tea.  Off-site and on-site dining is conveniently nearby.  Onsite, the Caribou Kiosk will offer a $10 lunch, or $5 pizza & beverage, daily.
• Find a partner or teammates at the Partnership Desk. Please come an hour before the session in which you are interested.  Or, better yet, email Partnership Chair Sue Grue at suegrue@gmail.com prior to May 23^rd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games. This year, cashless transactions are preferred.  All major credit cards will be accepted.  Please understand that due to COVID protocols, we will not be able to offer change for cash payment.  Canadian players, please identify yourselves to ensure you receive the promised discount.
• Have a great time, and Go-Pher the Gold!

You may think that only experienced players attend Tournaments.  Not true!  Intermediate and Newcomer players are encouraged to attend too.  You can play in an I/N game that only players with fewer than 299 masterpoints can enter.  There are Gold Rush games for Gold Points for players with under 750 masterpoints. You can “Go-Pher” it, and try a stratified open game.  You pick and choose.

And breaking news!   Thanks to a grant from the MN Bridge Education Foundation, players with fewer than five masterpoints can play in the I/N games for free!  And, free lessons will be given from 2:00-2:30 Tuesday through Friday in the I/N playing area.  Bring your lunch and learn. 

Daily “Lunch and Learn” Topics

• Tuesday, May 24. Negative Doubles  with Larry Huiras               

Learn the secrets of negative doubles.  You will be surprised!

• Wednesday, May 25. DONT with Greg Caucutt

We will discuss the Do's and DONT's of one of the most popular conventions for Disturbing Opponents’ No Trump (i.e. DONT).

• Thursday, May 26. Responses to Overcalls with Connie Nelson

Your partner bids over an opponent’s opening bid.  What kind of hand does she promise?  How do you respond?  Come learn some common partnership agreements - and why they are useful.

• Friday, May 27. What do You Know, Joe?  with James Schnepf

A good detective picks up clues to help determine what to do next.  So does a good bridge player.  What clues can you pick up from the bidding and opening lead that will help you decide how to play the hand?

We are excited to have our face-to-face tournament back and look forward to seeing you there.   If you have any other questions, visit our website at: bit.ly/gopherregional, or contact me at Connie@psg.us.

Our BIG THANKS to Connie - 

And All the Others who are working SO DILIGENTLY
 
So we can have a SUPERLATIVE GOPHER REGIONAL!!

Sunday is YOUR Opportunity!

Have YOU had the Great Opportunity
to Play in the Collegiate Initiative?

Yes - or No
You should jump at this chance on Sunday the 15th!

Remember to play in the CBO Club Special Tournament Sunday, May 15! We 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.

Coming Our Way!

Are WE Truly Fortunate to Have
A Minnesota Tournament Soon?

You Betcha!

Here are ALL the details you will be delighted to have!

GOPHER REGIONAL
May 23-28
BLOOMINGTON, MN

It's May. Hooray! Spring has finally sprung in Minneasota. Flowers and fruit trees are blooming, loons and herons have returned to our lakes. And the Minnesota Gopher Regional returns May 23-28.

We are thrilled to be hosting a face-to-face tournament in only a few weeks. We plan to make the 2022 Gopher Regional our best ever. Please come join in the fun.

The tournament is conveniently located near the Mall of America at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel in Bloomington (34th Avenue and American Blvd), right off I-494. Our tournament rate is only $99/night for single or double rooms, and $129/night for suites. Book your room now! This special rate is available by phone (952-854-9000), using code MGB.

Our streamlined playing schedule offers two sessions each day, with a game for everyone. See the attached flyer for the game schedule. Select your favorite games and "Go-Pher" the Gold!

Evenings will be free for you to explore. For a list of attractions and experiences unique to Minnesota and within 10 miles of the bridge tables, please visit our website at bit.ly/gopherregional

The tournament will follow all ACBL Zero Tolerance and COVID protocols. Currently, all participants in the playing area must be fully vaccinated, but boosters are not required. Masks are optional in both the hotel and playing areas. If positivity rates increase significantly, this could change. For protocols in effect at tournament time, check our website.

To expedite your check-in, you can now pre-register your vaccination status. Simply email proof of vaccination to mgb2022vaxproof@gmail.com and then show your picture ID at the Health and Safety Desk to receive the wrist band required to play. Or, you can still register the same day at the tournament's Health and Safety Desk by showing both your vaccination card and a valid photo ID.

This year, cashless transactions at the MN Gopher are preferred. All major credit cards will be accepted where entries are sold. Please understand that due to the COVID situation, we will not be able to offer change for cash payments. Canadian players, please identify yourselves to the entry seller to ensure you receive the promised discount.

Friday, May 27, is Sharon Anderson Day at the tournament. Sharon is a past ACBL President, former ACBL District 14 Director, world class player, and an early champion of the establishment of the ACBL Education Foundation. Sharon is being inducted into the ACBL Hall of Fame later this year. While she eschews the spotlight, we hope you'll help us personally congratulate and thank her for her contributions to the game we love.

Sharon's not the only player who will be recognized. We will be publishing a Fast Results Daily Bulletin during our tournament, and we hope to highlight your top placement in at least one of our events. If you like, upload your headshot photo now so we can be ready. Please email your photo to: 

FastResultsHelpDesk@gmail.com 

with your ACBL# in the subject line

and mention that it is for the MN Gopher Regional.

We can't wait to have you experience May in Minnesota - and especially the Minnesota Gopher Regional. "Go-pher" the Gold! and "Go-pher" the Fun!

Any questions? Please contact:

Tournament Co-Chairs:
Patti Stuhlman 612-865-2527 pattistuhlman123@gmail.com
Warren Nelson 218-269-2724 nelson11375@yahoo.com
Partnerships: Tom & Sue Grue 702-454-5352 suegrue@gmail.com

 

 

Getting Time to GO for The Gold!

May means it is almost time for the Gopher Regional. It's back this year, once again at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel in Bloomington, at American Blvd and 34th Street.
There will be Open Pairs, Gold Rush Pairs, Swiss Teams, and Side Game series -- something for everybody.

"Go-Pher" the gold!

Gopher Regional is May 23-28 - Volunteers needed

Full details about upoming the Gopher Regional are at the website: bit.ly/gopherregional

Volunteers are needed - any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated!

Contact Patti Stuhlman to sign up: pattistuhlman123@gmail.com,
612-865-2527 -- and thanks!

Some specific jobs are:

• Help at the Partnership Desk matching up players (9:00 every day)
• Can you be a stand-by player? Let Patti know what day(s) and how many Master Points you have
• Greet players at the door (top of parking ramp) and direct them to the Health and Safety desk
• Wrist-band checkers at the doors to the playing site

F2F games

There are regular in-person games every day, Monday - Saturday, at locations all around the west metro. The full schedule is attached. Note there will be no games the week of May 23-28, as we will all be at the Gopher Regional of course.

Locations:
Edina Senior Center, MWF, 5280 Grandview Sqare
Studio 1, Tu & Sat, 6001 Lyndale Avenue S
Maple Grove Community Center, Thurs, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd

Milestones

Congratulations to these players who have reached new levels of Master Points!

• Life Master: Aly El-Selehdar
• Silver Life Master: Carol Ann Paulson
• Ruby Life Master: William Drake
• Gold Life Master: Jill Flader

 

Something for Everyone!

Be Happy!

Enjoy Bridge!

I still recall when I began playing bridge.  It surely was fun.  But I had a drive to White Bear Lake to play with my husband's uncle. And although he was a good player, I was a rookie who didn't know too much at all. So between lots of driving every couple of weeks to go to and from the west to the east, I had fun but surely didn't have much upstairs in the way of bridge mastery.

As time went by, friends, both from Minnesota and my home town, Chicago, were
a delight with whom to play and learn.  But boy; I sure had a lot I needed to somehow get out of "entry level" bridge!  That being said, people here and there were so nice, so helpful - and so fun - I began to learn more. And enjoy more.

I also learned this - which to this day I think is important and that we need to focus on it more.  What is it?  It's that bridge players are NOT born equal!  

For some, playing at local games, at someone's home, or just a party is loads of fun.  Others?  They want to learn a lot from those who have played more.  So they listen and learn - and their games improve!  Especially when more experienced players help their friends.

And then we get to the experts - and super stars.  Please note that having a poor game necessarily means you are not such a good player.  Even those who have loads of accolades for decades have errors, "forgets" - and end up with REALLY a bad result!  That actually, in some respects, demonstrates how fun - and also how challenging and tough bridge is!

Yet - the true "bottom line" is that, irrespective of great ability, talent, knowledge - or just a game with buddies...  The game itself is something we can enjoy as long as we have breath in our bods!  Here's to everyone loving bridge - irrespective of the details!

Steve Gaynor is Helping Us - Make Bridge Great Again!

BIG Thanks to Steve Gaynor!

Lots of info for all sorts of bridge!

Be sure to peruse around - and - see
WHATS UP!!

 

LOCAL FULL-TIME BRIDGE CENTER:

 

Bridge Center of St Paul, 2603 6^th Ave, North St. Paul, MN 55109 651-490-5430 6th Ave, North St www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com

 

Minneapolis area face to face games:

 

Monday-Wednesday-Friday:  Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN

 

Thursday:  Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN

 

Tuesday-Saturday:  Studio 1, 6001 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN

 

Contact Tony Ames at 952-200-3871 – ynotsema@aol.com

 

Contact Scott Smith for Wednesday and Thursday – htimswttocs@yahoo.com

 

 

 

OTHER POPULAR BRIDGE SITES:

 

Minnesota Bridge Blog:   www.mnbridge.com  

 

Keep up-to-date on all sorts of happenings in the world of Minnesota Bridge.  There are links to lots of other bridge sites including a list of other sanctioned duplicate games in MN.

 

Unit 178.com

 

News about bridge in Minneapolis and the western suburbs

 

American Contract Bridge League (ACBL):  acbl.org

 

See how bridge is administered; check your masterpoints; get tournament schedules; locations of clubs.

 

Bridgebase online:  BBO.com  - Watch, learn and/or play bridge online.  Currently offering ‘Virtual Club Games’ that benefit your local bridge club and pay ACBL masterpoints to the winners.

 

Bridge Winners:  bridgewinners.com - Players from all over the world share experiences, hands, opinions about everything bridge. 

 

 

 

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS AS OF APRIL, 2022:

 

May 23 - 29     GOPHER REGIONAL @ CROWNE PLAZA AIRPORT/MOA IN BLOOMINGTON, MN

 

Jun    2        I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

 

Jun 23 - 25     Granite City Sectional @ 850 19^th St. South in Sartell, MN

 

Jun 29 – Jul 2  REGIONAL @ Waterloo Center For the Arts in Waterloo, IA

 

Jul 21 - 31     SUMMER NABC @ PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CENTER IN PROVIDENCE, RI

 

TBA             Aquatennial Sectional @ TBA

 

                                                                                                                                                                 GOVERNANCE                                

 

 

 

WBF (World Bridge Federation):  Over 100 countries have national Bridge Organizations that are part of this main organization.  They administer world-wide events and championships including the Bermuda Bowl (held every 2 years); Olympiad or World Mind Sport Games (held every 4 years); Rosenblum Cup (held every 4 years).

 

ACBL: North American bridge organization encompassing the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.  It currently has about 150,000 dues paying members and is headquartered in Horn Lake, MS (suburban Memphis). 1-662-253-3100.

 

USBF (United State Bridge Federation): Administers events leading toward WBF world championships to determine the teams from the USA that will compete in the Open, Women’s, Junior’s and Senior’s competitions.

 

ACBL DISTRICT 14: One of 25 Districts in the ACBL.  It encompasses Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North and South Dakota.  There are over 4000 members in this district’s 9 units.

 

ACBL UNIT 103 (Gopher): Encompasses over 800 members all in MN except for Minneapolis and most of its’ western suburbs (see below).

 

ACBL UNIT 178 (Viking): Encompasses about 800 members mainly located in zip codes beginning with 553 and 554.

 

Playing in a TOURNAMENT!!

New or Intermediate Bridge Players: 

The MN Gopher Regional is for You Too!

By Connie Nelson

Have you only recently started to play Duplicate bridge at a local Club?  Or, are you an advancing player at one of the lower masterpoint ranks?  Are you curious about whether you should even consider attending a Tournament at this stage of your bridge journey? 

The answer is: Yes –“Go-Pher” It!  Come join us at the MN Gopher Regional May 23-28.  Every tournament player once attended his or her “first” tournament.  This year could be your turn! 

Regional tournament play gives you opportunities to meet other bridge players, improve your bridge skills, and ask questions of higher-ranked players.  We offer games for every level of skill or masterpoint rank, as well as opportunities to learn and socialize. 

For instance, the MN Gopher has offerings specifically intended for Intermediate or Newcomer (I/N) players, i.e. players with fewer than 300 masterpoints.  These offerings include:

• I/N single session games are held every tournament day, Monday through Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. If you want to see what a tournament is like, try one of these. Placing high enough will earn you Red  
• Entry fees to I/N games are at a reduced price - only $10 a session. Remember, only players below 300 master points may play.  While these games award reduced master points, they allow you to compete against only your peers.
• “Lunch and Learn” lessons will be held between games Tuesday through Friday in the I/N playing area. Bring your lunch and attend a free mini-lesson taught by area players.

What’s it like to play in a tournament? 

One of the first places you’ll want to find is the Information Desk.  There you will receive information about the types of games offered, the locations they will be played, as well as a small welcome gift. 

Stop next at the Health and Safety Desk.  Everyone at the tournament must be fully vaccinated.  Show your ID and vaccination card and you will get a plastic wristband to wear during the tournament.

To play, you don’t have to pre-qualify or pre-register.  You just show up, meet your partner, register, pay for the event you are interested in, and play.  If you have time to play only one game or one day, that’s fine. Alternately, you can play as many days or games as fits your schedule.  Which games you play at a tournament, and when, is totally your choice. 

If you don’t have a partner, contact Sue Grue (suegrue@gmail.com, or 702-454-5352,  before May 23^rd and ask that a partner be found for you.  If you ever find yourself at a tournament without a partner, go to the Partnership Desk, and ask for help in finding or requesting a partner or teammates. 

If you’d like, you could “Go-Pher” other kinds of games other than I/N.  Unlike IN games, you would be playing against all levels of players.  However, most events are stratified or bracketed, meaning you are scored against players within similar MP ranges. 

For $15 a session, you could try games like:

• Gold Rush Pairs, a two-session event where no player entered can have more than 750 points. A section top or placing overall earns some Gold points!

 

• Stratified Pairs and Side Games, open games that award master points to tops within masterpoint strata or ranges.

 

• Bracketed Swiss Teams, where you sit N/S at one table and your teammates sit E/W at another table. Both tables play the same 6-8 boards and then compare results. Win a match, win master points!

So, if you are curious and considering the MN Gopher Regional, just come!  “Go-Pher the Fun” on May 23-28.  We hope to see you there.

For more information on the Tournament, visit:  bit.ly/gopherregional 

And our big thanks to Connie for our newer players!

Let's Fall in Love....

Throughout the decades, bridge does not stay static.  I recall when I was a child, and I would head to downtown Chicago to see my grandmother play bridge at a tournament.  Both men and women would be dressed elegantly as they enjoyed both bridge, beautifully designed hotels, and excellent meals inbetween sessions.

As time passed, many competitors became more casual - though the intent to kill or be killed remained by the most serious of players. I personally did not learn to play any bridge until I headed out for college in Madison, Wisconsin. Yet many who loved games of all sorts would compete in the games of their choice, with some learning rudamentary elements.  And others would scoop up cash from the unlucky.  

When I headed out to U of MN for grad school, I began to play a bit more bridge myself with an uncle, heading out to White Bear Lake a couple of times a month. It was fun; I was pretty clueless.  Nevertheless, I began to meet others.

I continued to fumble around - until my Aunt Rosy invited me to Oklahoma, where she and my mom were raised. Hugely fortunate to have games over the weekend with Aunt Rosy's many talented friends, I accomplished something that never before nor again occurred; my partners and I manage to finish in the overalls of each event.  And we WON the final team event on Sunday - managing to beat superstars such as Jim Jacoby!  Though I still had years to go before I really had much of a clue - I was hooked.

As many of you know, I have played for many decades.  I was fascinated by the game itself - and the people who played. Yet - as we know - the abilities, knowledge, and more varies from player to player.  Still - one need not be a super star to enjoy the game.  Whether you have a room full of magnificent wins; or are someone whose modest game gives you pleasure, bridge is an incredible sport.

Which leads me to this.  Covid has currently altered our game in ways never before seen.  Mercifully, it is slowly returning though - and I hope that it continues to do so.

Are you one of the games big shots?  Perhaps you can help newer players grow.  Do you simply enjoy the camraderie and fun that bridge can deliver?  Go for it!

I truly hope that many more will start playing again (if they have not already).  That those with talent will help others grow and learn, as I and so many others were fortunate to experience.  As fun as it is to compete and win - it's also a thrill to see someone who was wandering through the desert blossom.  Help others fall in love - and let The Greatest Game return to its magnificent splendor!

 

Unit 103 MASTERPOINT RACE AWARDS CELEBRATION!!

2021  UNIT  103  MASTERPOINT  RACE  AWARDS  CELEBRATION

LET’S  ALL CELEBRATE!!

 

WHERE:        Bridge Center of St. Paul

                         2603 6^th Avenue E., North                                                                                            St. Paul, MN 55109

WHEN:               Saturday, April 23, 2022                         

TIME:               11 am         Free Lunch for all players, awards presented, followed by a Unit Championship, approximately 12:30 pm; entry fee $6.00. (Award winners play free)

Please RSVP by April 15 ,2022, to Bridge Center of St. Paul, 651-490-5430, bridgecenterofstpaul@gmail.com,  or sign-up sheet at the Bridge Center. 

Questions? Contact the Bridge Center or Sue Greenberg, rdbcmanager@gmail.com

Proof of vaccination and ACBL/CDC masking in place.

 

 

Not Just a Side Game Anymore!

NOT JUST A SIDE GAME ANYMORE

 

 

You would play at the MN GOPHER REGIONAL (May 23-28) regional but you have a concern.   I only want to play one session a day.

1. I only want to play in the morning.
2. I only want to play in the afternoon.
3. I need GOLD but only want to play one session a day.
4. I only want to play on Saturday and prefer to play pairs.
5. I like to play with multiple partners over the course of a tournament.
6. I would rather not play in a two session open game. I want to wait to decide if I want to play a second session but still be eligible for overall awards.

If any of these applies to you then the ‘Side Game Series’ is for you.  Face it, we need your help to bring live bridge back and would appreciate your participation even if you can only play one or two times.  The ‘Side Game Series’ is built for you!

 

Consider these points:

1. Overalls are paid individually and are GOLD. You may play with different partners and still qualify.
2. You only have to play in one session a day. As long as you play in two sessions of the same series you qualify for overalls.
3. Section tops pay GOLD as long as you play in another session of the same series.
4. The event is separate from the two session event held the same day. You play the same hands, but your score is calculated only against the players in your event.

There are three series planned for the MN GOPHER REGIONAL this year.  All are four sessions long.

1. Monday through Thursday mornings (10:00 am start).
2. Monday through Thursday afternoons (2:30 pm start).
3. Friday and Saturday morning and afternoon (10:00 am and 2:30 pm starts).

For more information visit:  bit.ly/gopherregional or mnbridge.com

 

LIVE BRIDGE IS THE BEST BRIDGE

Spring Has Sprung for Tony Ames - and Bridge for Us!

Tony is not only a master playing at the bridge table--
He's also superb at organizing bridge for everyone!
Check out all the details below!

 

Face-to-Face Games

Monday - 11:45 Edina Senior Center - 5280 Grandview Square

Tuesday - 12:15  Lesson - 12:45 - 0-750 average - 6001 Lyndale Ave S.  Mpls

Wednesday - 11:45  Edina Senior Center

Thursday - 12:00  Maple Grove Community Center - 12951 Weaver Lake Rd 

Friday - 1:00  Edina Senior Center

Saturday - 1:00  6001 Lyndale Ave S.  Mpls

 

Online Games

Monday - 12:30

Wednesday - 12:30

Thursday - 9:30 (0-500)

Friday - 7:15 pm

Tony Ames

Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting, March 2, 2022

Our Thanks to Board President Steve Gaynor
And Those who Help All Unit 178 Members
Who Improve Bridge for Us!

Subject: Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting, March 2, 2022
**********************************************************************

Date: March 30, 2022

To: Steve Gaynor

The ZOOM meeting was called to order by Board Pres. Steve Gaynor 

Board Members Present: Cass Weil, Jane Schmidt, John Schlundt, Sue Sanger, Vicky Smith, Richard Cottle

Guests: Teri Blu, Deanna Liddy

Financial Report: Approved

Gopher Regional: May 23—May 28, Monday—Thursday

Championships: 2 sessions, bracketed

Gold points in side games (2 games required)

Lunch and Learn: Tuesday—Friday

Free coffee

 

Sectionals: Who is financially responsible? Possible dates: Aquatennial and Labor Day. Mayflower will have space available for Sectionals.

Deanna suggests: Ask membership, elect committee, elect a chair, list responsibilities.

 Compensation for Sectional game operators: Operators are “owners”/managers of sectional games. Question: Should other Unit 178 games be closed during sectionals? Game operators, if asked t close during sectionals, could be paid to direct IN games. No need for action at this time.                                                                                    

Face-to-Face events: Attendance could increase as Covid declines. On-line Alliances in ACBL (5), have as many as 40 tables per region. 

Elections: Board members are needed to help find candidates. 

North American Pairs/Grand National Teams: Money is available to help pay costs. Coordinator needed to help get players. 

Miscellaneous: Social game players should be encouraged to join ACBL. Non-stress games (Saturday nights?) with ACBL mentor might be played. Chip Blu has designed a website— https://unit 178.com 

Next meeting: April 6 

Adjourned

 

The MN Gopher is Back! - By Connie Nelson

Connie Nelson Gives us The Scoop!
The MN Gopher is BACK!

 

Co-Chairs Patti Stuhlman and Warren Nelson are happy to announce that the 2022 MN GOPHER REGIONAL is back for face-to-face tournament play.  Everyone is welcome!

Six days of tournament play will start on Monday, May 23^rd and run through Saturday, May 28th.  We have a streamlined schedule, with sessions starting at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily. 

Each day offers both two-session and single-session events that pay Gold and Red points.  Open Pairs, Gold Rush Pairs, and Bracketed Swiss Teams will be held each week day, as well as single-session I/N Pairs and Open Side Pairs.  On Saturday, we will have offer Stratiflighted  A/X and B/C/D Swiss Teams, along with the I/N Pairs and Open Side Games.  Regardless of your experience level, or whether you can play two sessions or only one, a game is waiting for you! 

The tournament will be held at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel in Bloomington (34^th Avenue South and American Blvd), near the Mall of America.  Our bridge tournament rate is only $99/night for single or double rooms ($129/night for suites).  This special rate is available through May 8^th by phone or online, using code MGB --- so reserve your room now!

To ensure the safest and most hospitable playing environment, all ACBL protocols regarding proof of COVID vaccination and masking in effect at tournament time will be followed, and Zero Tolerance enforced. 

If you need a partner, no problem!  Please contact Tom or Sue Grue at (suegrue@gmail.com) or call 702-454-5352.   Let’s pack the tables and showcase Minnesota's great bridge community.  

We can’t wait to see YOU back at the tables! 

“Go-Pher” the Gold!   “Go-Pher” the Fun!

____________________

For more information, check out: bit.ly/gopherregional, or go to “ACBL Tournaments.”

Bridge Birthdays and Wishes from St. Cloud Bridge Club!

Bridge-Related Birthday “Wishes”

By Connie Nelson

Once again, we are SO fortunate to have Connie Nelson alert
to what's happening in St. Cloud's neck of the woods!
Connie - we are so grateful to you for the news you share - 
The applause you deliver to those who are doing well.

AND - we are DELIGHTED that a fun and exciting 
success on your part is popping up on YOUR birthday!

Enjoy, everyone! Here's CONNIE!!!  
*************************************************************

On February 10, Robert Nairn of the St Cloud Bridge Club turned eighty-nine years young.  You may recall that I’ve written about Robert before. He was our “Rookie of the Year” in 2018, when he won the Unit 103 Mini-McKenney race for the 0-5 master point range.   In 2020, he won the 50-100 Mini-McKenney race not only for Unit 103, but across all of District 14.  In 2021, he was one of four St Cloud players who became District 14 GNT Flight C Champions, and represented District 14 in the National GNT competition.

So what’s he done lately?

As I mentioned, his 89^th birthday was on February 10.  On that day, Robert shared that his “birthday wish” was to partner with each and every member of our St Cloud Club.  He said, “I hope to accomplish this before I turn 90!!!” 

And, I’m here to tell you…. he is making great progress.  As of March 17, he has played a Club game with thirteen different partners – and there were only fifteen games held during that time period!   He also has ten more players already scheduled for a game.   I think he’s going to make sure his birthday wish is granted, don’t you?

You know that old saying, “Leave a legacy for bridge.  Encourage others to follow suit!”  To me, Robert is blazing quite a living legacy exemplifying the love of bridge  --- as well as sharing that love of the game with many different partners.

The second birthday “wish” involves me, Connie Nelson.  My birthday is February 29^th, and I had a milestone birthday coming up… one of those where the front number changes.  To state it plainly,  I was turning seventy and I had my sights set on making my Silver Life Master before I did.  On February 28^th, I received my 1000^th point in Club play and accomplished my birthday “wish” in the nick of time.  That was really fun! – and made that front-number change a little easier to take.

So make some bridge-related birthday wishes yourself!   It turns out they are quite attainable.

Nice News for March and April - Games at Plymouth Bridge!

PLYMOUTH BRIDGE

Edina Senior Center
5280 Grandview Square

Fridays - 12:45pm

MARCH
18TH - GNT Qualifier and Practice ($8)
25TH - Stratified Pairs ($6)

APRIL
1ST - Stratified Pairs ($6)
8TH - Swiss Teams Fundraiser ($7)
15TH - Sectional at Clubs ($8)
22ND - IMP Pairs Club Championship ($6)

Directors & Partners - Tony Ames
952.200.3871

Special Event Sunday, March 20TH - 1PM
Please bring something good to share!

On-Line "Last Chance Qualifier & Practice"
Thursday March 31ST - 6:30PM

Proof of Covid vaccination must be provided.
You can email a copy of your vaccination card to
ynotsma@aol.com or bring it to your first game.

 

Looking for a Unit Secretary for Unit 103 Board Meetings

Unit Secretary:

Take the minutes of the Unit 103 Board meetings (currently on Zoom 4 to 6 meeting per year), email Board correspondence, announcements, keep unit records and digital documents current.

Position receives a small stipend and reimbursement for any related expenses.

Contact Patti Huiras 651-343-2078 or email patti.huiras@gmail.com to apply for this position.

 

 

 

Are You a Beginner Bridge Player?

Then YOU are In Luck!

 

Long time Bridge Instructor, Teri Blu, Is Offering an 8 Week Beginner Bridge Course!

 

The course will be held at the Edina Senior Center - and shall be held from 
Tuesday, April 5th, through May 24th

For information and registration, please call:  952.833.9570

(Additional classes will be held in Summer and Fall)

Bridge is an incredibly fascinating, challenging and amazing game!

Be certain to look into this marvelous opportunity; you'll be delighted!