Minnesota Bridge

Something for Everyone!

Is there a more fascinating game than bridge?  As far as I am aware, the answer is a
resounding "No"!  Yet in reality, bridge can be varied - in many respects - for a wide variety of players.

When I was in college at Madison, Wisconsin, that was when I became addicted to cards.  Yet oddly, I loved a host of card games - with bridge NOT being one of them! Friends taught me some rudimentary aspects of bridge, so I'd play a bit. Later, I came to Minnesota, with a similar trajectory... A game of bridge every 2 to 3 weeks - with stars - and beginners like myself.

Despite falling on my face many times, I began to play more and learn more. Then - the big thrill.  My Aunt Rosy, having a tournament in Oklahoma, invited me to attend!  She had friends for me every day - and we made it to the overalls throughout!  It became the first - and last - time that my masterpoint holding tripled!  The biggest thrill, however, was when we played on Sunday against Jim Jacoby's team.  We WON!!  We headed out for fun afterwards, with Mike Passel claiming that Aunt Rosy was the world's oldest living teenager - and now in her 90's, Aunt Rosy still is!

Bridge has changed in many ways over the years.  Yet people can enjoy the game, whether they are super stars - or folks who play here and there, with simple systems and more chatting and fun instead.  Whether you are 15 or 50, a beginner or a casual player, creative or a Grand Life Master - bridge can deliver a lifetime of both learning, triumph - and sometimes disaster.

Is bridge the greatest game around?  You betcha!  Just ask Aunt Rosy and Bob Hamman - and you will fall in love, too!

 

 

GNT Results for 2022!

2022 GNT Results

 

        The 2022 GNT District finals are completed!

 

14 teams competed for the chance to represent District 14 in Providence, Rhode Island to start the Summer Nationals.

4 teams came out on top of their strata.

         

The Superflight will be contested by the team of Kurt Schaeffer, Kerry Holloway, Bob Balderson, and Cindy Balderson.

         

Flight A will be contested by a 6 person team with lots of experience at the national level. Eric Hendrickson, Paul Gutterman, Andrew Caracas, Richard Lawson, Mark Krusemeyer, and Robert Schachter were the winners in Flight A.

 Flight B finalists are Connie Nelson, James Schnepf,         Wayne Reynolds, and Keith Thompson.

 Flight C winners are David Nelmark, Philip Hayne, Rolf Hoyer,   and John Schaefer.

 

Congratulations to our District Winners!

And Good Luck in Providence!

 

        

Keith Thompson

Unit 103 GNT Coordinator

The World According to Keith Thompson - (We are Thankful!)

Keith Thompson is Unit 103 GNT Coordinator - and we are fortunate to have him.  Keith has lots to share with us, for which we are grateful.  So I will share with you what Keith views as the good and bad (no "ugly" from Keith, thanks!)
We appreciate what he is doing - and look forward to what the future brings!
*********************************************************************************************

 Hi All - I am Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator.

 

          The best experience I had during the recently ended Gopher Regional was seeing all the people I have played with, and against, in one place, and face to face. The social aspect of our game is very important to me, not to mention that it is impossible to feel ‘table presence’ when you play online.

          While chatting up all these old friends, one question kept getting repeated. “Keith” I heard, “ What is the status of the Grand National Teams?” So I will tell it to you so    that everyone will know, that there is good news and there is bad news.

          First the bad news. There were so few teams registered for the Grand National Teams this year that a semifinal wasn’t necessary to cut down on the field. That is not the sort of news I like to relate. I think that team games are a true test of bridge skill. It always amazes me that people who compete in pairs games are unwilling to test their mettle in the team arena. Just like you trust your partner in a pairs game, you trust your teammates in a team game, to help you best the opponents over a set number of boards.

 

Team games are fun! You don’t need individual heroics to save a match; you can count on your teammates to salvage a push. And you don’t need to berate yourself or your partner when things go south.  All four of you can share responsibility for a bad result! So you have many opportunities to show your character.

          But how about the good news? Well, the good news is related to the bad news. Because so few teams registered for the GNT semifinals, there is opportunity for more teams to enter before the finals commence on Saturday, June 18. We have openings for two Flight A teams to enter, and one more Flight C team. The Open Flight and the B Flight both have 4 teams registered, and these teams will face off that Saturday to determine the two teams to play for entry to the Nationals in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Director in Charge, Kimberly Hayward, has informed me that she will accept 3 more teams, on a first-come, first-entered system, to fill out the ‘A’ and ‘C’ flights.

 

          Here is an abbreviated version of the Conditions of Contest, for anyone who wishes to attempt to win a subsidized trip to the Nationals to play for District 14. Players should know that there are subsidies from the Units to help you get to the Nationals, and you will have free entry to the GNT sessions.

The Providence NABC starts on July 13, 2022

         Strata are determined by your Sept.1, 2021 master point total, so any points earned after that date will not affect your eligibility for a flight.

          Flight A no more than 6000 masterpoints

          Flight C must be a non life master under 500 masterpoints

          Players must be paid up ACBL members with principle residence in District14 as of a year previous to Sept.1            

A player must have played in a qualifying team game during the September through March qualification period (or the Unit 178 Last Chance Qualifier in May)

Are You Qualified?  To find out: check this link

https://web2.acbl.org/documentLibrary/play/GNT_Qualifiers/GNT_D14.pdf

 

Or: Go to the ACBL main page

Go down to Club Corner

Go down to Special Events

Go over to GNT COC/Qualifiers

Under GNT Qualifiers click on District 14

Any questions? Contact Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator keithclockt@icloud.com

 

If you have a team of qualified players, this is what you wish to do next:

 

Teams need to register at their earliest convenience as this is first-come, first-entered. Please register by emailing names, emails and BBO names for all players to kim.hayward@acbl.org. Each team will pay a fee of $60 for the first day of the finals in June, and the two final teams $60 for the final. These fees are payable to District 14 GNT and should be mailed c/o Kimberly Hayward, Bridge Center of St Paul, 2603 6th Ave E, N St Paul, MN 55109.

 

The Finals to determine each flight's representation for the NABC will take place on the weekend of June 18 and 19, with two 26-board segments between the contending teams on Saturday to determine the two teams which will compete on Sunday.

 

The winner of the finals of each event will represent District 14 in Providence, RI at the NABC July 13- 17.

Information from Brian Weikle for Summer NABC at Providence

Brian Weikle Updates Us for Summer NABC
and
For The Fall NABC

**********************************************

For Summer  from July 13-24, the NABC will be held at the
Providence Convention Center

For Fall the NABC shall be at the Phoenix Convention Center

(no bridge play at the Hyatt)

 

 

 

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR 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!

JUNETEENTH, 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

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, Iowa        

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

Aug  3 - 5      Sizzling Summer Sectional @ Southdale Mall, Edina, MN

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 12 - 15     D14 STaC @ participating clubs

Oct    4        Yom Kippur starts (evening)

Oct  6 - 8      Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, 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

 

 

2022-23 Sectionals in District 14, but not MN

 

2022

Jul 15 – 17     Sioux Falls, SD

Aug 26 – 27    Hills, IA

Aug 27 – 28    Urbandale, IA (I/N)

Sep  8 – 11     Urbandale, IA

Sep 23 – 25    Spirit Lake, IA

Sep 23 – 25    Dubuque, IA

Oct 14 - 15     Davenport, IA

Nov  4 – 6      Waterloo, 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

 

2022

Jul 10 – 12     Fitchburg, WI (I/N REGIONAL)

Jul 10 – 12     Fitchburg, WI (open sectional)

Sep 15 – 17    Wausau, WI

Oct 13 – 15    Marquette, MI

Nov 11 – 13    La Crosse, 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.  

Granite City Sectional is Next Week!

One Week Away!
Connie Nelson

 

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• 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.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• 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. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at Connie@psg.us, prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

Posted by Peg on June 16, 2022 | Permalink | Comments (0)

 

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• 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.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• 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. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at Connie@psg.us, prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• 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.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• 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. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at Connie@psg.us, prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

The Passing of a Member

We are sad to report that we have lost one of our members.

 

Jeff Dziuk passed away last night, from multiple medical problems.

Jeff was a Sapphire Life Master holding a bit more than 3,700 points.  He was a very long time member of the club, and Jeff did our bookkeeping for years on a voluntary basis.  He had lots of regular partners, namely Larry Johnson.

Both partners and opponents will miss Jeff.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Prayers and blessings to his family and many friends.

Kimberly Hayward, Club Manager
Bridge Center of St. Paul
651.490-5430 w
651.271.3500 c

 

 

 

 

 

June 25th - Unit 103 Membership Meeting to be Held

Unit 103 Membership Meeting to be Held June 25^th

 

While playing at the recent Gopher Regional, several of us wore our name badges identifying us as ACBL Unit 103 Board members.  A frequent question we encountered was: “What does a Unit Board do?”

Well, now is a perfect time to find out!  For the first time post-Covid, we will be holding an in-person Unit 103 membership meeting during the upcoming Granite City Sectional.

 

What Happens at a Membership Meeting?

Come and meet your Unit 103 Board Members -- learn what your Unit does, how Unit 103 “fits” inside ACBL, and hear quick updates on our Unit’s plans and finances.  Feel free to ask us questions or offer suggestions for the betterment

 of this game we all love! 

 

How do I know if I am a Member of Unit 103?

You are if you are an ACBL member and reside within the geographical area of Unit 103 (i.e. most of Minnesota, except Minneapolis and its suburban areas), or you live elsewhere but have retained your membership with Minnesota Gopher Unit 103. 

Other interested persons are welcome to attend the membership meeting, especially anyone considering joining ACBL.

 

What are the Meeting Arrangements? 

The annual meeting will be held on Saturday, June 25^th, during the St Cloud Granite City Sectional, held in Sartell MN this year.  Come and play in the Sectional’s team and pair games played each day from June 23 to June 25, and then join us for the Membership meeting between Saturday’s playing sessions on June 25^th.  The tentative start time is 12:30 p.m..

As a final enticement … there is such a thing as a free lunch!  A tasty luncheon will be provided.   

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Sincerely,

The Unit 103 Board of Directors
Sue Greenberg, President

Matt Belau (Rochester)

Amy Dutton (St Paul)

Rajiv Kapadia (Mankato)

Connie Nelson (St Cloud)

Warren Nelson (Duluth)

Tom Owens (Woodbury)

Keith Thompson (St Paul)

 

The Bridge Center of St. Paul (the “Club”) helps newer players!

 

The Bridge Center of St. Paul (the “Club”) helps newer players

                

 

It was gratifying to see our newer players do well at the Gopher Regional.   The Club has several ways it supports these players.   

 

The Thursday Mentor Game   12:30 pm

 

Generally a Life Master mentors a non-life master but two non-life masters can also play together.  From our mentor game several did very well at the tournament .  On Monday, Linda Enrooth and Jan Jansen won the Gold Rush pairs, the first major win for each of them.  On Friday, Gail Baev and Bill Anderson won the Gold Rush pairs with Jan Jansen and Rita Mills 2^nd.   Many others won points, including some gold.  There was a lot of excitement.

 

 

The Thursday “Chat” Game    12:30 pm

 

Also on Thursday we have “Chat Bridge” for true beginners.  We encourage those who just finished one of our Beginners classes to join this game.  The pace is slower and coaches help answer questions during the play. 

 

Several of these “under 20 masterpoints” players competed in their first tournament.  On Friday the Gopher I/N game was too small so they were tossed into the Gold Rush pairs competing with players up to 750 masterpoints.  One pair, Francis Luikart and Laurie Carlson, averaged 46% for the two sessions.  Quite an accomplishment!  Ellen Kluz and Kris Verdin had 53.7% in an Open Side Game on Thursday.

 

 

New Novice game starting in June     Monday evenings

 

It’s a pretty big jump from “Chat” to the Mentor game, so we are starting a new 0-200 Novice game for Monday evenings at 6:30. 

 

Club Manager Kimberly Hayward (651-271-3500) can answer questions about these games and find you a partner.

 

Education offerings for I/N players

 

The Club offers classes geared to Novice and Intermediate players.  Larry Huiras heads this up.  Check our web site for upcoming classes.   www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com    Or do a search on “bc of st paul”

 

 Watch for our “Intermediate – Newcomer Sectional” July 28-30 held at the Club.

 

If you are a newer player and would like to grow your game in the most friendly bridge environment around, there are lots of folks at the Club ready to help.  Our wonderful mentors and coaches, too numerous the mention here, are all Club members who volunteer.   And of course, Kimberly Hayward makes everything go!

 

On behalf of so many …

 

Bill Voedisch

Board President, Bridge Center of St. Paul

Excellence from Keith Thompson - Unit 103 GNT Coordinator!

Keith Reports the Ups and Downs of Bridge

The best experience I had during the recently ended Gopher Regional was seeing all the people I have played with, and against, in one place, and face to face. The social aspect of our game is very important to me, not to mention that it is impossible to feel ‘table presence’ when you play online.

While chatting up all these old friends, one question kept getting repeated. “Keith” I heard, “ What is the status of the Grand National Teams?” So I will tell it to you  here, so that everyone will know, that there is good news and there is bad news.     

 First the bad news. There were so few teams registered for the Grand National Teams this year that a semifinal wasn’t necessary to cut down on the field. That is not the sort of news I like to relate. I think that team games are a true test of bridge skill. It always amazes me that people who compete in pairs games are unwilling to test their mettle in the team arena. Just like you trust your partner in a pairs game, you trust your teammates in a team game, to help you best the opponents over a set number of boards. Team games are fun! You don’t need individual heroics to save a match, you can count on your teammates to salvage a push. And you don’t need to berate yourself or your partner when things go south, all four of you can share responsibility for a bad result! So you have many opportunities to show your character.

But how about the good news? Well, the good news is related to the bad news. Because so few teams registered for the GNT semifinals, there is opportunity for more teams to enter before the finals commence on Saturday, June 18. We have openings for two Flight A teams to enter, and one more Flight C team. The Open Flight and the B Flight both have 4 teams registered, and these teams will face off that Saturday to determine the two teams to play for entry to the Nationals in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Director in Charge, Kimberly Hayward, has informed me that she will accept 3 more teams, on a first-come, first-entered system, to fill out the ‘A’ and ‘C’ flights.

Here is an abbreviated version of the Conditions of Contest, for anyone who wishes to attempt to win a subsidized trip to the Nationals to play for District 14. Players should know that there are subsidies from the Units to help you get to the Nationals, and you will have free entry to the GNT sessions.

The Providence NABC starts on July 13, 2022

         Strata are determined by your Sept.1, 2021 master point total, so any points           earned after that date will not affect your eligibility for a flight.

          Flight A no more than 6000 masterpoints

          Flight C must be a non life master under 500 masterpoints

          Players must be paid up ACBL members with principle residence in                          District14 as of a year previous to Sept.1            

          A player must have played in a qualifying team game during the September              through March qualification period (or the Unit 178 Last Chance Qualifier in              May)

Are You Qualified?  To find out: check this link

https://web2.acbl.org/documentLibrary/play/GNT_Qualifiers/GNT_D14.pdf

Or: Go to the ACBL main page

Go down to Club Corner

Go down to Special Events

Go over to GNT COC/Qualifiers

Under GNT Qualifiers click on District 14

Any questions contact Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator keithclockt@icloud.com

If you have a team of qualified players, this is what you do next:

Teams need to register at their earliest convenience as this is first-come, first-entered. Please register by emailing names, emails and BBO names for all players to kim.hayward@acbl.org. Each team will pay a fee of $60 for the first day of the finals in June, and the two final teams $60 for the final. These fees are payable to District 14 GNT and should be mailed c/o Kimberly Hayward, Bridge Center of St Paul, 2603 6th Ave E, N St Paul, MN 55109.

The Finals to determine each flight's representation for the NABC will take place on the weekend of June 18 and 19, with two 26-board segments between the contending teams on Saturday to determine the two teams which will compete on Sunday.

The winner of the finals of each event will represent District 14 in Providence, RI at the NABC July 13- 17.

Good luck to all!

 

         

The Most Fascinating Game

So when did you start playing bridge?  In high school?  College?  Not until grad school?  Or did you begin to learn after getting settled into the career of your choice?

My guess is that for many of us, we began to learn bit by bit, perhaps playing every couple of weeks and attempting to stay out of the dog house.  Or going out after the evening game ended, where the tough guys who had been playing for some time both fascinated and explained to the hoi polloi.  And the newbies did their best to listen and learn, staying quiet after a few disasters - yet other times excited by the thrill of a win!

"Mad City" in Wisconsin had a myriad of games in The Rathskeller, with a wide variety of choices to play throughout the week. And more than a few - like myself - would aim to win at a variety of games, with bridge so very tough I would only do a bit here and there as the long time champs dazzled me with their brilliance.

One of my first incredible times at the bridge table was when my Aunt Rosalie (world's oldest living teenager, as Mike Passel would describe her) invited me to come to Oklahoma and play with Aunt Rosy and her many talented friends.  Everyone was SO very nice to me and so much fun!  And the tournament was the first - and last time that not only did I win masterpoints in every game that week - but I TRIPPLED my masterpoint holding!  The crown jewel of my thrill was when our Sunday team WON the final event, beating Jim Jacoby and company!

As the years went by, I learned more, managed to not get hysterical when I lost an event by ONE masterpoint (ugh) - and meet players literally from all over the world.  I was madly in love with bridge, the people (be they super stars or trying hard to learn) - and both worked hard to improve my game and have fun.

And then?  3 years ago I was waiting to hop on a flight to Las Vegas when suddenly I realized I could not stand up!  I lied down on the floor, vomited non stop for about 45 minutes, until paramedics finally packed me up - and took me to the hospital.  I won't go through the gory details of having 9 oncologists examine me each day, some weeping as they believed me to have the worst possible type of brain cancer. And the odds of me lasting an entire year were close to nil.  But the good news?  Turns out I did not have that type, and thus the odds were that I could last longer than originally anticipated.  Unfortunately, my brain had been attacked so very much, the odds of my memory and a number of other previous abilities were such that much of me would always have many significant problems.

Which brings me to a simply wonderful time I had at our recent tournament!  I kibitzed for two days, having not been able to see hardly anyone for about 2.5 years.  And everyone competing could not have been nicer, friendlier, more supportive and fun!  The last day of the tournament, I was included with the winners (despite being at home that day!)  And again, everyone was so kind, I felt that I was in nirvana!

I am SO glad that people are beginning to play again!  I am SO grateful that overall, those working so hard at our tournament were fabulous and did a superlative job.  And I personally felt so lucky that I could kibitz, chat with friends I had missed for too long - etc., etc.

The odds for me are such that I may never be able to play bridge again.  Yet with such fine people in our games - be they super stars or those working hard to become reasonable competitors - or just having loads of fun...  I hope that bridge will begin to flourish once again, as it did years ago when I fell in love with the game and the people.

 

Board President Steve Gaynor - Thanks for Superb Work!

BIG BIG Thanks to Steve Gaynor

And those who work SO diligently for great
bridge games!

Feel free to see what has been accomplished - 
and more to come!

Subject: Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting,
May 4, 2022

 

Date: May 23, 2022

To: Steve Gaynor

 

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

 

Board members present: Vicky Smith, Sue Sanger, Jane Schmidt, John Schlundt, Cass Weil and Richard Cottle

Guests: Teri Blu, Barbara Zipoy, Patty Stuhlman, Linda Brammer

 

Minutes of April Meeting: Approved as corrected. ( Lyndale site available for $700 per day, not $700 per month.)

 

Financial Report: Approved

 

Sharon Anderson Induction: Sharon will be inducted in to the ACBL Hall of Fame on Friday, May 23, at the Gopher Regional Tournament. She will make a short speech. There will not be a reception. Our unit will make a donation in her name to an organization of our choice.

 

Regional Tournament:  Patti Stuhlman report: 155 rooms have been reserved (120 were committed). 550 tables are expected (1/2 of tables played in 2019). Jane will send out the final email today. Volunteers are needed: Caddies-one per day, $35 per session (9:30 to 6:00), Greeters, Standby Partners (will play for free). Players must register vaccinations and receive a wrist band. Tables will be set up on Sunday. 0 to 5 master points will play free in IN games (paid for by Minnesota Educational Fund—up to 150 plays). Credit cards OK. Coffee, tea and snacks will be available.

 

Sectional: Report by Barbara Zipoy and Linda Brammer : Edina Community is not available. Lyndale site is not ready to commit. They will negotiate only  with Tony Ames who will do so. August 3, 4, 5. is suggested date. Other sites considered include: St. Paul Bridge Center (Unit 103}, Oak Marsh, New Brighton, Crown Plaza. The exact date must be determined—Wed, Thur, Fri, something on Sat?, something at night?. Motion: August 3,4,5, Wed, Thur, Fri, moved, seconded and approved. Patti suggested we combine with St. Paul for a fall Sectional at Oak Marsh or New Brighton.

 

Bridge Center Search: Letter sent in March by Sue Sanger and Task Force received little or no response. They said this is not a good time to plan for a new bridge center. Suggested to revisit at a later time. Barb Zipoy: “Does it have to be non-profit? St. Paul and Rochester are not. Who would run it?” Estimated start up cost could be $50,000! Keep looking.

 

I-pads: Steve suggested we purchase two I-pads so robots can sit in. Should directors play? Nobody wants sit outs. Talk to Tony and Scott.

 

Membership Meeting: Steve suggested we have a brief meeting at the Regional, morning session, to introduce new board members—two are needed. Any volunteers?  Names for possible members should be sent to Steve.  Members leaving the board are: Vicky Smith, Richard Cottle and Jackson Wahl .

 

Old Business: Has website been updated? Chip Blu said the game schedule has been updated. Lessons? Teri said not enough have signed up. Barb suggested a charity game for the Educational Fund.  

 

Next Meeting: Early June

Adjourned

 

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!