It's over thirty years now, but I still well remember my partner Chris Patrias introducing me to the MGSC. (Yes, that Chris Patrias - the fellow who is now a national director!) Chris said to me: "The MGSC is the toughest game in the Twin Cities. All the best players are there. Winning is far more difficult here than at any other club game."
With trepidation, we entered - and together, we managed to win my first MGSC game!
Yet, Chris was right. Whether "beginner's luck" or not, many more sessions passed before I won another game at the elite MGSC. Chris was also correct that the "best of the best" played there. If you wanted to learn and compete against those who would deliver the hardest punches - the MGSC was the place to be. Current super-stars like Steve Garner, Howie Weinstein and Joe Grue honed their games at the Club. Many other top players, like the late Jim Hall and many from the more distant past, were MGSC members.
What is the MGSC like today? Our finest competitors are still there. On any given night, you can find folks like Larry Oakey, Cindy & Bob Balderson, Carole Miner, Kurt Schaeffer, Kerry Holloway, Sharon & Roger Anderson, Phil & Judy Schwarz - and many others. This abbreviated list is just a taste.
The MGSC has changed over the years. Though one of the first clubs to adopt then innovative bidding boxes, Director Tony Ames has added duplicated boards and hand records each week.
The Club has also "mellowed" with time. It's still a most competitive place, but more intermediate players now attend. These players realize that to ramp up their games, knocking heads with the "big guys" is a superb way to do it. Thus, today's MGSC is a pleasant mixture of seasoned competitors, along with those who yearn to learn and improve.
Tomorrow, the MGSC schedule heralds its two session Board-A-Match team game. One of the few places outside of a NABC tournament to offer this event, players can compete in what many believe to be the most pure form of bridge.
The MGSC does have a paid membership, which includes a weekly bulletin, ably produced by Richard Lawson, four "free plays" and an excellent season-end party, subsidized by the Club. Anne Schaeffer coordinates yummy treats each game. If you've never been to the MGSC and you would like to stop to check it out, the MGSC meets every Friday at the Richfield Community Center at 70th and Nicollet. The games begin at 7:15. There, you will find a great director, stiff competition - and a warm and friendly group of bridge players!