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No - there are only 4 aces in every deck. But a "tenace" is something else. One has a "tenace" when their two cards are spots above those of an opponent.
John Koch has explained in the past why spots matter. Today's hand is another reminder of how important those spot cards are.
Everyone loves aces and kings. Sometimes, however - it's the nines, eights and sevens that can make all the difference!
September is almost here! Labor Day is around the corner!
And - with that, the Twin City Bridge Center is hosting the end-of-summer-beginning-of-fall Labor Day Silver Point Sectional. Check out the schedule, and be sure to play as much as you can!
(Unit 178 President Sue Jackson says to check out the coat hooks, too. You may find a sweater or umbrella that you've been missing!)
Many of our players enjoy competing in the North American Pairs at all levels of play. Our District 14 Finals will have a somewhat different venue this year. The finals will be one day and will occur during the Sioux City Regional on October 1st. Wayne Gergen, our NAP coordinator, has requested that I post the NAP flyer so that everyone will have details about this year's competition.
NAP is a super way to win a subsidized trip to the Spring NABC in Memphis! All the specifics are below.
When we begin to play bridge, we don't even know what a finesse is. Someone has to explain to us that if you lead toward AQx instead of leading away from it, sometimes you will be able to take an extra trick.
Then, at the next stage, every time we see a finesse, we think we must take it!
At a higher level, however, we start to learn that simply because a finesse is available, it ought not necessarily be used. Sometimes, spurning a finesse is the way to bridge nirvana.
In today's column, John Koch shows us just such a hand - and, as always, explains why.
Tony Ames' Plymouth Bridge Club in Minnetonka has made it into ACBL President Craig Robinson's blog about his club project! Craig had a great time playing with John Koch as his partner, and Sharon and Roger Anderson as teammates (as who would not? :))
Of course, Craig also appreciated all the wonderful hospitality, goodies and conviviality at the Club, too - plus Tony's excellent skills at building his game and welcoming people to play.
We look forward to other reports from Craig as he travels through Minnesota and District 14!
In June, Unit 178 had its annual fundraiser. This year, over $3,000 was raised for Wayside, our charity. People gave in many ways to raise these funds.
One of the items for which people could bid was a wonderful day at Marv and Mary Riedesel's. Marv and Mary have a lovely home on beautiful Prior Lake. For those who bid, they were able to enjoy a boat ride escorted by Marv and Mary. Following that, three tables of bridge, run in "chat style" played 16 hands - with hand records, of course. Local experts Sharon and Roger Anderson and yours truly, Peg Kaplan, offered suggestions, commentary and ideas.
After the bridge, we were treated to a superb dinner, featuring delicious foods grown in Marv and Mary's own garden! All the yummy dishes were enjoyed on the deck, watching the sun set over the lake.
Our thanks to Betty Triligi, Jan Larson, Judy Hanson, Mary Lemmons, Barb Zipoy, Linda Brammer, Ann House, Marylou Doerrie, Nadia Smith-Hennessy and Sally Degner for bidding on this marvelous bridge afternoon and evening. And, of course, additional thanks to experts Roger and Sharon Anderson - and to host and hostess Marv and Mary for their generosity and talents.
"Do good and have fun" is a great slogan - particularly when bridge is involved!
And - do enjoy the additional photos from the day below.
The Championship Flight GNT at Toronto had a championship exciting finish. Mike Cassel was watching - and we thank him for another write up about a fascinating hand. Please see below!
Thirty four years ago, I started playing duplicate bridge at The Twin City Bridge Center. Of course, back then it was just "The Bridge Center." I wasn't an I/N player or a 99er; none of those classifications existed. I was simply a new girl who a number of people took under their wing. At The Bridge Center, I discovered negative doubles and reverses. I went for 500 for the first time, played in my first team game - and developed lifelong dear friends.
In other words? My local bridge club was where I learned about the game of bridge and had the time of my life.
ACBL President Craig Robinson is in the middle of his 100 Clubs in 100 Days tour. Craig knew that many past presidents traveled to exciting regionals around North America. Craig, however, decided that he wanted to visit where it all begins: clubs. He chose to see where people ventured for their virgin game of duplicate, where they competed for Ace of Clubs titles and where players socialized at pot lucks prior to the game.
ACBL President Craig Robinson is in town! Last night, Craig partnered with one of the Twin Cities' finest, John Koch, at Tony Ames' game in Minnetonka. Craig's appearance garnered an excellent collection of competitors. While not battling away in the Swiss Teams, players visited with Craig over yummy treats and drinks.
As I chatted with Craig for a few minutes, he wowed me by reciting his the rest of his intensive schedule throughout North America. Many other players throughout the nation are going to have the opportunity to meet Craig in the coming months.
For those of us in the Twin Cities, Craig is appearing as I type at the St. Paul Bridge Center. Then, later today, you can enjoy a pot luck at the Twin City Bridge Center, duplicate thereafter - and - a visit with Craig.
Thanks to all who have contributed to making Craig's visit a pleasant one, especially our District Director, Sharon Anderson. And - thanks to Craig for putting Minnesota on his most busy schedule!
And - more photos from Tony's game below.....
At one point or another, all serious bridge players either subscribe to or read The Bridge World. Founded in 1929, The Bridge World is written by and for the expert competitor.
One of it's most popular features is the "Master Solver's Club." A variety of ultra-difficult problems are given to both experts and readers. Awards are given for various answers, and, you can see how you stack up against the experts at the end of each session.
Steve Gaynor avidly reads The Bridge World; one problem in particular recently caught his eye. He wrote a thoughtful article about it, which you can read below.
For what it's worth, I'm a 2 diamond bidder. Just part of what makes this game so fascinating; there are always varied opinions!
Lots of Minnesotans traveled to Toronto, had a great time - and conquered! Here are some of us at the Toronto NABC.
The Minneapolis Grand Slam Club is about to begin it's 74th year! Started in 1937, it is the Twin Cities' oldest and toughest place to play bridge.
The MGSC's schedule for the upcoming season is now available, and posted below. This year offers a new crop of excellent events. For members, a wealth of benefits are available.
As you may have read, the MGSC is one of the sponsors for this Friday's big event with ACBL President Craig Robinson, and is providing beverages for all.
In addition, for all new and renewing members who purchase a $20 membership on Friday, they will be eligible for a drawing to win a free membership. Even more incentive to get your membership early!
Postcards with the MGSC schedule will be available. See you Friday night and pick one up then!
A 1-1 fit in a side suit? Trumps 5-0?
This week, John Koch faces a hand with loads of distribution and a key guess. (Not in the 1-1 fit :))
I don't know if I would have gotten it right - but - John did!
He explains how below.
President Craig Robinson with CEO Jay Baum in Toronto.
Don't forget! ACBL President Craig Robinson is going to be in Minnesota this week! Details about where and when can be found here.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know our president and enjoy both fun bridge and social activities. No matter where you live in the Twin Cities, try to make one of these events!
And - if you can attend, please do RSVP:
To assist with our estimates for food preparation, RSVP's are greatly appreciated. Please either sign up at the TCBC, or email Sue Jackson at sjackson@smumn.edu.
Please check out this post at Sharon Anderson's blog.
Minnesota didn't seize every national title. Yet, we surely grabbed more than our fair share!
I also look forward to following Ben Kristensen's bridge career. Ben may well be Minnesota's next Joe Grue!