Minnesota Bridge

Unit 178 September Minutes

Unit 178 board secretary Marv Riedesel has kindly forwarded the minutes from the unit's last board meeting.

For those who wish to keep up with what is happening, please read below.  Many issues up for review at this last meeting!

A Studious Result

Some defensive hands are obvious at trick one.  Cash your winners.  Remove trump from dummy.  Take out an entry.

Others, however, are not at all clear at first sight.  One must study to determine what is most likely to work.

Today's column from John Koch falls into the latter category.  John and partner had to take deep thought to find the solution.  Find it, however, they did.

John explains how to do your homework - and get it right!

Last Call!

September 30th is the last date to purchase a membership with the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club.  If you are not yet a member, why should you consider joining?  Here's why!

1.  Free plays at Club nights (there are three remaining)

2.  A weekly newsletter ( the last two have been attached)  that has a lot of interesting and informative content regarding bidding conventions, defensive coups, and interesting hand analysis, emailed to all members

3   A deeply subsidized party at the end of the year

4.  A friendly game with $5 entries, free coffee and different treats every Friday night.

5.  A large game with the toughest competition in town that will challenge everyone to play their best and learn from the best. 

 

You can mail your $20 membership check to Ron DeHarpporte, 7021 Weston Circle, Edina MN 55439-1954 if you can't make it to the 9/30 game.

 

MPLS Grand Slam Club Knock-Outs

The Minneapolis Grand Slam Club has been in existence since 1937.  As the city's oldest club and the place where many elite champions have cut their teeth, it is a super place to compete and improve your game.  The MGSC goes into hibernation for the summer.  But - it's back in force now. 

You need not be a member of the Club to play in its games - but there are benefits to joining.  One of them is getting four free games with a membership.  The first of the four is tonight at 7:15 at the Richfield Community Center at Nicollet & 70th.

Another very fun event is their knock-out teams.  Games are scheduled either at the Twin City Bridge Center or people's homes.  It is a "double elimination" event - ergo, you can afford one loss and still win the event!  Again, you need not be an MGSC member to compete.  If you do wish to play in this excellent event, however, you must find and register your team by September 30th.  Julie Tigges, coordinator, has more details.

The Joe Grue Interview

Has it really been over 10 years now since Joe Grue played at the Twin City Bridge Center and beat up the rest of us at local sectionals?  I guess so.

At Bridgewinners.com, everyone can enjoy this interview of Joe by another young star, Gavin Wolpert. 

You've come a long way, baby Joe!  I certainly look forward with anticipation to watching the rest of your bridge career unfold.

Reflex

Many of us play bridge by reflex.  We take the "old saws" of bridge and follow them religiously:  second hand low, third hand high, eight ever; nine never, and lead partner's suit.

Often, the "old saws" will serve us well.  After all; that is why everyone knows them!  Occasionally, however, we need to step out of the box and think deeply about a hand.  Sometimes, second hand needs to play high.  Sometimes we need to take a hook - even when we have nine trump.  And - sometimes leading partner's suit is not the winning action.

Today, we find a hand where "lead partner's suit" is not a recipe for success.  John Koch explains to us how we can - and should - know this.  Enjoy!

Black Bear

Last weekend, competitors battled at Minnesota's beautiful Paul Bunyan autumn sectional near Duluth.  One of those competitors was Mike Cassel. 

Mike has kindly written a report on both the tournament at the Black Bear casino and some most interesting hands.  Our thanks to Mike, and congratulations to all those who were victorious Up North!

Upcoming Unit 178 Board Meeting

One week from today, Unit 178's board will meet at the Twin City Bridge Center at 9:30AM.  This September 24th meeting will insure that bridge in the Twin Cities remains strong, vibrant and growing.

The meeting's agenda is posted below.  As always, if you have questions, ideas or concerns, contact a Unit 178 board member!  And, also as always - our thanks to each of them for the hard work they do for us.

Keeping the "Loser"

Bridge champions conjure up bids and plays that mere mortals may not duplicate.

Eric Jannersten, a Swedish champion who died in 1982, did exactly that.  In the hand that John Koch details today, Jannersten stretched to a slam, because he figured his partnership "needed it."  After arriving in six hearts, he then "stretched" to make it.

Taking a "flyer" works when you have the vision that a player like Jannersten did.  Amaze yourself with today's Koch Korner!

Paul Bunyan Bridge Tournament

A beautiful drive through autumn's changing colors.  Fun bridge at the Black Bear Casino in Carleton.  And - it's happening this upcoming weekend!

Enjoy a lovely drive that ends with a great sectional!  Look through the Paul Bunyan Sectional schedule and make your plans!

MN State Sectional

November in Minnesota.  The last of the autumn colors have faded and fallen; colder days threaten.  We prepare for the long days of winter.

For those who are definitely ready for a pick-me-up, however, we have it!  the MN State Sectional starts the first weekend of November.  Pairs and team events, with great Minnesota hospitality.  A new, great venue at America's Best Value Inn and Suites in Shakopee.

All the details are here.  Start planning your weekend now, and shake off the winter blues early!

The Scramble

Sometimes, a hand looks easy.  3NT with 9 tricks on top.

When a suit breaks poorly, however, sometimes "easy" turns into "scramble."

Few are superior at determining how to get those broken eggs turned into a successful dish than John Koch.  Today, we can learn how to scramble our way to game making.

Labor Day Silver Sectional

Over the holiday weekend, Minnesotans grilled brats, biked in the glorious sunshine - and played bridge at the Twin City Bridge Center Labor Day Silver Sectional.  Every session, players could enjoy yummy treats and fun competition.

Congratulations to Paolo Ranaldi, who earned almost 20 masterpoints to lead the way, with Harry Sapienza and Joe Rice right behind.  Results from all the events can be viewed here.

Thanks to Teri and Chip Blu for their hospitality, Tony Ames and Larry Oakey for their excellent directing - and to all of you for making the weekend a blast!

Eight IS Enough!

• Bridge with friends of varying experience.
• Teams to compete with IMPS.
• Pot luck and socializing prior to bridge.

Is this enough for you?  I say that it is more than enough!

On September 10th, come to the Twin City Bridge Center at 60th and Nicollet for Eight is Enough bridge teams.  Peg Mitchell has organized a great evening of food, fun, socializing, and of course - bridge - for all.  Details can be found below in the event flyer - and, a sign up sheet for the evening is available at the TCBC.