Minnesota Bridge

The Cowboy

No, no one rides a horse or tosses a lasso at the bridge table.  Still, opportunities to be a cowboy are available!

Paul Meerschaert explains.

Know Your Customer

"Know your customer" is a good motto, irrespective of the setting. Nevertheless, at bridge, "knowing your customer" can often mean the difference between success and failure

In today's column, John Koch tells us about a regional barometer game where he and partner were doing well. As John plays a 3NT contract, he meshes the odds along with the likelihood of what his "customer for the round" would do.

Remember this, too. Keeping your opponents a bit off guard can aid your game. If it's tougher for your opponents to know who their customer is, then you have one more weapon to your advantage!|

House Money

Virtually all of us have experienced the following.  Dummy comes down after a rousing auction.  As we view its jewels, we silently think to ourselves:  my only chance is that the opponents revoke.  Then, a few minutes later, we write some small or large number in the minor column.

A few of the fortunate among us, however, have had this special experience:  we get our revoke!  Yes, this is the theme of John Koch's column today.  Though, of course, like any Koch Korner column, a revoke alone is not enough for success.  You must figure out how to handle the play from there!

I once was also in slam, thought to myself, "I need a revoke" - then got it!  Unlike John, however, I wasn't doubled.  Read about John and his superb good fortune below.

St. Paul Winter Carnival - 2012

2012 is less than two weeks away ... and Winter Carnival 2012 follows soon thereafter!

As always, the Winter Carnival tournament is a highlight of Minnesota's schedule.  It's fine schedule and fun festivities are a bright spot - irrespective of the cold and snow.

This year the tournament falls on January 27-29.  Do check out the flyer below so you can make all your plans for Minnesota's first sectional of the year!

Good 'Ole Days

Like everything in the world, the game of bridge changes and progresses.  Sometimes, however, we can wonder:  are all these changes for the better?

One of Minnesota's most successful experts, and a guy who has "been around the block" with this game, offers his thoughts on this subject.  Thank you, Paul Meerschaert, for "The Good 'Ole Days." 

This should lead to newer good days for many of us!

Team of Two Pairs

The Twin City Bridge Center and the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club are teaming together for an end of the year team game!

December 30th, "Team of Two Pairs" is scheduled o Friday at the TCBC.  Sponsored by the MGSC, this is a matchpoint event with two sections:  Open and under 500 masterpoints (each).  Pairs in each section will have "teammates" playing the same direction in the other section.  Your scores will be added together to determine the team winners.

In addition to bridge at 7:15PM, a potluck is scheduled at 6:30PM.  Please bring something to share.  Entries are $5 per person.

You can sign up at the Twin City Bridge Center to be matched up with teammates in the other section or you can bring your own teammates.  Or just come and you will be paired wtih another pair!

"Team of Two Pairs" is a great way to say "au revoir" to 2011.  Hope to see you!

Unit 178 December Minutes

Congratulations to Sharon Anderson, our new ACBL President for 2012, discussion of upcoming sectionals and regionals, plus much more.  It's all in the December minutes for Unit 178's board meeting - and - you can read all about it below!

Timing

So much in life is about timing.

John Koch's hand for this week highlights this point.  A rare defensive maneuver at the end!

Speeding Along at Ninety-something

No, no, no.  We are not advocating spurning the speed limit in Minnesota.

We are talking about Lee and Shirley Graham, age 93 and 92, respectively.  Lee and Shirley play on a regular basis at the Rochester Duplicate Bridge Club.  Not only do they play - they do it well.  The duo is consistently "in the money." 

We are very fortunate to have competitive players who are positive, successful and who prove that you can enjoy our game just about forever! 

Thanks to Lee and Shirley for setting such a high standard - and to Greg Caucutt for sharing their story with us.

 

A Little Luxury

When we think of luxury, we think of exotic cars, fabulous homes and jewels from shops like Tiffany.  We can, however, have luxury at the bridge table, too.

This week, John Koch demonstrates how to use luxury at the table for your benefit.

Seattle in Pictures

Check out District14.org for shots of players from our district and those with longtime ties competing in Seattle!

Holiday Sectional Results

While some Minnesotans were at the Seattle NABC, others kept the bridge fires warm here at home.

This past weekend, folks headed to North St. Paul for the Holiday Sectional.  The dynamic father/son duo of Terry and John Lijewski headed the top of the masterpoints earned list with almost 18.

Results can be found here.  Congratulations all!

Take Your Tricks

Take your tricks.  The name of the game, isn't it?

Sometimes, however, even if they are there for the taking, it is not so easy to figure out how to do it!  This week, on a hand where the tricks are there but the transportation is tricky, John Koch demonstrates how to bring home the bacon.

Speaking of which, Your Editor is happy to report a most fun experience at the Seattle NABC.  A couple of months ago, I came up with an idea.  Wouldn't it be fun to play with a young man I know, junior Adam Kaplan, in the Kaplan Blue Ribbon Pairs?  Adam agreed to make a date.  We were going to try to practice online, but, it never came to be.  So - we started out day #1 of the Blues on our virgin venture.

So far?  So good.  Adam is a delightful fifteen year old - and a super talented player.  Our first day went very well - and - our second day first session went so well that we found we were leading at the half!  Our evening set did not provide us with as friendly of opponents.  So, we dropped to sixth overall. 

No matter the outcome today, however, I am most impressed with this young man.  Talk about knowing how to take your tricks!