Minnesota Bridge

Options Open

Part of what makes bridge so fascinating is how complex it is.  While some hands are a "sure thing" - if only you can figure out what the "sure thing is!" - many others are a matter of weighing the odds.  In addition, a top notch player adds in creative thoughts, such as what their particular opponents can figure out, laying traps and the like.

In John Koch's column today, declarer finds a way to success.  It is not a path that is guaranteed.  Yet, not only does it heighten the odds of success - on this particular hand, it ultimately secures it.

Here is John with his "Pseudo Bath Coup!"

Unit 178 Board Agenda

What will the Board for Unit 178 be doing on November 10th?  Look below to find out what their agenda is!

Reading Glasses Redux

Have you been missing your specs since the St. Paul USBF Regional?  Four pairs were left at the tournament.

They are currently being stored at the Twin Cities Bridge Center.  They will be at the State Sectional in Shakopee the first weekend in November.  If you are missing your pair and think that they may be in this group-of-four, then either contact the TCBC or look for them at the MN State Sectional.

 

Sizing Up the Opponents

Do you declare a hand the same against Joe Schmoe as you do against Bob Hamman?  Well - some hands you should.... but others?  I don't think so.

Neither does John Koch.  This week, some thoughts on how to read the opponents' plays and discards.

Minnesota State Sectional 2012

In addition to the Worldwide Simultaneous Pairs on Wednesday, we have another fine opportunity for keen competition in our state.  The first weekend in November, the MN State Sectional is happening. 

With lots of hospitality, pair and team events and a mini-lesson on Friday prior to the evening session, this sectional is not to be missed!

Co-chairmen Kathy Beckman and Verda Gould hope you will head on out to Shakopee with your favorite partners and teammates and go for the gusto!  Many more details can be found below in the tournament flyer.

WBF Simultaneous Pairs

The World Bridge Federation is committed to the development of Youth Bridge - the future of our wonderful game.  To this end, Gianarriogo Rona, WBF President, has asked Ecats Bridge to organize four new Simultaneous Pairs each year.  The purpose of these games (in addition to great competition!) is to raise funds that will specifically help Youth Bridge.

WBF Year Points will be awarded to the leading pairs and the ACBL will award their own master points as well.  Players can track their results worldwide by going to the Ecats Bridge site:   http://www.ecatsbridge.com/default.asp

Support youth bridge and enjoy this worldwide competition!  Steve Gaynor will be hosting the game at the Twin City Bridge Center on Wednesday, October 24th at 7PM.

GNT - 2012-2013

Want to win a trip to the Summer NABC in Atlanta?  Time to get qualified!

The Grand National Teams is a super way to compete and earn a subsizied trip to the Nationals! 

You can find all the details from our District 14 coordinator, Mike Cassel, over at our District 14 website.  Follow the links, get qualified and try to be the team in your bracket that goes for the gold!

Consolation Prize

There's an old saying in bridge - and in life:  "Get the best result possible."  We all yearn for the best possible result.... but quite often, reaching that nirvana is impossible.  Thus, if we get the best result that is possible.... we've done good.

This week, John Koch treats us to a hand where this wisdom springs to life.  Sometimes, our consolation prize is sweet indeed.

Gone Bridging!

With many of our Minnesota players competing 3 sessions a day at the USBF Regional, posting will be light here at MN Bridge.  Look for Koch's Korner and other delights as soon as the last card has been played in our special regional!

And - please come on down and enjoy the fun in St. Paul!

NAP and USBF Regional News

NAP District Finals completed Sunday, October 7th and our USBF Regional began today, October 8th.

Please check out posts at our District 14 website for news, Daily Bulletins and more!

USBF Regional 2012

Our "extra" special Regional starts Monday afternoon in St. Paul.  We'll be posting daily bulletins from ACBL Director District 13 Suzi Subeck daily - along with photos and other tidbits.  Monday's Bulletin is already up.

Once the tournament gets under way, please continue to visit our District 14 website for all that's happening in St. Paul this week!

And - be sure to come out and play, too!

 

Occam's Razor at the Bridge Table

As we know all too well, bridge is a complex game.  We often go through a multitude of steps, assessing the best bid or play.

Sometimes, however, the most simple answer is the best answer.  We might call it "Occam's razor at the bridge table!"  (And - for those who are not familiar with this concept - a thorough explanation can be found here.)

Steve Gaynor sent me a hand today that is one of those "wow!" sort of hands.  Each of us might have a very different method of handling it. 

How did Steve's wife, Jean Boettcher, deal with the distributional monster in Steve's story?  Please read below to find out just how Jean met with success!

Forewarned

At some point in their bridge careers, most Twin City duplicate players have competed at the Twin Cities Bridge Center. 

There, we find a wide range of players.  Some are dipping their toes into the waters of duplicate for the first time.  Others have been competing literally for decades.  Irrespective, however, of level of ability and length of time at the table, all of us are fortunate to have a familiar bridge spot.  Throughout the week, we can head to the TCBC and do our best to be victorious.

This week, John Koch chronicles a hand that matched long time competitors against one another.  TGLO (The Great Larry Oakey, who truly is one of the finest bridge players ever from Minnesota) issued a warning to John about one of his opponents, the ever crafty Murray Appelbaum.  I will let you read John's story to judge what happened from there!