Minnesota Bridge

Taking Care of Partner

What makes a good player great?  Much of the time, we think that being able to calculate the highest percentage action for declaring or defense is the answer - or, perhaps having super bidding skills.  And, no doubt, these are all critically important abilities to winning.

Nevertheless, another skill that is key too often is overlooked:  making life a bit easier for partner.

Too often, we forget that we are on the same side as partner! After the fact, we may argue about how partner should have known what was going on....  

In reality, however, with more reflection we realize that we didn't do all that we could to help partner to go right.

This week, John Koch demonstrates not only how to figure out a hand, but how to help partner figure it out, too!

And, for those who do not know, John and his partner, Tony Ames, won the national title in this tough field!  With the skills and thoughtfulness that John and Tony have - we are not surprised.

See You in September

Those interested in Unit 178 business are invited to read through the Board of Directors' agenda for September 7th!

All the Tools

What makes the difference between a reasonable player and a great one?  

Oftentimes, it's this.  The reasonable player selects a number of good choices.  Yet the great one leaves no stone unturned - and utilizes all the tools at his disposal.

This week, John Koch demonstrates how to turn what on first blush looks like a rough hand into success!

Late Autumn

The last regionals (split in Davenport and Fargo) for District 14 are coming up in a week. Be sure to attend!

But - lucky us.  The first weekend in November, we have a wonderful sectional to attend. Start making your plans for the Minnesota Sectional in Shakopee.

Free parking, coffee in the mornings, free dinner Saturday between sessions!  Of course, loads of great bridge throughout!

If you have questions about the tourney, do get in touch with co-chairmen Barb Zipoy ([email protected]) or Linda Brammer ([email protected]).  Diane Henson ([email protected]) is available for help with partnerships.

Put this fun event on your schedule - and join me in thanking all of our volunteers for helping to make bridge in Minnesota super-duper!

Learn Bridge in a Day

Patty Tucker of Atlanta conducted a big "Learn Bridge in A Day" seminar at our most recent NABC in her home town.  As always, the class was a resounding success.

But if you weren't able to make it in Georgia - not to worry!  You have the opportunity to enjoy Learn Bridge in a Day close to home.  On September 7th, the Bridge Center of St. Paul is offering a five hour Learn Bridge in a Day class.

All the details are in the flyer below.  Attend for yourself - or introduce your friends to our great game!

Clue

Do you remember playing the board game "Clue" as a child?  You'd have to figure out "who dunnit" with logic from the clues that you had available to you.

In that regard, bridge is similar.  We take all the information we have at our disposal, then try to determine what is the Right Thing to Do.

Sometimes, if we offer the opponents too much data, we can do ourselves in.  Such was the case in this Koch Korner hand that John Koch delivers today.

Fine declarer play!  And - never forget that sometimes, giving declarer too much information can mean you are hung by your own rope in the playing area!

Abuse at the Table

A zero at matchpoints?  No one likes it.

If, however, the source of your destruction is your spouse, then you have a combination of sour and sweet!

Steve Gaynor has all the details!

Trick One

Sometimes, the most important decision on a hand comes before dummy has even been seen.  It's the opening lead; the start of Trick One.

How do you know what will be the winning lead?  What sort of reasoning should take place?

This week, John Koch instructs us on how to Win Big from the get-go!