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Some simple concepts can be very critical.
Is your partner's bid forcing - or not? If forcing, then you do not want to pass and play your slam in a part score! If not forcing, you do not want to bid on, get too high and earn a minus score - or even worse, get doubled and go for some large number!
Sue Jackson has some ideas to help you determine: forcing or not?
Any doubts that we are in the throes of winter have been dismissed by the last few days. Bitter cold temperatures, with wind chill hovering around minus 25 to 30, is an "alert" that winter has definitely arrived!
We Minnesotans, however, are hardy stock. And, who better than we to know how best to cope with winter... than with a bridge tournament!
Early in February the Winter Carnival 2015 is scheduled. Held Friday, February 6th through Sunday the 8th at the Bridge Center of St. Paul, events and treats await you. In addition to the excellent schedule, you can enjoy free lunch daily, snacks and freshly brewed coffee. A flyer with all the details can be viewed here.
Instead of cursing the weather - head to St. Paul's Winter Carnival! Bridge, treats, a warm atmosphere and fun are all waiting!
In Real Life, a squeeze from a loved one or in celebration is most enjoyable. Similarly in bridge, this advanced technique can often aid a player in making a contract - or defeating one on defense.
Sometimes, however, we can inadvertently squeeze ourselves - then not be happy with
the result!
Sue Jackson highlights how to not squeeze yourself!
This coming Sunday, December 21st 3PM central time, an all star Junior/Pro team will compete on BBO vugraph. One of the junior players is Minnesota's star, Ben Kristensen, recent silver medalist in international junior competition.
Team LV BRIDGEBUMS is Curtis Cheek, Barry Goren, Ben Kristensen and Michael Hu. Curtis will partner Ben; Barry will play with Michael.
Team SCAPROS is Bart Bramley, Bob Hamman, Edmund Wu and Kevin Rosenberg. Bart will compete with Edmund; Bob with Kevin.
An all star cast of commentators will be on hand, too: Larry Cohen, Michael and Debbie Rosenberg, plus another hometown star - Joe Grue.
Lindsey Weigner of New York has been instrumental in coordinating this 16 board event. We hope you will watch Sunday and enjoy the show - and be a part of supporting a great cause, too.
More details from BBO can be found here.
One very special result happened at the Holiday Sectional in St. Paul last weekend. Janice Hartness became a Life Master!
Congratulations to Janice, who earned the necessary points while playing with her partner away and at the table - husband Carl.
A number of our players kicked off the month by competing in the festive Holiday Sectional in St. Paul. Results from all events are here.
John Stansbury headed the masterpoints earned list, with 22.94. Just a teensy bit behind were Terry Beckman and John Koch, tied at 22.27. The full list of masterpoints won is here.
Thanks to all volunteers, organizers, directors and YOU, the competitors!
A "ghoulie" at the bridge table is a hand with wild distribution. The name originated from deals where shuffling was minimal and abnormal hands were the result.
Steve Gaynor has a marvelous ghoulie tale for us. It originated in a game at his friend Norrie Thomas' home.
Posted below; enjoy!
St. Paul's festive Holiday Sectional begins today! Enjoy a weekend of pairs, pair team games and a Swiss on Sunday at the Bridge Center of St. Paul.
All the details are here; grab your favorite partner and go for the gusto!
Melody Bi and Paul Meerschaert, teammates for the Open B-A-M, wave from Providence.
Good luck to them and to all our Minnesota friends who are vying for tricks in Providence, RI!