Minnesota Bridge

Lazard Sportsman of the Year

A number of prestigious titles can be won in the bridge world. Few bridge players have nabbed as many as Howard Weinstein has.

Now, Howie can add yet another title to his impressive list:  2015 Sidney H. Lazard Jr. Sportsman of the Year.

The award is "named after Sidney Lazard Jr, who died of cancer in 1999, and was established to salute a top player each year who plays hard and, win or lose, does so with grace and dignity."

Those of us who know Howie are well aware that his talents in our game are not limited to the ability to win at the highest levels. Howie also comports himself, at and away from the table, with sterling ethics and a pleasant demeanor - something that we know is sometimes a challenge to do!

Howie began his illustrious bridge career in Minnesota. No matter where he lives, however, Howie is quite the ambassador for our game.

Congratuations, Howie! A most deserving choice and wise selection by the nominating committee!

"I Bid Five"

If you're a bridge player, then you love hearing about bridge hands. Sometimes, the funny ones are the best.

CSBNews, Confederacion Sudamericana de Bridge, has a wide array of stories - and hands - to instruct and amuse.  Here is just one of many!

DON'T Shuffle, Deal and Play!

At a recent sectional, competitors had to go back in time. No, everyone was not forced to play Charlie Goren 1950’s Standard American. They did, however, have to resort to a behavior we haven’t seen for some time: making hands prior to play. 

At each table, players sorted cards into suits, received hand records, made hands, moved boards, and then were able – finally! – to play. 

What caused these prehistoric tasks? Unit 178’s dealing machine was on the fritz. 

The Unit board judged that the time and enjoyment of our players is too important to not have a well oiled dealing machine at our beck and call. Thus, the board decided to purchase a second machine – and we asked our players to help contribute to the cause. 

We did not know what the response would be. It turned out to be awesome! We were blown away by your generosity, met our goal and were able to purchase the new dealing machine. 

Our thanks to all who contributed and to the generosity of our community!

What's Happening?

This!  Our thanks to Diane Henson for the head's up!

                         

Jan. 31- International Fund Game#1- Twin City Bridge Center 1PM

 Hand records and analysis provided

 

 

Feb. 1st  (Super Bowl) at Bridge Center of St. Paul

 Note that the game time has been moved to 1PM so you can get home in time to watch the Super Bowl;  snacks will be provided during the bridge game.

  

Feb. 6-8  Winter Carnival Sectional at the Bridge Center of St. Paul

 

            Friday:  10am , 2:15pm and 7:15pm, Open Pair/Team and IN Pairs(0-300)

 

         Saturday:  10am Open Pair/Team & IN pairs, 2:15pm Regionally Rated pairs (40% more MPs) and I/N pairs

 

                    7:15pm 1 session Stratified Swiss teams

 

             Sunday:    10am & TBD:Stratified Swiss (two sessions)

 

10am and 2:15pm  I/N Swiss (single sessions)

 

Free lunch daily!  See link for complete information: Winter Carnival Sectional

 

GNT qualifying games

 Check with local clubs; some dates are listed below:

 

Edina Community Center (Tony Ames) : Jan 27 at 6:30pm, Jan. 29 at 7pm, Feb 12 at 7pm, Feb 24 at 6:30pm

 

Bridge Center of St. Paul:  Feb 22 and Mar 29 at 5:30 pm

 

Mpls Grand Slam Club at Edina Community Center : Feb 13 & 20 at 7:15pm- BAM team GNT qualifiers

 

Fort Snelling Officers Club, Wed, Feb. 18th @ 6:30- for members only

   

GNT Finals April 11-12 in Rochester

 

Flight C: 2 sessions on Saturday

 

Flights A & B: 2 session qualifying on Saturday and 2 session semi-final and final on Sunday.

 

Unit 178 - Board Meeting January 2015 Minutes

Starting out the new year, we thank the Unit 178 board for all their efforts! Below, you can read the minutes from the January 2015 meeting.

Happy New Year!

Wishing all our Minnesota bridge lovers a happy and healthy 2015!