Minnesota Bridge

Unit 178 - BOD Minutes - January 2016

Our thanks to Unit 178's Board of Directors.  Always working for the good of bridge in the Minneapolis area and beyond - here is what transpired at the most recent January meeting!

Bob Brink - Gold Life Master!

 

Bob Brink of St. Paul has a new achievement:  he is now a Gold Life Master.  Richard Dehlinger has all the details!

Congratulations, Bob!  On to the next level!

On February 12, 2016, Bob Brink earned 1.01 in a team game at Bridge Center of St. Paul.  It raised his Master Point Total to 2,500+, earning him Gold Life Master status.  He returned to the club today with his partner, Orwin Carter, to start working toward 3,500 - the new Sapphire Life Master level.

Bob said he learned Bridge from his wife, Jewel, who played at the Women’s City Club in downtown St. Paul from the sixties through 1985.  At that time Bob retired as teacher of Mathematics in the St. Paul system and played regularly with her here and in Florida where they wintered.
 
Getting determined when Bob neared 1000, he joined with Ward Smith, with whom he reached the total. By way of recollection of the old days, he says he remembers some pairs still opening 4-card majors.

            

 

            Richard Dehlinger

 

Minnesota Mini-McKenney and Ace of Clubs Races

 

Masterpoint races for 2016's Mini-McKenney and Ace of Clubs are now up and running at ACBL.org.  If you check on the left side of the website, you can see the stats.  Currently, 2015's numbers are still up, too.

Congrats to those who are off to the races!  Good luck to everyone for having a blast as you earn your masterpoints!  

Almost all of 2016 is left to compete - learn - win - enjoy!

GOPHER!

Dreary February days are still being dealt to Minnesotans.  But - fear not!  May is closer than you think!

And with May flowers, we get .... The Gopher Regional!

A full schedule with all the details is posted below.  Start making your plans for fun, competition and a fine array of events and hospitality NOW!

Some Like It Hot!

 

To celebrate Valentine's Day, The Rochester Duplicate Bridge Club had a "dress up" day.

This photo was sent to me with a "WOW" heading...  Quite accurate, I would say!

Genny Rice and Alice Ernster surely know how to "dress up" to the nines for Valentine's Day!

Winners in our book!

 

 

 

 

Love Bridge?

If you love our game - then you will love all these super upcoming events!

Our thanks to Diane Henson to keeping us up to date on all the bridge happenings in Minnesota!

 

Upcoming events and news 8 is Enough team game at Bridge Center of St. Paul - Feb 27  5:30pm potluck, 6pm game.  Please let Kim know if you'd like to play and she will help you find a team if you need help. Kim 651-271-3500.                                   Spring Sectional at Twin City Bridge Center Mar 4-6  See link for games and times:Spring Sectional Rochester Sectional Apr.1-3 Rochester Intl Event Center; see link for information: Rochester Sectional  Note the cutoff date for the hotel bridge rates is 3/1/16. Gopher Regional May 23-29 at Ramada MOA   Gopher Regional GNT Qualifying games run through the beginning of May 2016.  Please check with local clubs for games.  Here are some that are posted: Twin City Bridge Center:  Feb 15 at 11am  Come with a team or the director will provide teammates. Light lunch provided. If you have questions or want to register in advance, contact [email protected], April 9 at 1pm Bridge Center of St. Paul: Feb 12 & 15- at 10am , Feb 21 at 5:30 Plymouth Bridge Club at Edina Sr. Center: Feb 23, March 29, April 26 at 6:30 pm, Feb. 11, Mar. 10, Mar. 24 at 7pm Minneapolis Grand Slam Club:  Edina Senior Center at 7:15pm, Feb 12 & 19- BAM Team qualifier.  Rochester:  March 30 at 12:30pm GNT finals to be held in Omaha, NE May 14-15 in conjunction with a Sectional Tournament starting on May 12th.See flyer:GNT Sectional

The Littlest Kibitzers

The names Bob and Cindy Balderson are pretty well known in Minnesota's bridge community.  These two competitors, married for many years now, each have long lists of successes.  We are always proud to see them representing us at the table.

But what may be less known to others are their roles as loving Papa and Grammy.  Last weekend at the Winter Silver Sectional, players got a glimpse of Bob and Cindy with their dear grandchildren, Louisa and Joseph.

The grandkids enjoyed lunch with the rest of us during the mid-day break.  Demonstrating that their abilities as Papa and Grammy are as strong as their bridge prowess, Bob and Cindy delivered hugs, plates of food and clean up afterwards.

We look forward to a few years down the road; perhaps Louisa and Joseph will take up the game, too!  If so - watch out, Minnesota bridge!

Winter Silver Sectional Results

 

Fortunately for all of us driving to North St. Paul over the weekend, real winter didn't decide to arrive until today! It is nasty in much of southern MN; stay safe, everyone!

On a brighter (and far less snowy) note, we are delighted to report about another great Minnesota sectional! Final results are in and can be viewed here.  At the top of the masterpoint heap, we find Jim Stepnes.  The only competitor to break the 30 masterpoint barrier, Jim earned a whopping 31.77! Barry Purrington captured 2nd highest masterpoint earnings, with a most respectable 26.08. The full masterpoint list is here.

Our thanks to Keith Thompson, tournament chair, Kim Hayward, partnerships, and Mike Flader, DIC.  Additional thanks to all the volunteers, especially those providing yummy treats every day!

And now - the stars of the weekend:  our players!

Winter Silver Point Sectional Smiles

While we are awaiting a correction from the tournament results, we will share what we know to be true:  people had a great time!

Lots of smiles on many faces!  Here are but a few....

Hand of the Century?

Many of us, when given the opportunity, will kibitz some of the greats.  Why?

Because you might see them commit a magic trick like this one!  Enjoy watching the incredible Geir Helgemo in action!