Bridge players are competitive beings. We not only love to do well and win when we can - we love to earn masterpoints! And - along with masterpoints, we can rise in ACBL rankings. From Rookie, with a maximum of 5 masterpoints, on to levels such as Regional Master, Life Master, along with different Life Master rankings (Bronze, Silver, Gold and so forth) - we love to go higher and higher.
Eventually, the highest rank available is achieved by a very few: Grand Life Master. What must a player do to earn this title? The ACBL explains:
It requires 10,000 Masterpoints and one victory in a North American Bridge Championship with no upper Masterpoint restriction or an Open Team Trials (includes CNTC) or its equivalent or a Women’s Team Trials (includes CWTC) or its equivalent or any of the following WBF events: Bermuda Bowl, Venice Cup, Rosenblum Cup, McConnell Cup, Open Pairs, Women’s Pairs, Olympiad, Women’s Team Olympiad, WBF Senior Pairs event, WBF World Swiss Teams, WBF World Mixed Teams, and WBF Senior Teams.
How tough is it to achieve this? To start, only .40% of ACBL members ever earn 10,000 points or more. So - already, we are at a very lofty bar. Add in the requirement of a non-restricted NABC Championship, Team Trial or certain World Bridge Federation events, and you cut the class to only .20% of the ACBL.
Now, we are most proud to announce that this elite ACBL class has a new member: John Koch.
If you play bridge in Minnesota, the odds are high that you know John Koch. John serves on Unit 103's Board of Directors. He competes at various levels of play - most of the time, quite successfully! And, many of us have enjoyed John's superb writing and bridge analysis in his "Koch Korner" columns. In "real life," John is a successful attorney, great husband and dad.
Many of us, including your MN Bridge webmaster, have been fortunate to either partner John or reap the rewards of having him as a teammate. John is unfailingly competitive, insightful, pleasant, friendly and highly ethical at the table.
I will stop, however, with my own accolades about John. I could go on and on; John deserves so much praise!
Instead, allow me to share John's own words about his path to Grand Life Master. But before I present his story below, one more caveat. John is too humble! Believe me, someone who knows.... John is someone who never disappoints, as a partner or a teammate - or a friend.
Congratulations, John Koch! We salute you as Minnesota's second Grand Life Master - and as only one of seven in District 14! Very well done!
And - heeeeeeeeere's John!
Congratulations John!
Posted by: Paul Gutterman | April 20, 2016 at 07:05 PM
Congratulations John. It is always a pleasure to be at the table with you.
Posted by: Grant Boadwine | April 20, 2016 at 07:30 PM
Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Rebecca | April 21, 2016 at 10:32 PM
Congratulations to the nicest Notre Dame fan I know.
Posted by: Greg Caucutt | April 22, 2016 at 11:03 AM
Congratulations!! I guess nice guys don't always finish last.
Posted by: Andy Caranicas | April 22, 2016 at 12:32 PM
Andy - ain't that the truth!
Posted by: Peg | April 22, 2016 at 03:26 PM
John is a very rare commodity. Read or re-read his comments on attaining GLMasterhood. I count myself quite lucky to have sat across from him a few times and always enjoy competing against his so very thoughtful presence.
When is that book coming out?
Posted by: michael cassel | April 30, 2016 at 01:01 AM
Congrats John!
Posted by: Peder | April 30, 2016 at 11:54 PM