We are SO LUCKY! Connie is Going to the Gopher; Hope You Follow Suit!

I’m Going to the Gopher.   

Hope You Follow Suit!

By Connie Nelson

The 2022 Minnesota Gopher Regional is one week away.  We are ready and waiting.  Now, we just need you – the players!  Each day offers a variety of two-session and single-session events with games for players of all experience levels.  Six days await you (May 23-28, Monday-Saturday) to play bridge, win gold masterpoints, and more.

Personally, I can’t wait.  For the first time in three years, I recently played my first face-to-face, multi-club bridge game at the ACBL Unit 103 Awards Luncheon.  There was something so energizing about being back amidst the camaraderie of new and familiar faces, and that friendly competition.  I found myself sitting up straighter and my heart beating faster.  I was more focused on the bids, the play, and my defense than I ever was playing online.  I loved it!

Now, come and enjoy the Gopher with me.  Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel, at 34^th Avenue & American Blvd in Bloomington. Games start at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• Make your room reservation today. Call (952) 854-9000, and ask for discount code MGB. Single or double rooms are only $99/night, and suites are $129.
• Before leaving home, check current COVID positivity rates and ACBL protocols on our website: ly/gopherregional. Currently, Hennepin County is rated “medium” and masking is optional.
• COME EARLY the first day you come to play. Allow for a little extra time to get the wristband signifying that you are fully vaccinated. 
• When you arrive, please park on the top level of the hotel’s ramp. Parking is free.
• Check in at the Health and Safety Desk to get the vaccination wristband you’ll need to buy an entry or enter the playing area. Pre-register by sending a picture of your vaccination card to [email protected]; then simply show your photo ID at the Desk.  Or show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.
• Pick up your free Gopher Regional pen, pencil, and sticker at the Information Desk. You will also find information on game schedules and area attractions.
• Grab a cup of free coffee or tea.  Off-site and on-site dining is conveniently nearby.  Onsite, the Caribou Kiosk will offer a $10 lunch, or $5 pizza & beverage, daily.
• Find a partner or teammates at the Partnership Desk. Please come an hour before the session in which you are interested.  Or, better yet, email Partnership Chair Sue Grue at [email protected] prior to May 23^rd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games. This year, cashless transactions are preferred.  All major credit cards will be accepted.  Please understand that due to COVID protocols, we will not be able to offer change for cash payment.  Canadian players, please identify yourselves to ensure you receive the promised discount.
• Have a great time, and Go-Pher the Gold!

You may think that only experienced players attend Tournaments.  Not true!  Intermediate and Newcomer players are encouraged to attend too.  You can play in an I/N game that only players with fewer than 299 masterpoints can enter.  There are Gold Rush games for Gold Points for players with under 750 masterpoints. You can “Go-Pher” it, and try a stratified open game.  You pick and choose.

And breaking news!   Thanks to a grant from the MN Bridge Education Foundation, players with fewer than five masterpoints can play in the I/N games for free!  And, free lessons will be given from 2:00-2:30 Tuesday through Friday in the I/N playing area.  Bring your lunch and learn. 

Daily “Lunch and Learn” Topics

• Tuesday, May 24. Negative Doubles  with Larry Huiras               

Learn the secrets of negative doubles.  You will be surprised!

• Wednesday, May 25. DONT with Greg Caucutt

We will discuss the Do's and DONT's of one of the most popular conventions for Disturbing Opponents’ No Trump (i.e. DONT).

• Thursday, May 26. Responses to Overcalls with Connie Nelson

Your partner bids over an opponent’s opening bid.  What kind of hand does she promise?  How do you respond?  Come learn some common partnership agreements - and why they are useful.

• Friday, May 27. What do You Know, Joe?  with James Schnepf

A good detective picks up clues to help determine what to do next.  So does a good bridge player.  What clues can you pick up from the bidding and opening lead that will help you decide how to play the hand?

We are excited to have our face-to-face tournament back and look forward to seeing you there.   If you have any other questions, visit our website at: bit.ly/gopherregional, or contact me at [email protected].

Our BIG THANKS to Connie - 

And All the Others who are working SO DILIGENTLY
 
So we can have a SUPERLATIVE GOPHER REGIONAL!!