Minnesota Bridge

Soon - a New Year!

Bridge in January - and Beyond!

Our thanks to all those who help to make our bridge experiences
the BEST that they can be!

We look forward to those who will be playing in January.

And we are grateful to those who will help newer players -
and are excited for both "new-bees"
and for the power house competitors -
Both for their superb abilities and talents.

Feel free to see what all of our various players are up to!
Meet and greet with others.

And here's to fun holidays - 
plus applause with those who have reached new achievements!

January - we will be coming SOON!!!
Get ready, all our players!
We're looking for ya!!

Are you ready for the holidays? I'm not, but it always seems that I do enjoy this time every year in spite of the little details that I didn't get done. As I get older, it's easier to remember that and to just relax and take a dee[ breath. (Sigh) Isn't the snow beautiful in the sun under a bright blue sky? Soon it will be January with more exciting bridge to be played. January Schedule *Alert* The Edina Senior Center will be closed Friday, Dec 23, through Wednesday, Dec 28, so those games are cancelled. The game on Tuesday, Dec 27, in Studio 1 will take place as usual. Tony just announced a new game for 0-1000 pairs at 12:45 on Thursdays, starting January 5. The game will be at Studio 1, 6000 South Lyndale Avenue, Minneapolis. Here's another opportunity for us less experienced players to sharpen our skills without having to face the top players -- who are very nice, but who give me soooo many learning opportunities ;-). The full schedule for January is attached. Unit 178 Board doings Did you know that Unit 178 used to be combined with Unit 103, so that all of Minnesota was in the Gopher unit? That was more than 30 years ago, and the reasons for the split are no longer compelling. So some members of the 178 and 103 boards met a couple of weeks ago to consider reunification. Advantages of combining units include needing fewer volunteers for unit functions including board members, and eliminating some duplication (i.e., 1 treasurer). However there was little enthusiasm for the move because each unit is already rather large, and the trend in the ACBL is to smaller units. So instead, in 2023, the two units will work together to improve the bridge experience for all MN bridge players, with better communication, and coordinated schedules of games, sectional tournaments, and lessons, and shared resources across the units. The Unit 178 board did not meet separately in December. Milestones Congratulations to the following members on their recent achievements: Junior Master: David Carlsen Life Master: Todd Flowerday Ruby Life Masters: Bonnie Fellerman, Gary Kippenberg Gold Life Master: Sandy Fisher Sapphire Life Master: Paul Sitz Diamond Life Master: Robert Schachter Happy Holidays However you celebrate this time of year, I hope that you are safe and warm, and full of good cheer.

 

Are We Lucky? YES WE ARE!!

It's "Chilly-Willie" time now!

But with superb people helping at our bridge games.
Food available at various times.

Silver points for those who can grab 'em!

And those who work hard to keep our games super duper!

Tournament Chair:
     Larry McIntyre
        email:   [email protected]

Plus Kimberly Hayward
Tournament Director
AND
Helping with Partnerships

Check out all the details
And have a great time!!

Bridge Center of St. Paul
          Holiday Sectional

       December 9-11, 2022

          2603 6th Ave East
      North St. Paul, MN 55109

 

ACBL Unit 103

Dear Kerry,      Bridge Center of St. Paul           Holiday Sectional        December 9-11, 2022           2603 6th Ave East       North St. Paul, MN 55109 Game Times: 10:00am & 2:30pm            Fees:   $11 per person per session Food:  Friday/Saturday on your own various local resturants walking distance.            Sunday lunch provided during Swiss. Enjoy the season and win some Silver Points. Share some holiday cheer and bring some non-perishable food items. Food items donated to the North St. Paul Area Food Self. See the attached flyer for details. Tournament Chair:      Larry McIntyre         email:   [email protected]  Partnerships:      Kimberly Hayward         phone: 651-271-3500         email:   [email protected] Tournament Director:      Kimberly Hayward Notice: In accordance with ACBL safety protocols:  PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED before being admitted to the playing area. Masks optional unless a player asks opponants to wear masks at their table.

Unit 178 Board Meeting - November 3, 2022

Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting - November 3, 2022

 

Fri, Nov 18, 2022 3:34 pm

 

Steven Gaynor ([email protected])To:you (Bcc) + 1 more Details

 

 The Unit 178 Board of Directors meeting was called to order on November 3, 2022 at 4pm.

 

Present: David Trevor, Cass Weil, Steve Gaynor, Vicky Smith, Deana Liddy, John Schlundt, Sue Sanger, Tom Botten 

 

Deana reported that ACBL has selected Minneapolis as the location of the summer 2026 NABC.  Exact dates and site are not yet determined.  Steve will meet in December with reps from the Unit 103 Board; discussion will include how we will work together to provide volunteer and other assistance for this event.  John and Cass will also attend.

 

Tony’s Saturday game will return to Studio One beginning in January.  He will also hold a sectional tournament May 5-7, likely at Edina.  There was discussion but no decision whether to hold an Aquatennial sectional next summer.  We need to find a tournament chair, the board will seek volunteers.

 

 

Tony’s Saturday game will return to Studio One beginning in January.  He will also hold a sectional tournament May 5-7, likely at Edina.  There was discussion but no decision whether to hold an Aquatennial sectional next summer.  We need to find a tournament chair, the board will seek volunteers.

 

We discussed the need for a stronger pipeline of new directors.  One obstacle appears to be that some who may be willing to direct are not willing to handle all the set=up and other required computer tasks.  However, there may be others who would be willing to handle the computer tasks but prefer to play rather than direct games.  We will try to identify players who might be willing to fulfill these roles, and provide appropriate training.

 

 We discussed what action, if any, the Unit should take when a player dies.  Consensus seems to be to take no action except if the player has been a director, tournament chair or other active leader in the bridge community.  Sue will draft a policy statement prior to the next Board meeting.

 

 Respectfully submitted,

 Sue Sanger

Does Steve Gaynor Know how to Share Bridge Secrets?

You Betcha!!

 

SECRETS OF NEGATIVE DOUBLES

 

by Steven Gaynor

 

 

Negative doubles are used when the opponents interfere with your auction and make it difficult to bid your suits without misleading partner about your HCP or length of your best suits.  The player using the negative double usually has at least two places to comfortably play the hand with an emphasis on unbid majors.

 

 

Example:  You hold:  53, KQ98, K875, J54

 

 

Partner opens 1C, and your RHO bids 1S.  You rarely want to double 1S for penalties, so the double is called ‘negative’ meaning you have the unbid suits or, at least, the unbid major and about 7-10 HCP.  This would be a classic negative double situation.  It is most important to be disciplined in these hands so partner knows when to bid again or to pass.

 

 

When you have a longer suit, it is tempting to bid at the two level, but you run the danger of misleading partner about your strength.  There is a way to handle it – double, then bid your suit.  This shows extra length, but limited point count.

 

 

Take this quiz with your favorite partner(s).  Discuss your responses and come to agreements.  The suggested responses on the next page are based on the most common treatments among experienced Standard American partnerships.  Of course you may play anything you want, but these seem to work the best in the long run.

 

 

Partner opens 1C and RHO bids Spades.  What would you bid with:

 

 

                                                                              Over 1S                Over 2S

 

1. 53, KJ98,  854,  K965

 

2. AJT, KJT4,  32, Q654

 

3. 53, KQ9865,  32, Q54

 

4. A3, KQ9865, 32, Q54

 

5. 3, KQ9865,  QJ975, 2

 

6. AJT, KJ3, A5, K9743

 

7. J8754, Q98,  A54,  43

 

8. KQJT9, Q98, A5, Q54

 

 

 

 

 

SUGGESTED RESPONSES:

 

 

 

X = double

 

P = Pass

 

 

 

1. X - P. You have plenty to double over 1S.  If partner bids 2D you can go back to 3C.  If he bids hearts, you pass.  If he jumps to 3H you will go on for sure at IMP’s and probably would at matchpoints, too.  Over 2S this is probably the best hand you could hold and not make a negative double. 

 

2. X - X. With your near opener, you have enough to force to the 3 level. Over 3D you may try 3N with double stops in both majors and the likelihood of 5 Club tricks.

 

3. X - X. Doubling and then bidding a suit tells partner you do not have enough to bid your suit freely, but you have 5+ cards in it.  This is not forcing, nor should you ever entertain bidding hearts directly without at least 10 HCP, or at least a beefy 9.  Changing the CQ to the CA would justify a direct 2H call.

 

4. 2H - 3H. Here you have your direct heart bids at either level.  Partner will appreciate hand #4 for a direct heart call vs. hand #3.  A Spade bid now by partner would ask you for a stopper for a NT contract.

 

5. X - X. If partner rebids clubs, you bid hearts in either case.  Nothing you can do about a diamond fit if you have one.

 

6. 2S - 3S. Sometimes it is tough to bid good hands with interference.  You probably have a play for 6C and should aim for that eventually.  First, however, you need to find out more about partner’s hand.  The best way to do that is to cue bid and see what happens.  If you double, partner may jump in hearts, since you really should have 4 of them in any case.

 

7. 1N - P. Bidding 1N here shows your point count well and gives partner a clue as to what to do next (probably pass).  Over 2S, pass, and if partner reopens with a double, do not leave it in as your spades are not close to being good enough.  Over partner’s reopening X, 2N is your best call in that shows your values (6-9) and a stopper in their suit.  Partner should have a pretty good hand to reopen over 2S, and will carry on if appropriate.

 

8. P – P. Now you are out for blood.  If you get to defend a spade contract, you will start by drawing trumps and watch them go down a lot, probably more than the value of your game.

Waterloo Sectional Tournament!

An Opportunity for the Waterloo Sectional Tournament!

Check out the Details!

Get Ready for November 11-12 - 2022!

A Super Way to End 2022!

ACBL Unit 163

Waterloo Fall Sectional November 11 - 12, 2022 Westminster Presbyterian Church  1301 Kimball Ave. Waterloo, Iowa 50702 Unit 163, Eastern Iowa Bridge League, is inviting you to our Waterloo Fall Sectional Tournament in Waterloo, Iowa, November 11 – 12, 2022. Games begin on Friday at 1:00 pm with an Eight is Enough Team Game followed by a Stratified Pairs/Teams event at 6 pm with a Newer Pair/Team Game run simultaneously. Saturday is a Two Session Play-Through Swiss Teams Event with FREE LUNCH served in between sessions.  The first session of bridge starts at 10 am. Parking and Entry is at the back of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Driveways are on both sides. Check out the flier! Tournament Chair: James Jurgenson 319-240-5560 [email protected]                                Partnership Chair: Ramesh Shah 319-230-9800 [email protected]                                                     Proof of full vaccination required.  No proof, no entry!                        Masks optional for LOW and MEDIUM levels, required for HIGH levels.                   End the 2022 Bridge Year with a bit of Iowa on your plate!

Something for (ALMOST) Everyone!!

Bridge - The Great Game that Changes for Most of Us!

 

Recently, we had a game at our bridge site that was a bit different from the previous one.  Not only was the size of the game somewhat smaller.  But the varied knowledge, preferences, backgrounds are more were different, also.  That being said - nothing really is wrong with that!

Those who have been playing for many years, and have learned so very much as to how bridge functions - and can alter - quite often have a deep sense of the varied aspects of bridge.

And those who either have just started?  Or are just learning?  Or are busy, busy, busy overall, so they are not able to play as frequently as others might?  They might only come to play once a month.  Or don't have the time to go from being "a newbie" - to someone who heads out of state, earns great rewards for their talents, and so forth (at least not super duper fast!)

Yet - that's all OK!  We have varied talents, or little background, fascinated by the game - or find it to be something fun and occasional.

Are we lucky?  Overall, I would say "yes"!  We can sometimes learn rapidly - and be thrilled.  If we have impressive talents, we can help others, win - and take the time to achieve higher goals.

Bridge is an amazingly fascinating, complex (or plain and simple if you're new) game.  We learn from one another.  We teach.  We try harder - or relax, if that happens to be more of our personality.

I look forward to our next games - and how they have their unique details.  And I hope a bunch of us learn more, too!  After all - it IS The Greatest Game!!

Summer will be winding down - Fall Bridge Events are On Their Way!

Once again, summer is winding down before I expect it. But it's State Fair time and school starts next week, so it must be true!

On the plus side, there is a lot to look forward to in bridge this fall in Unit 178.

 

September Schedule of games is attached. Here are some highlights:

Board-a-Match game resumes, Wednesday evening at 6:15

On September 7, Keith Thompson and Tony Ames are restarting the ever-popular Board-a-Match game. Games will be held every other Wednesday at 6:15 pm at the Edina Senior Center. The schedule for 2022-23 is attached.

BAM is a team game without complicated scoring like IMPs, so every board is win or lose and a single extra overtrick (or undertrick) can be a huge difference.

Teams need to register by contacting Keith ([email protected], 612-239-2667) or Tony ([email protected], 952-200-3871). They will help you form a pair or team, too.

New location for Saturday games starting Sep 10

The Saturday FTF game at 1:00 p.m. is moving to the Eden Prairie Center Community Room as of September 10. It's in the basement next to the main rental office and restrooms.

Enter on the East side through the Von Maur store, or on the South through the food court. Take the elevator, located in the center of the mall, down t the basement. It's very similar to the Southdale Center where we had the recent sectional tournament.

Lessons this fall

Tony Ames is offering beginning bridge lessons this fall on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm at the Edina Senior Center. Lessons start September 13 and continue for 8 weeks. Contact the Edina Senior Center at 952-833-9570 to register.

Alternatively, the Bridge Center of St Paul is offering beginning bridge lessons Monday evenings at 6:30 starting September 19, both online and in person. A second series will be held online only on Wednesdays evenings starting September 21. Check out the website for more information or to register http://www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com/

Chat bridge continues

Chat bridge continues every Tuesday at 12:45 at Studio 1. It's a great way to practise and improve your game after you've taken lessons. A number of players have "graduated" to the limited game at the same time, there's always room for more. Contact John Schlundt for more information. [email protected]

Gopher Regional Tournament very successful!

Tournament chair Patti Stuhlman reports that the Gopher Regional tournament last may was very successful. Attendence exceeded expectations, and the tournament even made money. Congratulations and thanks to Patti and her team!

Feedback was generally positive, and suggestions will be taken into account in planning next year's Gopher. I know they've started working on it already.

Milestones

Congratulations to these players who have reached new levels:

• Junior Masters: David Gregg, Carol Hagelee, Carol Lord
• Club Master: Mary Stark
• Sectional Masters: Patti Richardson, Jeffrey Knapp
• NABC Master: Marc Ashton
• Bronze Life Master: Mark McGree
• Silver Life Masters: James LaFave, Michael O'Leary

The End IS Near!

The End is Near
So Get Qualified Now!

                                           

 

State Fair time means the end of summer, and the end of summer is the end of North American Pairs qualifying. The North American Pairs event is one of the two grassroots events where people can compete against pairs at their own level from across North America. These qualifiers only happen during the 3 summer months of June, July , and August. You have be qualified at the club level in order to compete in the finals. The top finishers in the finals will get to play in the spring Nationals in New Orleans next March. 

The finals will be held online Saturday October 1st and Sunday October 2. The top three pairs will qualify for Flight A, while four pairs each from Flight B and Flight C will go to New Orleans. All pairs will play 4 sessions of 24 boards. You must play with the same partner throughout the finals.

In order to play in the District 14 NAP Final, players must be members of District 14 and have qualified for their masterpoint flight or a higher flight in a NAP Club Qualifying F2F or online game.

Flight masterpoints are determined as of the June masterpoint cycle run by ACBL data Processing on May 6, 2022. Any points won but not included in this cycle do not affect masterpoint eligibility.

Flight A is open to all Players.

Flight B is open to Players with fewer than 2,500.

Flight C is open to Players who are Non-Life Masters with fewer than 500.

 

Our local clubs are doing their part to help qualify people for a shot at the Nationals. On Monday, August 29 the Bridge Center of St. Paul hosts a North American Pairs qualifier face to face during their 10:00 AM Open game. Also on August 29, the Plymouth Bridge Club has a face to face NAP qualifier at 11:45 AM. 

 

Tuesday, August 30 finds both clubs again hosting NAP qualifiers. The Bridge Center of St. Paul again uses the 10:00 AM Open game for qualifying, while the Plymouth Bridge Club will have a qualifier for the 0 to 750 game at Studio 1, 6001 Lyndale Ave South, in Minneapolis. This game starts with a mini lesson at 12:15, and game time is 12:45. 

 

On August 31, the very last day of qualifying, all three online games from the Bridge Center of St. Paul will be NAP qualifiers. Those game times are 9:15 for 0 to 500 masterpoints, 9:30 for the 0 to 2500 Flight B competitors, and an Open game at 9:45.

 

So lots of opportunities to get qualified for the North American Pairs. Not only will you play for free if you make it to New Orleans, there will be a travel subsidy should yours be one of the pairs making it through the October finals. Check your schedule, call your favorite partner, and get to work on that ticket to the Nationals. I hope to see you there!

 

See what you can do, and protect your health by all means!

 

Thanks.

 

Keith

First Ever NLM Sectional To Be Held in Sartell!

First Ever NLM Sectional To Be Held in Sartell!
Our Thanks to Connie for Helping Players
With Fewer than 750 Master Points!

 

With the encouragement of the Unit 103 Board, the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club is happy to announce a new tournament for new and advancing players. 

We will be hosting a one-day Non-Life Master Sectional on October 13^th at the Sartell Community Center, 850 19^th Street South, Sartell MN  56377.  This is the same place that we held our Open Sectional in June.  It is a beautiful venue.  

Two single session Pair Games will be offered at 10 am and 2:30 pm.; each entry will cost $11.  Please come and play in one or both of these games.  Remember:  These games are only for people with fewer than 750 Master Points who are not Life Masters (yet).  And, we have Silver Points to distribute!

Our St Cloud Club is trying a NLM Sectional for the first time and we want to make it a success.  As an added incentive, we will serve a light complimentary lunch between sessions for players who play in one or both sessions.  

Mark your calendars & come!  If anyone needs a partner, no problem!  Please contact me at 320-282-7859 or [email protected]. 

If you are coming from a distance and planning to stay overnight, you would also be very welcome to play in our regular Friday Club game, which starts at 12:30 p.m. at Whitney Senior Center.

Hope to see YOU in Sartell!

Connie Nelson, Chair

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS! FOR OUR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS
from Steven Gaynor
(e-mail: [email protected]) (C): 612-708-7563

PLEASE USE THIS WHEN PLANNING YOUR BRIDGE EVENTS
IN ORDER TO AVOID SCHEDULING CONFLICTS – THANKS!
AUGUST 15, 2022

If an event is not listed, it has not been sanctioned with the ACBL
as of the date above. These events and dates are subject to being
changed by the local regulating authorities.

COLOR KEY: NABC’S; DISTRICT 14 REGIONALS; MINNESOTA SECTIONALS;
DISTRICT 14 GNT/NAP EVENTS; WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
2022

Aug 19 – Sep 3 World Bridge Series, Wroclaw, Poland
Aug 20 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Aug 22 – 28 REGIONAL @ Lake Hallie Eagles club in Eau Claire, WI

Sep International Fund game month – Games @ local clubs
Sep 2 – 4 I/N REGIONAL @ EL ZAGAL SHRINE IN FARGO, ND
Sep 2 – 4 Open sectional in conjunction with regional in Fargo, ND
Sep 12 – 15 D14 STaC @ participating clubs

Oct 1 – 2 District 14 NAP Finals (BBO online)
Oct 4 Yom Kippur starts (evening)
Oct 6 – 8 Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Oct 13 NLM Sectional @ Sartell CC at 850 19th St. South, Sartell, MN

Nov 24 – Dec 4 FALL NABC @ PHOENIX CC & HYATT REGENCY IN PHOENIX, AZ

Dec 1 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Dec 9 – 11 Holiday Sectional @ Bridge Center of St Paul, N. St Paul, MN 2023

2023 Jan Junior Fund Month – Games @ local clubs

Feb 2 - 5 Winter Sectional @ Eagan Community Center in Eagan, MN

Mar 11 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Mar 9 – 19 SPRING NABC @ MARRIOTT AND SHERATON IN NEW ORLEANS, LA

Apr Charity game month – games @ local clubs
Apr 5 – 6 Passover Seders
Apr 9 Easter
Apr 13 – 15 Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

May Grass Roots FUNd Month – games @ local clubs
May 22 - 28 GOPHER REGIONAL @ CROWNE PLAZA AIRPORT/MOA IN BLOOMINGTON, MN

Jun 15 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Jun 22 – 24 Granite City Sectional @ at 850 19th St. South, Sartell, MN

Jul 3 - 9 REGIONAL IN West Des Moines, IA
Jul 13 – 23 SUMMER NABC @ SHERATON GRAND IN CHICAGO, IL
Jul 26 – 30 Summer Sectional @ TBA in Minneapolis, MN

Aug 5 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Aug 7 – 13 REGIONAL @ Mid-America Conf. Center in Council Bluffs, IA

Sep International Fund game month – Games @ local clubs
Sep 24 Yom Kippur starts (evening)

Oct 26 – 28 Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Nov 23 – Dec 3 FALL NABC @ MARRIOTT MARQUIS IN ATLANTA, GA

2022-23 Sectionals in District 14, but not MN
2022
Aug 26 – 27 Hills, IA
Sep 2 – 4 Fargo, ND
Sep 9 – 11 Urbandale, IA
Sep 23 – 24 Dubuque, IA
Sep 23 – 25 Sioux Falls, SD
Oct 7 – 9 Omaha, NE
Oct 14 - 15 Davenport, IA
Nov 4 – 6 Waterloo, IA
2023
Jan 12 - 15 Urbandale, IA
Jan 27 – 29 Cedar Rapids, IA
Feb 17 – 19 Davenport, IA
Mar 24 – 26 Hills, IA
Mar 24 – 26 Waverly, NE
Apr 14 – 16 Ft. Dodge, IA
Apr 27 – 30 Urbandale, IA
Apr 28 – 30 Mt. Pleasant, IA
Jun 2 – 4 Bismarck, ND
Jun 9 – 11 Sioux City, IA
Jun 10 – 11 Cedar Rapids, IA (I/N)
Jul 14 – 16 Cedar Rapids, IA
Jul 21 – 23 Sioux Falls, SD
Aug 25 – 27 Hills, IA
Aug 26 – 27 Urbandale, IA (I/N)
Sep 7 – 10 Urbandale, IA
Sep 22 – 24 Spirit Lake, IA
Sep 22 – 24 Dubuque, IA
Oct 20 - 22 Davenport, IA
Nov 3 – 5 Cedar Falls, IA
NORTHERN WISCONSIN (WUMBA) EVENTS 2022 - 2023
2022
Sep 15 – 17 Wausau, WI
Oct 13 – 15 Marquette, MI
Nov 11 – 13 La Crosse, WI
2023
Feb 3 – 5 Ripon, WI
May 5 – 7 Green Bay, WI
Jun 8 – 11 Woodruff, WI
This calendar is made up from information on the ACBL website. I do not have
authority to schedule events, but I am willing to assist anyone trying to plan a
bridge activity in finding the best dates to maximize potential attendance. Please
contact me anytime for more information or if you have additions or corrections
to this calendar.

Thanks, Steve Gaynor

Exciting News From Anshul!

Truly Thrilling News from Anshul!

I hope we old codgers can deliver applause to this great talent!!

Hi Mr. Hamman, Peggy Auntie, Carrie

I am excited to inform you that I won the World Youth Championships in Italy yesterday in the U-16 category with my partner Darwin Li from Canada. 

Thank you for all your support and encouragement,

Anshul

And Anshul - Please note that all of us are thrilled for your win!
We so look forward to seeing more of your truly remarkable abilities for so many years to come!

Steve Gaynor - A Gift to Us!

Moving Forward

And THANKS to Steve Gaynor!

Steve has been delightful in helping MN Bridge with so much of what has been happening!

Please join me in thanking Steve for all that he has done
And all that he continues to do!

You and Steve DO ROCK!!! 

 

Hello

 

I want to express my personal gratitude and congratulations to all of you for presenting a fine bridge experience for our members.  

 

All of you put in a lot of time and effort but it paid off in a positive experience for just about everyone who attended.   It was what our area needed coming out of the pandemic and I know many of the participants are counting the days until our next sectional.

 

Final figures posted today on the ACBL website were 158 tables (26+ per session), 1271.80 masterpoint won by 182 different players. It was a win/win all the way especially considering we experienced income over expenses.

 

Again, great job everyone, you all rock!

 

Cordially yours,

 

Steven Gaynor, President, ACBL Unit 178 (Viking).

Hold On to Your Hats!!

It’s almost time for the SIZZLIN’ SUMMER SECTIONAL!

When?

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

August 3, 4 and 5

Where?

Southdale Mall, lower level, below Hennepin County Service Center

Paid/Team games everyday at 10 AM and 2:15 PM.

 

Best entrances are #8 (Dining Pavilion) and #13 by Hennepin County Service Center

Escalators and elevators at both entrances

Bring your favorite partner!

And let’s play bridge!

Thanks!

Vicky Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Gaynor To the Rescue - Part Two!

Steven Gaynor ([email protected])

 

Unit 178 2022 Mini-McKenney - Halfway Standings

 

(All points won – local, online and tournaments)

 

     0 to 5   

 

Rita Stensgaard                      7.18

Randi Hogan                           6.58

Ellen Kluz                                5.54   

 

     5 to 20   

 

Richard Trachy                     13.16

Connie Falkenstein              12.10

Jean Reissner                      10.81

 

   20 to 50

 

Robert Chipinski                   20.07

Tom Pokonosky                    15.96

James Brink                          12.68

 

     50 to 100   

 

Jeffrey Knapp                       18.13

Peggy Lockwood                  16.30

Ken Rich                               15.77

John Cracraft                        15.77  

 

     100 to 200   

 

Thorwald Hansen                 25.36

Robert Diamond                   26.94

Dan McElroy                         23.47

 

     200 to 300   

 

Tom Sneed                           24.66

George Holmquist                24.23

Nora Walker                         18.05

 

     300 to 500  

 

Rolf Hubmayr                      78.97

Barry Bershow                    64.77

Thomas Botten                   52.41

 

     500 to 1000  

 

Rick Gavin                            65.75

Marc Ashton                         63.97

Michele Grindal                    58.25

 

 

     1000 to 1500  

 

Gary Knippenberg             103.77

John Schlundt                     70.66

Marylou Doerrie                  59.45

 

     1500 to 2500  

 

Sandy Fisher                      141.61

John Dunstan                      65.83

Jill Flader                              62.78

 

     2500 to 3500

 

Aly El-Selehdar                  109.42

Eric Hendrickson                 86.70

Joel Kramer                          75.58

 

     3500 to 5000  

 

Joseph Koester                 128.07

Judy Hansen                      115.55

Jean Boettcher                  107.75

 

     5000 to 7500  

 

Michael Flader                  114.52

Susan Jackson                    94.55

Kerry Holloway                    55.23

 

     7500 to 10,000   

 

Bob Balderson                   181.79

Cynthia Balderson             159.64

Brian Crossley                    141.95

 

    Over 10,000  

 

Paul J Meerschaert           306.45

Steven Gaynor                  153.03

Michael Cassel                  142.79

Steve Gaynor - To The Rescue!

What's Happening?

Steve Gaynor does a marvelous job of keeping us up to date!

Thanks, Steve - and - below is LOTS of info for us!

Unit 178 2022 Ace of Clubs – Halfway report

 

(Points won only at clubs – online or face to face)

 

     0 to 5   

 

Randi Hogan                        6.38

Rita Stansgaard                   6.49

David M Gregg                     3.83

 

     5 to 20   

 

Richard Trachy                   12.35

Connie Falkenstein            12.10

Jean Reissner                      5.93

 

     20 to 50   

 

Robert Chipinski               20.07

Tom R Pokonosky            11.97

James Brink                     10.7

 

     50 to 100  

 

Tom Lofthus                       14.48

Ken Rich                            13.92

John Cracraft                     13.92

 

     100 to 200   

 

Robert Diamond               26.94

Thorwald Hansen             20.16

Margaret Kinney              19.09

 

     200 to 300  

 

George Holmquist           24.23

Stan Jurgensen               17.64

Tom Sneed                      17.57

 

     300 to 500  

 

Barry Bershow                  63.43

Rolf Hubmayr                    29.04

Mary Stern                         28.43

Gary Stern                         28.43

 

     500 to 1000   

 

Rick Gavin                         62.46

Marcia Eaton                     56.31

Morris Eaton                      56.31

 

     1000 to 1500  

 

John Schlundt                  66.13

Marylou Doerrie               53.00

Gary Knippenberg           41.07

 

     1500 to 2500   

 

Sandy Fisher                      138.59

Carl Hartness                       50.21

Cindy Moat                           44.16

 

      2500 to 3500  

 

Aly El-Selehdar                  109.42

Chuck Cummins                   60.52

Eric Hendrickson                  53.31

 

      3500 to 5000   

 

Joseph Koester                   95.07

Judy Hansen                        92.39

Jean Boettcher                    53.23

 

      5000 to 7500  

 

Susan Jackson                    62.60

Roark Johnson                    33.50

Michael Flader                     25.45

 

      7500 to 10,000  

 

Brian Crossley                    122.40

Phil Schwarz                       108.98

Judy Schwarz                     108.98

 

      Over 10,000  

 

Paul Meerschaert              171.10

Steven Gaynor                    69.40

Michael Cassel                    67.38

GNT Results for 2022!

2022 GNT Results

 

        The 2022 GNT District finals are completed!

 

14 teams competed for the chance to represent District 14 in Providence, Rhode Island to start the Summer Nationals.

4 teams came out on top of their strata.

         

The Superflight will be contested by the team of Kurt Schaeffer, Kerry Holloway, Bob Balderson, and Cindy Balderson.

         

Flight A will be contested by a 6 person team with lots of experience at the national level. Eric Hendrickson, Paul Gutterman, Andrew Caracas, Richard Lawson, Mark Krusemeyer, and Robert Schachter were the winners in Flight A.

 Flight B finalists are Connie Nelson, James Schnepf,         Wayne Reynolds, and Keith Thompson.

 Flight C winners are David Nelmark, Philip Hayne, Rolf Hoyer,   and John Schaefer.

 

Congratulations to our District Winners!

And Good Luck in Providence!

 

        

Keith Thompson

Unit 103 GNT Coordinator

The World According to Keith Thompson - (We are Thankful!)

Keith Thompson is Unit 103 GNT Coordinator - and we are fortunate to have him.  Keith has lots to share with us, for which we are grateful.  So I will share with you what Keith views as the good and bad (no "ugly" from Keith, thanks!)
We appreciate what he is doing - and look forward to what the future brings!
*********************************************************************************************

 Hi All - I am Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator.

 

          The best experience I had during the recently ended Gopher Regional was seeing all the people I have played with, and against, in one place, and face to face. The social aspect of our game is very important to me, not to mention that it is impossible to feel ‘table presence’ when you play online.

          While chatting up all these old friends, one question kept getting repeated. “Keith” I heard, “ What is the status of the Grand National Teams?” So I will tell it to you so    that everyone will know, that there is good news and there is bad news.

          First the bad news. There were so few teams registered for the Grand National Teams this year that a semifinal wasn’t necessary to cut down on the field. That is not the sort of news I like to relate. I think that team games are a true test of bridge skill. It always amazes me that people who compete in pairs games are unwilling to test their mettle in the team arena. Just like you trust your partner in a pairs game, you trust your teammates in a team game, to help you best the opponents over a set number of boards.

 

Team games are fun! You don’t need individual heroics to save a match; you can count on your teammates to salvage a push. And you don’t need to berate yourself or your partner when things go south.  All four of you can share responsibility for a bad result! So you have many opportunities to show your character.

          But how about the good news? Well, the good news is related to the bad news. Because so few teams registered for the GNT semifinals, there is opportunity for more teams to enter before the finals commence on Saturday, June 18. We have openings for two Flight A teams to enter, and one more Flight C team. The Open Flight and the B Flight both have 4 teams registered, and these teams will face off that Saturday to determine the two teams to play for entry to the Nationals in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Director in Charge, Kimberly Hayward, has informed me that she will accept 3 more teams, on a first-come, first-entered system, to fill out the ‘A’ and ‘C’ flights.

 

          Here is an abbreviated version of the Conditions of Contest, for anyone who wishes to attempt to win a subsidized trip to the Nationals to play for District 14. Players should know that there are subsidies from the Units to help you get to the Nationals, and you will have free entry to the GNT sessions.

The Providence NABC starts on July 13, 2022

         Strata are determined by your Sept.1, 2021 master point total, so any points earned after that date will not affect your eligibility for a flight.

          Flight A no more than 6000 masterpoints

          Flight C must be a non life master under 500 masterpoints

          Players must be paid up ACBL members with principle residence in District14 as of a year previous to Sept.1            

A player must have played in a qualifying team game during the September through March qualification period (or the Unit 178 Last Chance Qualifier in May)

Are You Qualified?  To find out: check this link

https://web2.acbl.org/documentLibrary/play/GNT_Qualifiers/GNT_D14.pdf

 

Or: Go to the ACBL main page

Go down to Club Corner

Go down to Special Events

Go over to GNT COC/Qualifiers

Under GNT Qualifiers click on District 14

Any questions? Contact Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator [email protected]

 

If you have a team of qualified players, this is what you wish to do next:

 

Teams need to register at their earliest convenience as this is first-come, first-entered. Please register by emailing names, emails and BBO names for all players to [email protected]. Each team will pay a fee of $60 for the first day of the finals in June, and the two final teams $60 for the final. These fees are payable to District 14 GNT and should be mailed c/o Kimberly Hayward, Bridge Center of St Paul, 2603 6th Ave E, N St Paul, MN 55109.

 

The Finals to determine each flight's representation for the NABC will take place on the weekend of June 18 and 19, with two 26-board segments between the contending teams on Saturday to determine the two teams which will compete on Sunday.

 

The winner of the finals of each event will represent District 14 in Providence, RI at the NABC July 13- 17.

Granite City Sectional is Next Week!

One Week Away!
Connie Nelson

 

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• 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.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• 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. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at [email protected], prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

Posted by Peg on June 16, 2022 | Permalink | Comments (0)

 

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• 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.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• 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. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at [email protected], prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• 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.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• 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. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at [email protected], prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

The Passing of a Member

We are sad to report that we have lost one of our members.

 

Jeff Dziuk passed away last night, from multiple medical problems.

Jeff was a Sapphire Life Master holding a bit more than 3,700 points.  He was a very long time member of the club, and Jeff did our bookkeeping for years on a voluntary basis.  He had lots of regular partners, namely Larry Johnson.

Both partners and opponents will miss Jeff.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Prayers and blessings to his family and many friends.

Kimberly Hayward, Club Manager
Bridge Center of St. Paul
651.490-5430 w
651.271.3500 c

 

 

 

 

 

June 25th - Unit 103 Membership Meeting to be Held

Unit 103 Membership Meeting to be Held June 25^th

 

While playing at the recent Gopher Regional, several of us wore our name badges identifying us as ACBL Unit 103 Board members.  A frequent question we encountered was: “What does a Unit Board do?”

Well, now is a perfect time to find out!  For the first time post-Covid, we will be holding an in-person Unit 103 membership meeting during the upcoming Granite City Sectional.

 

What Happens at a Membership Meeting?

Come and meet your Unit 103 Board Members -- learn what your Unit does, how Unit 103 “fits” inside ACBL, and hear quick updates on our Unit’s plans and finances.  Feel free to ask us questions or offer suggestions for the betterment

 of this game we all love! 

 

How do I know if I am a Member of Unit 103?

You are if you are an ACBL member and reside within the geographical area of Unit 103 (i.e. most of Minnesota, except Minneapolis and its suburban areas), or you live elsewhere but have retained your membership with Minnesota Gopher Unit 103. 

Other interested persons are welcome to attend the membership meeting, especially anyone considering joining ACBL.

 

What are the Meeting Arrangements? 

The annual meeting will be held on Saturday, June 25^th, during the St Cloud Granite City Sectional, held in Sartell MN this year.  Come and play in the Sectional’s team and pair games played each day from June 23 to June 25, and then join us for the Membership meeting between Saturday’s playing sessions on June 25^th.  The tentative start time is 12:30 p.m..

As a final enticement … there is such a thing as a free lunch!  A tasty luncheon will be provided.   

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Sincerely,

The Unit 103 Board of Directors
Sue Greenberg, President

Matt Belau (Rochester)

Amy Dutton (St Paul)

Rajiv Kapadia (Mankato)

Connie Nelson (St Cloud)

Warren Nelson (Duluth)

Tom Owens (Woodbury)

Keith Thompson (St Paul)